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Can My Pet Get COVID-19? While COVID-19 mostly spreads from person to person, it can also spread from people to animals. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a few pets, including cats and dogs, have been infected with COVID-19. This happened mostly after the animals were in close contact with people infected with COVID-19. The risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered low. Animals don't appear to play a significant role in spreading COVID-19. There is no evidence that viruses can spread to people or other animals from a pet's skin, fur, or hair. Keep in mind that young children, people with weakened immune systems, and people age 65 and older are more likely to get sick from some other germs that animals can carry. To protect your pet from COVID-19, don't let your dog or cat interact with people or animals outside your household. Avoid dog parks or public places where many people and dogs gather. When walking your dog, make sure your dog wears a leash and keep your dog at least six feet from other people and animals. Keep cats indoors when possible. If you become sick with COVID-19 and have a pet, isolate yourself from everyone else, including your pet. If possible, have another person in your household care for your pet. Avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding with your pet. If you care for your pet or are around animals while you're sick, wear gloves and a cloth face covering. Wash your hands before and after handling animals, their food, waste, and supplies. Also, make sure you immediately clean up after your pet. Testing is only recommended for pets that have symptoms and have been exposed to a person with COVID-19. If your pet tests positive, isolate your pet in a separate room away from the rest of your family and keep your pet at home. Wear gloves and a cloth mask when you handle your pet's food, dishes, waste, or bedding. Don't wipe your pet with disinfectants, which can be harmful. If your pet becomes ill, there's reason to be hopeful. Of the small number of dogs and cats that tested positive for COVID-19, some didn't show any signs of illness at all. The pets that did become ill experienced mild symptoms. None of them died. ~ Vivian Walker, vivr@sbcglobal.net 38 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | OCTOBER 2020 Tails & Trails - All Pets Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time. Our Savior's Lutheran — ELCA • Our Worship 8 & 10:30 am • 20 Twelve Step Groups • Kid's Nite Wed., 5:30 pm 1320 W. Williams, Banning (951) 849-3343 oursaviorsbanningca.com