The covid-19 can spread easily from person to person. A necessary measure for most places is to lockdown areas to enforce social distancing. This includes only going out for groceries, picking up medicines, or carrying out exercise.

Self-isolation raises many questions about how our daily lives will change. This includes looking after pets during this period. Read on to find answers to these questions and many others!

You may find the following articles useful when looking after yourself and your family: What to do if you think you have coronavirus and How to Care for Someone Who Might Have Coronavirus Covid 19.

General rules when caring for a pet during covid-19 lockdown

• Limit contact with pets & animals.

It is important to limit contact with pets and other animals if you are ill with coronavirus, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals contracting covid-19, it is still recommended that people suffering from coronavirus symptoms limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.

• If possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick.

If you are ill with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet. Contact includes petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you don’t have anyone to help you care for your pets, make sure your hygiene measures are strict. In that case, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets. Wear a facemask if you have one. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

• You can still walk your dog (unless you are ill).

Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, stated that older people who will have to self-isolate, will still be able to walk their dogs, even if with a certain degree of prudence. Mr. Shapps said “it is the case that people will be able to go out and walk your dog. It’s about being sensible without going and mixing in crowds.” It is still recommendable to avoid long walks and the most overcrowded hours. You are aiming to exercise yourself and your dog without coming closer than 2 metres with another individual.

However, if you are self-isolating because you have covid-19 symptoms, you must not take your dog out for a walk. Even if you were to plan to stay close to your residence and go out early in the morning or late in the evening, this is not advisable. Ask friends, relatives or arrange for a dog walker to take your dog out. Remember that you need to have as little contact as possible with whoever is caring for your pet. They need to stay well away from you and wash their hands thoroughly after looking after your pet.

• If your pet becomes unwell, If you are unwell, or self-isolating, you should not take them to the vet yourself.

Most veterinary practices are still available for emergency care. Always call the practise for instructions and follow the vet’s instructions exactly. You may need to arrange someone else to take your pet for treatment.

Do you need further information on the topic? We suggest you read the COVID-19 Update for the Veterinary Profession by the British Veterinary Association.

Recent updates for pet-owners during the coronavirus pandemic

Cats

There was confusion this week about if cats may be more susceptible to contracting and passing on coronavirus.
The two reported cases of cats testing positive for Covid-19 globally caused widespread concern.
In response, British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Daniella Santos initially advised that cats should be kept at home during the pandemic.
She has since said that this is only cats from ”infected households or where their owners are self-isolating”.
There is currently no evidence that pets can pass Covid-19 on to their owners and that cases in animals are extremely rare. However, it is possible that the virus could be spread from person to person via animal fur.

Amid this confusion, you might still be wondering how to safely look after your pets while on lockdown.
Read the latest advice from Battersea Dogs and Cats home here.

Walking someone else’s dog

You should only be walking someone else’s dog if they are unable to do so themselves. This includes people who are key workers (NHS staff or similar), shielded (at particular risk from coronavirus) or the vulnerable and over 70s or people from a self-isolating household confirmed or suspected of having coronavirus.

Firstly, consider each individual situation and how to safeguard the person you are assisting. Next you should agree the process in advance including time and duration of walk.

When walking the dog, stay in the surrounding area of the owner’s home and ideally on a lead which if different to the owner’s. You should not drive to a location to walk. While out, keep to quiet areas and steer clear of other people and their pets.

Find a way to collect and return the dog securely, in a way which maintains a two-metre distance between you and minimises any time spent in the owner’s home.

Wash your hands for 20 seconds using soap and water before and after the dog walk. Wear gloves for the duration of any contact and dispose of them after use. Don’t handle anything else, such as your phone, during any time of contact.

Never walk dogs from different households at the same time.

Comfort in crisis

Some of the UK’s most loved charities and experts have joined forces to offer advice and support to help owners care for their animals and each other during the Coronavirus.

The group, which includes Battersea and the British Vet Association, seeks to correct the conflicting and poor information which is leaving owners confused and anxious and animals potentially at risk.

The group has produced this infographic giving tips on topical subjects, such as how to look after your pet while looking after yourself and how to care for pets while social distancing.

Please note that the following information is from the current advice available. We will update this page as more information becomes available.

About Us

First Aid for Life  – Award-winning first aid training tailored to your needs – Please visit our site and learn more about our practical and online courses. It is vital to keep your skills current and refreshed.

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It is strongly advised that you attend a fully regulated Practical or Online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit https://firstaidforlife.org.uk or call 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses.

First Aid for Life is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals who will tailor the training to your needs. Courses for groups or individuals at our venue or yours.

First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. We strongly recommend that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

Please contact emma@firstaidforpets.net or https://www.firstaidforpets.net

Author: Emma Hammett