While social isolation is difficult for people, it can also be difficult for your four-legged furry friends. Thankfully, there are steps that you can take to keep your pampered pets happy and healthy during these uncertain times.
- Stay away from public dog runs.
- Regularly wash your dog’s leashes and collars.
- Wash your dog’s bedding, toys and bowls often.
- Avoid cabin fever by taking your dog out for a walk along Minnetonka’s trail system. Like people, dogs require daily physical activity in order to stay healthy. Luckily for us, they are great motivators to get us outdoors.
- To keep your dog busy, try obedience training. If you train your dog, and give them treats along with verbal rewards, the training will be a great activity for both of you.
COVID-19
You’re probably wondering about COVID-19, as to whether your furry friends can get it or transmit it? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association website, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19
- Infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they spread it to other animals, including people.
- If you are not ill with COVID-19, you can interact with your pet as you normally would, including walking, feeding, and playing. You should continue to practice good hygiene during those interactions (e.g., wash hands before and after interacting with your pet; ensure your pet is kept well-groomed; regularly clean your pet’s food and water bowls, bedding material, and toys).
- Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that those ill with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Have another member of your household take care of walking, feeding, and playing with your pet. If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, then wear a facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them.