Introduction
Testing positive for COVID-19 can be stressful for both you and your dog. Having a plan in place for your dog’s care while you are ill or quarantining is important to make sure their needs are met. COVID-19 has impacted many aspects of life, and caring for pets while positive requires preparation, backup options, and adjustments.
Dogs still need exercise, mental stimulation, veterinary care, and attention even when their owner is sick. Making arrangements ahead of time provides reassurance that your dog will be properly looked after if you become ill. It also reduces stress and anxiety for both you and your pet during an already challenging time. Being proactive and putting precautions in place is key to safely navigating this situation.
Have a Backup Caregiver
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may require hospitalization or need to isolate yourself from others, including your dog. Identify someone who can care for your dog if you get sick and are unable to do so yourself. This backup caregiver should be someone outside of your household who has not been exposed to the virus. Ask a trusted friend, family member, neighbor or hire a professional pet sitter or dog walker. Make sure they are willing and available to care for your dog if needed. Share information on your dog’s routine, medical needs, vet information, and emergency contacts. Show them where you keep food, treats, leash, toys, etc. Providing a backup plan for your dog’s care can give you peace of mind if you do become ill.
Stock up on supplies
If you test positive for COVID-19, it’s crucial to have at least a two-week supply of your dog’s food, medicine, toys, waste bags, and other essentials so you don’t need to leave home. The Small Door Veterinary recommends stocking up on a month’s supply of medications and heartworm/flea/tick preventatives if possible.
Make sure to have plenty of your dog’s regular food as well as high-value treats on hand. Switching up your dog’s diet suddenly can cause stomach upset. It’s also a good idea to have some interactive food toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Stock up on poop bags, pee pads if you use them, a month’s supply of flea/tick and heartworm medication, and extras of any prescription medications your dog takes.
Practice separation
Separation anxiety in dogs is common after COVID-19 isolation. With people home more over the pandemic, dogs got used to constant companionship. Now as life returns to normal, dogs may struggle being left alone again. If you test positive for COVID-19 and need to isolate from your dog, separation anxiety could worsen. Get your dog used to being away from you in case you need to isolate. Practice separations help assess if pets are comfortable being left alone. At first, practice separations may be only a few seconds long. Gradually increase the duration and distance. Reward calm behavior during separations with praise and treats.
Train your dog
It’s important to work on basic training for your dog while you’re sick with COVID-19 so caregivers can more easily handle your dog in your absence. Train your dog to be comfortable with being handled and following basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” This will make it much easier for someone else to walk your dog, feed them, give them medication if needed, and care for them in an emergency situation.
Focus on reinforcing loose leash walking, so your dog doesn’t pull on leash and jump on visitors. You can also work on crate training, which provides a safe confined space for your dog when someone else is over. Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise during training sessions. Having a well-trained dog prior to getting COVID-19 makes it much easier on alternative caregivers (Caring for Your Pets if You Have COVID-19).
Clean and Disinfect
It’s important to sanitize your home to minimize the spread of the virus before backup caregivers come over to care for your dog. The CDC recommends cleaning high-touch surfaces like counters, door handles, and electronics daily with household disinfectants that are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Avoid using chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, hand sanitizer, or counter-cleaning wipes on your pet directly as these can be toxic to animals.
Focus on cleaning areas where you’ve spent time while ill like the bedroom and bathroom. Use disposable gloves while cleaning and make sure the area has good airflow. Remove gloves carefully after use and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. Having a clean environment will help protect caregivers that enter your home.
CDC guidance on cleaning with pets recommends limiting your dog’s access to contaminated areas as you clean and keeping them away from the home during cleaning and disinfection. If that’s not possible, keep them in a safe contained area.
Use precautions
If you must care for your dog while you are sick with COVID-19, it’s important to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your pet or other people. The CDC recommends wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining distance when interacting with or caring for your dog.
Wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth when feeding, walking, playing with, or being around your dog. Choose a surgical mask or an N95, KN95, or KF94 respirator for the best protection.
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching your dog, their food, toys, bedding, crates, leashes, or any other items they use. You may also use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable.
Try to keep 6 feet of distance between you and others when caring for your dog outside the home. Avoid close contact like petting, snuggling, kissing, or sharing food. Have a family member, friend, or pet sitter handle walking if possible.
Taking these basic precautions can help prevent transmission of COVID-19 to your dog or other people in your home and community.
Monitor your dog
Watch closely for any signs of illness in your dog and contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual. Some symptoms of COVID-19 in dogs can include lethargy, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, or vomiting. However, many dogs infected with COVID-19 do not show any symptoms at all. It’s important to monitor your dog’s appetite and energy levels and be alert for any changes. Take your dog’s temperature twice daily as fever can be an early sign of illness. Contact your vet immediately if your dog develops a fever, begins coughing or sneezing frequently, stops eating, or seems overly tired or depressed. Your vet can advise you on next steps for caring for your sick dog and whether testing for COVID-19 is recommended.
Have an emergency plan
It is important to know what to do and who to contact if your dog needs urgent care while you are sick with COVID-19. The ASPCA recommends designating an emergency pet caregiver in case you become too ill to care for your dog (CDC). Give this person a set of house keys and instructions on your dog’s care routine. Provide them with your veterinarian’s name and contact information as well. Make sure you have at least a two week supply of your dog’s food, medicine, and other necessities on hand in case you cannot leave home (VCA Hospitals). Let your emergency contact know if your dog has any underlying health conditions that require medication or special care. Having a plan in place can provide peace of mind if you do become seriously ill.
Be prepared
Having a plan in place will give you peace of mind if you get COVID. It’s important to think through backup care options, supplies needed, and an emergency plan ahead of time in case you are unable to care for your dog yourself. This will reduce stress and ensure your dog is properly cared for if you fall ill.
Identify a trusted friend, family member, or professional pet sitter who can care for your dog if needed. Make sure they are willing and able to take on temporary dog care responsibilities. Provide them information on your dog’s routine, medical needs, vet information, etc. so they can smoothly step in.
Stock up on 1-2 weeks of your dog’s food, medicines, treats, toys, etc. This ensures your caregiver has everything they need to care for your pet. Also be sure to have extra poop bags, cleaning supplies, leashes, and other essentials on hand.
Put together an emergency pet info sheet with your vet’s contact information, medical history, feeding schedule, etc. Provide this to your backup caregiver. You may also want to share access to your online vet profile if available.
Having preparations in place can give you reassurance that your beloved dog will be properly cared for if you become ill with COVID-19. Your pet’s health and wellbeing will remain a top priority.