Coronavirus And Pets
(COVID-19 update)
We are OPEN. In these stressful times, rest assured, as always, my number one concern is of the safety of the pets and families I work with. One of the many benefits of my non-volume approach to dog training, dog boarding, and optimal pet care is a reduction in the risk of infectious disease to both pets and humans.
As a standard hygiene practice, even before COVID-19, I remove my shoes before entering someone’s home and routinely wash and disinfect my hands before and after each session.
Social distancing is easy to practice. Although I enjoy hugs as much as the next person, (Yes, I hug my clients) hugging and all physical contact will be postponed until the passing of the Coronavirus.
My Phone/Skype/Zoom Consultations are very popular and also a great option for parents from all over the world, especially as families are spending more time at home with their pets. I have been telecommunicating one-on-one with parents about all aspects of pet care, behavior, training problems, nutrition, and all questions about dogs and cats for years.
Also, you should know, that according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), and The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there is “No evidence that COVID-19 can be contracted from pets” but I am implementing additional precautions nonetheless. This will be updated with peer-reviewed research comes out. Also, we will check AVMA and WSAVA regularly for any changes.
As a reminder, we offer:
- FREE Phone Consultations for dog training, behavior and pet consultations for those who qualify
- Discounted Phone Consultations for all those having significant financial difficulties and who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19
- Discounted dog training and pet services for families who have rescued/adopted dogs and cats while also returning a percent of our profits to the shelters
Please be patient as demand is high at this time. Thank you for your forbearance.
Dog Training And Dog Behavior Are Essential Businesses
Since most companion animals are killed because of poor behavior rather than any infectious disease, it stands to reason that dog training and behavior modification be classified as ‘Essential Businesses’ globally.
Fun Paw Care believes that certified behaviorists and trainers provide essential behavioral and emotional care for pets, ensure their health and welfare, and support the family bond by protecting these vital relationships.
If you also believe that training and behavior are essential businesses please share this post and comment below.
DIY Dog Training
In case you’re a DIYer and want some free training help for common dog behavior problems, these must-read ultimate guides will blow your mind.
More can be found on my blog
Can My Dog Get Coronavirus From Being Pet By People?
Saski Popescue, and infection prevention epidemiologist along with virologist Rachel Graham, state, “the risk of getting Coronavirus from people petting your dog, is very low.” Graham says, “The chances of you getting it from fur and hair is going to be less than getting it from a solid surface,…” How long the Coronavirus lasts on surfaces varies depending on the surface, and environmental conditions.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) concurs with (WSAVA): “Infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they spread it to other animals, including people.”
As always do not allow sick people who have symptoms of a cold to interact with your pet. And handwashing before and after petting a dog is a good hygiene practice.
Cleaning Your Home To Keep Your Pets Safe From Covid-19
Cleaning your home or dog boarding facility or dog kennel is imperative to keeping your pets safe. Not only should impeccable hygiene be practiced during the Coronavirus pandemic but every day to keep your dog, cat, and family healthy.
What Cleaning Materials Should I Use to Kill Coronavirus?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions Detailed Disinfection Guidance. Notice how cleaning is different from disinfecting. Make sure to do both.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concurs with the CDC and lists products that have been shown to kill COVID-19 along with some other pretty nasty diseases. Please note that some of these chemicals are extremely harsh to the environment, people and pets! So use sparingly and with caution.
Many of the chemicals that are effective at killing COVID-19 that are listed on the CDC’s website are toxic and cause human and environmental health concerns. Instead, use Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) safer and less toxic cleaners that are also effective at killing the Coronavirus.
Perform these safety measures prior to and while cleaning.
- Remove all pets and people from your home
- Open all windows
- Put on fans
- Clean HVAC heating and cooling HEPA filters
- Wear gloves, a face mask, and protective shoes or shoe covers (reusing Wholefoods produce bags or any grocery store plastic bag with a rubber band around your ankle works well)
- Make sure that all surfaces are dry before reentering
Throw away gloves and protective shoe covers after cleaning in a dedicated garbage outside of your home.
Richard Sachleben, an organic chemist and a member of the American Chemical Society states when washing your hands with soap and water to, “Scrub like you’ve got sticky stuff on the surface and you really need to get it off,” handwashing is still the most effective way to kill the Coronavirus.
This is a helpful reminder from the World Health Organization (WHO) on how to properly hand wash to kill COVID-19
And don’t forget these tips on how to properly clean and disinfect your phone.
Some of the chemicals listed by the EPA to kill the Coronavirus are as extreme as the times we are living.
Some are less-harsh and safer to use for our family and pets than others. Most importantly you probably have these chemicals in your home already. You can put these in spray bottles to make it easier. If spray bottles are sold out, simply empty any other spray bottle into another holding container, clean the inside of the bottle and fill them with these COVID-19 killers.
- Hydrogen Peroxide, (3%) for example, is known to kill viruses such as the Rhinovirus that is more difficult to kill than the Coronavirus. So it should be able to kill the Coronavirus quicker. Also after cleaning the hard surfaces of your home, you can simply spray it, undiluted onto a surface for at least 1 minute and it doesn’t need to be wiped off because it will evaporate. Sachleben says. “You can pour it on the area, and you don’t have to wipe it off because it essentially decomposes into oxygen and water.”
One caveat, it may discolor fabrics similar to bleach.
- Isopropyl Alcohol, 70% is another common household disinfectant. Make sure your bottle of Isopropyl is at least 70% alcohol to be effective against Coronavirus. Spray on hard surfaces for at least 30 seconds and allow it to evaporate on its own or dry it off after.
Dog Boarding, Daycare And Shelter Cleaning To Kill COVID-19
Lastly, one of the more harsh household chemicals effective in killing the Coronavirus is
- Bleach. However, using nonexpired bleach should be a last resort because it is toxic and potentially very dangerous. The fumes in bleach are linked to harmful neurological and respiratory effects and cancer. Do not get bleach on your skin as it can also cause irritation and chemical burns. Also, do not mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar or other acids because the mixture of chemicals is highly reactive and can create other toxic gases. Only mix bleach with water.
Lastly, bleach has a minimum contact time of 10 minutes. If your bleach solution dries before 10 minutes it may not be effective at disinfecting your home. Make sure the wet contact time is 10 or more minutes. After 10 minutes do not allow any pets or family in the disinfected area until your home and all areas are fully dry and ventilated.
If using a mop to apply the bleach-water solution, make sure to also use a double bucket system. One bucket with the bleach solution and the other with clean water. After each floor cleaning, the mop first goes into the clean water to be rinsed of organic material before going into the bleach-water solution.
It is vital not to cause harm to your pets or other family members while you are cleaning and disinfecting. Because toxic chemicals can cause harm, it is best to follow the above precautions prior to cleaning and after cleaning your home. It is important to take measures to reduce your exposure to all toxic chemicals.
We can take a note out of the playbook of high-volume shelters for dogs and cats. A regular routine disinfecting protocol in dog rescues is to use bleach because it’s cheap, readily available, and effective. However, it can be dangerous and is unhealthy to come into contact with or inhale.
The CDC and EPA reiterate what shelters have been using all along to kill disease and viruses, a bleach-water combination. The ASPCA’s dilution ratio (1/2 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water) is even stronger than the CDC’s recommendation (1/3 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water).
Stay safe and healthy during these tumultuous times.
Very comprehensive information, thankyou!
Thanks Harvey!