Guardians of our pets

We all want to provide the very best health for ourselves, our families and for our pets. In these extraordinary circumstances, it is important to keep good health practices top of mind. In an effort to help you, here is a practical information to foster the health and well-being of your cats and dogs, now and always.

Important to know

Human Coronaviruses belong to a family of viruses called Coronaviridae. Coronaviruses tend to be species specific. This means it’s ok to continue to love your pets as always. There is no evidence showing that pets can be a source of infection to other animals or humans. There is also no evidence that humans can infect their pets*.

Actions to take

• Keep clean water available for your pets at all times.
• Ensure that each pet receives the nutrition that its health needs (this is especially so for pets that have special veterinary diet). Please ensure you have sufficient quantity on hand and contact your pet nutrition supplier about product availability.
• As you and your family spend more time at home, it is important that each pet receives the exercise it needs. Find new ways to play inside – feeding puzzles and indoor toys can help stimulate your pet’s mind and exercise its body.
• Make sure your dog is sufficiently walked outside, following government’s guidelines. When walking your dog, practice ‘social distancing’ with other people and animals.
• Always practice good hygiene and proper hand washing when handling pets.
• Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns for the health of your pets.
• If you need to be separated from your pet for a period of time, make plans for its ongoing safety and care.

Healthy and happy together

Scientific evidence demonstrates that pets can provide tangible health benefits – physical and emotional – to their owners. Pets can help us cope during these times**.
Studies have also shown that animals can act as ‘stress buffers’. They often ease the distress associated with anxiety-provoking experiences, and help decrease our perception of physical and emotional pain.**

*Source: World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
**Source: Waltham Animal Interaction Playbook