The Novel Coronavirus (covid 19) is a highly virulent virus. It was originally identified in Wuhan in the Hubei province of China in January 2020. The virus is highly contagious and has been swift to spread across much of the World. To avoid the spread of this disease, the NICD has given the following guidlines.
Anyone who tests positive will be put in isolation at one of the hospitals designated to respond to the outbreak. You’ll remain there until tests show you no longer have the virus.
The NICD will then trace people who have been in close contact with the confirmed case. Anyone who could have come in contact with the patient in the week before they began to feel sick will be self-quarantined at home for 14 days. This group includes everyone from family to health workers who may have seen them. The NICD will closely monitor them for any of the symptoms of Covid-19.
Self-isolation is a necessary measure that raises many questions as to how to behave. Such as how to look after our pets during this period. Can you have contact with them? snuggle them? Take them out for a walk? Read on to find answers to these questions and many others!
You may find the following articles useful too. What to do if you think you have coronavirus and How to Care for Someone Who Might Have Coronavirus Covid 19.
Limit contact with pets & animals. You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with Coronavirus COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals contracting COVID-19, it is still recommended that people suffering from Coronavirus COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are ill with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet. Contact includes petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. You might have to care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick. In that case, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets. Always wear a facemask.
If you have Coronavirus, remember to wear a mask when close to your pet
If you are self-isolating because you have COVID-19 symptoms, you must not take your dog out for a walk. Even if you were to plan to stay close to your residence and go out early in the morning or late in the evening, this is not advised.
Ask friends, relatives or arrange for a dog walker to take your dog out. Furthermore, remember that you need to have as little contact as possible with whoever is caring for your pet. Ensure anyone visiting knows you have Coronavirus. Ensure they stay well away from you and wash their hands thoroughly after looking after your pet.
If your pet becomes unwell. do not take them to the vet. Counter to this, always call the practise for instructions. Moreover, scrupulously follow the vet’s instruction. You may need to arrange someone else to take your pet for treatment.
If you think you might have contracted the virus, you should call the NICD helpline on 0800 029 999. They will advise you where the closest public or private facility is for you to go for a test and how to access the facility.
The Smart Dog provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. We strongly recommend that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.
Please contact grant@thesmartdog.co.za or www.thesmartdog.co.za
