While COVID-19 is a virus that's largely affecting humans, there have been several known cases of infections among animals as well. It's why, as you social distance and practice good hygiene, you should also take the necessary steps to ensure your animals remain safe too. At Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center, serving Germantown, Piperton, and Collierville areas of Tennessee, we're dedicated to keeping your animals safe and healthy. We remain more dedicated now than ever in providing you with the information you need to know to keep your pets safe and healthy.
COVID-19 and Your Pets: What You Need to Know
As you've likely heard health experts and government officials state over the past several months, the coronavirus is a novel virus, meaning it's new. That said, we're continuing to learn more and more about it over time, and as a result, the science is routinely changing. For example, while it once wasn't believed that it could transfer from humans to animals, a tiger in New York's Central Park Zoo tested positive. Since this initial case, more animals have tested positive. It's important to know that it seems human to animal transmission is rare, and right now, it's believed that animals cannot transmit the virus among other animals nor can they transmit it to fellow humans. However, there are still precautions that you should abide by for keeping your pets safe during this pandemic. For example:
- Keep Your Pets On a Leash: If there was ever a time to make sure your pets didn't wander when it was outdoors, it's now. Keep your pets on a leash when you go for walks and when they go outdoors if you don't have a fenced yard.
- Limit Interaction with Other People: Chances are your pets love attention, and not just from you, but from others as well. But right now, it's best if you limit interaction between your pets and strangers. It's OK if people you're comfortable with interact with your pet, but we'd suggest refraining from interactions with strangers.
- Contact Your Vet If Your Pets Begin to Behave Unusually: If your animals begin wheezing, acting lethargic, or showing signs of shortened breath, we'd suggest contacting your veterinarian immediately. In some cases, urgent care may be necessary.
Contact Our Emergency Pet Care Veterinarians Today
For more information on the relationship between COVID-19 and your pets, contact Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center today. As premiere emergency pet care veterinarians in the Collierville, Germantown, and Piperton areas of Tennessee, we'll take any worry or anxiety out of caring for your animals during these unprecedented times. Contact our urgent care team today at (901) 853-8519 for more information.