YOUR PET’S WELFARE DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

As we keep watch on news about COVID-19 some may wonder how this virus affects their pets. Firstly, realize there can be all sorts of random news on the internet. Therefore, we recommend following news from the WHO and the CDC so you get the facts. Also, the AVMA is in regular contact with these organizations as well as state, national, and international veterinary and public health expert groups to learn the latest developments and their potential impacts on pets. Rest assured that we, as your veterinarians here in Colorado, are staying up-to-date on the latest developments.

Key information about COVID-19 and Your Pets

Here is the latest information from the AVMA on COVID-19 and pets:

  • Transmission primarily occurs when there is contact with an infected person’s bodily secretions. For example, this could be saliva or mucus droplets from a cough or sneeze.
  • Transmission via touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching the mouth, nose, or possibly eyes is also possible but appears to be a secondary route.
  • Smooth (non-porous) surfaces (e.g., countertops, doorknobs) transmit viruses better than porous materials (e.g., paper money, pet fur) because porous, especially fibrous, materials absorb and trap the pathogen (virus), making it harder to contract through simple touch. The best way to avoid becoming ill is to avoid exposure to the virus.

How to Protect Your Pets

  • While 2 dogs (Hong Kong) and 1 cat (Belgium) have been reported to have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, 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 spread COVID-19 to other animals, including people.
  • If you are not ill with COVID-19, you can interact with your pet as you normally would. This includes walking, feeding, and playing with your pet. Continue to practice good hygiene during those interactions (e.g., wash hands before and after interacting with your pet; keep your pet well-groomed; regularly clean your pet’s food and water bowls, bedding material, and toys).
  • It is highly 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 face mask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them.
  • As always, careful hand washing and other infection control practices can greatly reduce the chance of spreading any disease.
  • If you take your dog on a walk follow these precautions:
  • Do on-leash walks only.
  • Don’t let strangers pet your dog.
  • Avoid dog parks.
  • Make sure to include your pet’s food and prescriptions when you shop.

For more information, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website.

We Are Here For You

We are servicing our clients and pets during the “Stay at Home” order that has been issued for Colorado. Your pet’s health is important to us!

To maintain safety for our community and our staff and to comply with recently issued Colorado restrictions, it is now mandatory that you use our curbside concierge service to maintain a larger social distance. When you arrive for your scheduled appointment, please call from your vehicle and a team member will be out to assist you or to admit your animal from your vehicle.

At this time we are not scheduling any elective procedures such as spays and neuters so we are compliant with the recent mandates issued by Governor Polis. In this way, we can help to preserve protective gear and equipment for health care workers treating patients with COVID-19.

Please give us a call at 970-245-0210 if you have any questions or concerns. Stay safe and healthy!

Best,

Amigo Animal Clinic

What's Next

  • 1

    Call us or schedule an appointment online.

  • 2

    Meet with a doctor for an initial exam.

  • 3

    Put a plan together for your pet.

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