How To Care For Your Pets If You Get COVID-19
Our Veterinarian Partner, Dr. Colleen Smith is here to share some tips on how to care for your pet if you get severely ill!
Dr. Colleen Smith is a holistic veterinarian at Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Smith is one of our Pet Releaf veterinarian partners that makes sure we’re constantly creating the optimal products and providing the best care advice for your pups. Dr. Smith recommends that you should always have an emergency plan for your pet written down in case you were to fall ill from COVID-19 or any other severe illness. This way, you’re prepared for the inevitable with your pet. She also recommends speaking directly with your friends about your pet plan so they’re aware if any issue were to arise where you would need their assistance. According to the CDC, although there have been some reported cases of pets contracting the virus, there is no current evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 to people and the risk remains low.
It may not seem necessary today, but we promise that preparing a supply kit for your pet will be extremely beneficial in the long run.
Dog Sitter
If you currently live with family or close friends, this first step should be simple. Reach out to your family members if you start feeling under the weather to see if they can agree to watching your best fur friend. If you have to go to the hospital, this will be ideal as your pet can stay in their own home which they are already familiar and comfortable with. If you live alone, call on some of your closest friends or neighbors to see if they can assist in any way while you’re ill.
If you’ve exhausted all of your options and none of your friends or family are available to take care of your pets for you, you can find a groomer, daycare, or boarding facility that can take your pet in. Be sure to have their contact information written down on the list and to share your contact information, so you can keep in touch with them and your pets.
Food, Treats, Leash
Dr. Colleen Smith recommends having at least 2 weeks worth of food and treats for the dog sitter to provide in your absence. We also recommend other supplies such as a leash, collar, along with their favorite bed, blankets, and toys to help them feel comfortable without you around. Plus, a crate or carrier to transport your dog or cat would also come in handy if they need to go to a different home. If you’re looking for more travel related information check out our 5 Tips On How to Plan For Travel With Your Pet.
Vaccination Records and ID Tags
Another way to prepare is to have your pet’s vaccination records, ID tags, and microchip information completely up to date! Keeping this information current will help keep your mind at ease in case your dog were to ever run off while in the care of someone else. With an updated microchip, you’ll be able to locate your dog more efficiently.
Medications
It’s also important to have your pup’s medications stocked with a list of specific administering instructions so your dog sitter can take on this duty while you’re gone. It would also be beneficial to give as much instruction as needed, such as administering times and how to administer so you can be rest assured that it’s being done correctly!
If your pet is currently using Pet Releaf products for any situational stress or health issues, make sure to have these items stocked up as well. Whether it’s our Edibites for benefiting their general health or our CBD Hemp Oils to help support their separation stress, make sure you have written clear instructions of how much and when to administer to your pet so your dog sitter knows how to add it to their daily regimen.
Daily Care
Pet parents often know their fur friends better than anyone! If your pet has specific care needs, be sure to include that on your emergency list as well. Since dogs often like to follow a routine, make sure your dog sitter knows what time breakfast and dinner are and what times they typically go on walks. If your pup has certain likes, dislikes, or typical behaviors, make sure your dog sitter is aware as well. When they’re aware of these behaviors, it will help your dog sitter better understand how to care for your pet and when things are ordinary or out of the ordinary.
Veterinary Contact
Make sure to have your veterinarian contact information written down as well! This way, if something happens to them while you’re away that requires medical attention, your dog sitter can act fast and know which vet office to go to and that it’s with a veterinarian that you feel comfortable sending your dog to.
We hope these guidelines help you better prepare for an emergency and give you a peace of mind if COVID-19 were to disrupt your health or a close friend or family. Let your friends know of these precautions as well, so you can be prepared on your end as well if you have to watch any pets for your friends or family!
Looking for other ways to support your pet during these times?
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