Should I Worry About My Pet Getting Coronavirus in Edmonton?
With Coronavirus in the news, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the facts. While it can be scary to read about, this post is meant to inform over anything else. We want you, your pets, and everyone in your life to be happy and healthy. Let’s jump in and address what we know right now:
Let’s start with the basics… What is the Coronavirus?
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause many diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. What’s concerning is that the COVID-19 is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans, and can be transmitted from person to person.
China determined COVID-19 is the novel virus responsible for the outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan. As there are many unknowns, authorities worldwide are investigating further to better understand the disease and where it came from.
Can my pet get Coronavirus?
As a pet parent, I understand your concerns! While dogs may be at risk to contract certain types of coronaviruses, (ex. The canine respiratory coronavirus), COVID-19 is currently NOT believed to be a threat to pets.
Until there is more information, if you have have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have pets/animals, here are some precautions you should take:
- avoid close contact with them
- do not snuggle or kiss them, or let them lick you, sit on your lap, or sleep in your bed
- practise good cough etiquette
- avoid coughing and sneezing on your pet or other animal
- wash your hands before touching or feeding your pet or other animals
- limit your pet’s or other animal’s contact with other people and animals
The World Health Organization also stated there have been no reported cases of coronavirus in domestic animals. Of course, it’s still early days and this could change. Be mindful to keep up with the latest news to monitor for any updates. Of course, if you notice any changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior, take them to your local vet just to be sure.
How can we prevent Coronavirus?
Unfortunately, there is no current vaccine to prevent COVID-19. Naturally, the easiest way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure – however, we can’t lock ourselves inside forever! Plus, our furry friends love the outdoors.
As you go about your daily routine, keep these simple reminders with you:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Regularly wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.
While these may be actions you already practice every day, it’s always good to keep in mind and encourage others to do the same!
Business precautions we’re taking…
As your trusted pet sitter, please know that we are doing everything we can to keep a safe and healthy environment for YOU, your pet’s, and our employees. It’s one thing to worry about yourself and your family with the spread of disease, but it adds another layer when you have a business to run and staff members to think about.
How we’re keeping our employees healthy…
To keep YOU safe, we’re encouraging our staff members to stay home if they’re feeling ill. We’re also mindful to provide things to encourage healthy habits; from hand sanitizer to disinfecting wipes, we strive to provide a healthy and happy environment. Of course, as long as we can beat the rush and still purchase these preventative items for our team.
In running a pet sitting/dog walking business, we know that our employees need to be super cognizant not to spread germs from house to house. Our basic protocol is for pet sitters and dog walkers to always wash their hands at the beginning and end of each visit. But will exercise extra emphasis for our joggers to wash their hands frequently.
We think it’s important to not to panic but more so to raise awareness so that preventative measures can be exercised.
Resources to stay up to date!
Luckily, there are plenty of great resources so you can stay in the loop as more news comes out regarding COVID-19. These are the top three websites for official information:
It’s easy to become overwhelmed with conflicting news reports, blogs, and personal anecdotes – that’s why it’s crucial to keep up with the latest official information.
If you have any other concerns or you’re looking for more tips and ideas, feel free to reach out to us.
Be safe and stay healthy, and don’t forget to wash those hands!