SAN DIEGO, March 23, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- With uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, pet parents all over the world have questions about how the virus will impact their four-legged family members. They're concerned about whether pets can contract the disease, if pet food will continue to be stocked in stores, and how they can provide their pets with enrichment and keep them active at home.
GreatPetCare.com, along with its veterinary contributors, is supplying information about the steps pet owners can take to prepare and protect their pets during the pandemic.
COVID-19 and Pets: Just the Facts
"As far as we know, pets cannot contract COVID-19," says Dr. Sarah Wallace, a veterinarian based outside of Washington, D.C. and a contributor to GreatPetCare.com. "Despite the number of humans infected with COVID-19, there have not been any cases of pets showing clinical signs of being sick from this virus."
Wallace adds, "There have also been no positive COVID-19 tests reported from the major veterinary diagnostic laboratory, IDEXX."
Tips for Pet Preparedness
There are some steps that pet owners can take to help keep their pets safe during this time:
Keep a supply of food and medications on hand.
"Pet owners should also consider keeping at least a month's supply of medication and food on hand for their pets," says Dr. Elizabeth Racine, a veterinary journalist and contributor to GreatPetCare.com. "Many veterinary clinics are now partnered with online pharmacies and pet food companies that will deliver products directly to the client. I recommend pet owners contact their veterinarian for information about signing up for these services, which will minimize trips to the store and the veterinary clinic."
Consider telemedicine for routine veterinary appointments or questions.
"Pet parents should try and talk to their vet over the phone, as a telemedicine appointment, before scheduling an in-person visit as much as possible," says Dr. Hanie Elfenbein, a veterinarian based in Chattanooga, Tennessee and a veterinary journalist for GreatPetCare.com. "Many minor or repeat ailments can be treated without an office visit if you have a current relationship with your veterinarian."
Keep pets busy with interactive games and toys.
"Keep pets enriched by using puzzle toys, hiding treats around the house, or encouraging pets to 'work for their supper by practicing tricks and obedience commands in exchange for bits of kibble," adds Racine.
Enrich your cat's home environment.
"Make sure cats have things to climb, scratch, and lots of space that is up high," says Dr. Sarah Wooten, a Colorado-based veterinarian and contributor to GreatPetCare.com. "They like to watch their underlings (AKA humans) from above!"
Try to remain calm.
"Your pet likely senses your stress about the pandemic and will in turn feel stressed," says Wallace. "Exercise, food, regularity in their daily schedules, and the love of their human should help reduce their anxiety—and yours too!"
COVID-19 and Pets Infographic
To help pet owners through this challenging time, GreatPetCare.com created and published an infographic to provide important information about COVID-19 and pets.
You can view the full infographic and share it on your website by clicking here.
About Great Pet Care
Great Pet Care, a division of Metamorphosis Partners, is an online publication that provides pet parents with practical, medically-sound pet health information, delivered with clarity and kindness. We provide pet parents with the most up-to-date and accurate articles and guides by working with a team of board-certified veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and expert trainers.
About Metamorphosis Partners
Metamorphosis Partners is dedicated to the creation, incubation and acceleration of products and businesses in the $80+ billion pet industry focused on the consumer. In addition to Great Pet Care, our portfolio of brands includes The Anxious Pet and Muttropolis. Our highly experienced in-house management team, deep network of advisors and commitment to cultivating and partnering with entrepreneurs makes us uniquely capable of building, growing and operating innovative businesses that scale rapidly and run efficiently.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Deidre Grieves
Director of Content for GreatPetCare.com
[email protected]
SOURCE Great Pet Care
Share this article