Source: Florida Veterinary Medical Association
YOUR PET’S HEALTH: CDC GUIDANCE FOR YOU AND YOUR PET
IF YOU ARE SICK
If you are sick and your pet becomes sick, do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let them know that you are or have been ill.
If you were tested and you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, please let your veterinarian know immediately. Some veterinarians may offer telemedicine consultations or other alternate plans for seeing sick pets. Your veterinarian can evaluate your pet and determine the next steps for your pet’s treatment and care.
IF YOU HAVE ANIMALS
The exact source of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVD-19) is not known. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and more must be learned about the virus. Treat pets as you would other human family members – do not let pets interact with people or animals outside the household. If a person inside the household becomes sick, isolate that person from everyone else, including pets. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by the virus that causes COVID-19 as well as how this might affect human health. It is recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with pets and other animals until more information is known about the virus.
TREAT PETS AS YOU WOULD PEOPLE: PROTECT THEM FROM POTENTIAL INFECTION
- Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household
- Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people
- Walk dogs on leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals
- Avoid dog parks and public places where a large number of people and pets gather
IF SICK, RESTRICT CONTACT WITH ANIMALS: HELP ENSURE YOU AND YOUR ANIMALS STAY HEALTHY
- When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick
- Avoid contact, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food or bedding
- If you must care of your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after any interactions
PRACTICE HEALTHY HABITS
All animals can carry germs so it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.
- Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies
- Practice good hygiene and clean up after pets properly
- Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health
- Be aware that children 5 years of age and younger, people with weakened immune systems and people 65 years of age and older are more likely to get sick from germs some animals can carry