Due to the unprecedented times we are in, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now recommending social distancing guidelines for family pets. Until we can fully understand the novel coronavirus and how it affects animals, it is suggested to take certain precautions to protect your pets.
The guidelines suggest quarantining your pets within the household during the pandemic and refrain from allowing them to interact with other people or other animals outside the household.
The agency recommends walking dogs on a leash at least six-feet apart from other dogs, keeping cats indoors, and resist letting pets play or interact with any other animals that do not live within your home. Dog parks, doggie daycare, and other public places where animals or people may gather in large groups should be avoided.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspect that you have the virus, it is not necessary to send your pets away. The CDC recommends quarantining yourself from your pets and limit the contact you have with them. It is best to avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding with your pets. Have another member of your household take care of your pet while you are sick. If that is not an option, try to have minimal and necessary contact with them, wear a mask or cloth face covering, and thoroughly wash your hands before interacting with them.
The new guidelines stem from the agency announcing two pet cats in the U.S. were confirmed to have been infected with the virus. The cats were tested after exhibiting mild respiratory symptoms and are expected to make a full recovery. They are the first pets in the U.S. to test positive.
Two cats in New York have been infected with the novel coronavirus, making them the first pets in the US known to be infected, federal officials say https://t.co/RQxn2pGaaU
— CNN (@CNN) April 25, 2020
To read more about the new CDC guidelines directly from the source, click here.
Watch the video about the guidelines below.