Donegal’s pet owners are being advised to practise social distancing with their pets and others during the coronavirus emergency.
While there is no evidence that animals can become infected with the virus or carriers, there is a risk that their coats can become contaminated, according to the Donegal SPCA.
The advice is to keep pets clean, as we would keep surfaces and our own hands clean at this time.
Social distancing rules between humans should also be applied for pets, the charity said.
“If someone sneezes or coughs on, or close to, your pet then they could possibly contaminate your pets coat. If an infected person pets your dog or cat etc we can’t rule out the possibility of some level of contamination on your pets coat. A wipe over keeps your pet clean.
“If your dog plays with another dog or greets them during a walk then there could be possible contamination left on their coats after the physical contact. Treat your pets like you would any other surface and wipe them over regularly.”
The Donegal SPCA’s advice is: “For pets, it may be handy to have a special towel and some warm soapy water available for wiping their coat. Wring the towel out tightly and wipe your pet over or give them a shower to make sure that their coat stays virus free.
“After shopping etc please don’t greet your pet until you make sure that you are not contaminated yourself first after the shopping trip. Clean yourself, your groceries, your clothes, surfaces, car, whatever, first before you greet your pet.”
Pet owners are asked not to panic and use a common sense approach: “Common sense dictates that if we can’t touch other people (social distancing) then that should also apply to our animals for their safety as well. We put a lot of effort into making sure that we are not contaminated, and we should also do the same for our pets.”