KEEPING PETS HEALTHY AND SAFE

Q&A

The Telegraph’s resident vet Pete Wedderburn answers our readers’ questions.

QShould pets be kept inside?

AIf pets have close contact with somebody who is positive for the Covid-19 virus, there is a small risk that they could carry the virus on their coat. For this reason, it makes sense for pets to take part in “social distancing”, just like humans, and that means keeping them inside.

QShould contact with other animals be limited?

AThere is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted between pets. However, in theory, a pet in the home of a person who has Covid-19 could have the virus on their fur, and if they made physical contact with your own pet, the virus particles could pass onto your pet’s coat. It makes sense to keep cats indoors, and to keep dogs on leads, rather than allowing unrestricted direct contact between animals.

QWhat if I’m self isolating and I can’t buy food for my pet/ take them to the vet/take them on walks?

AJust as you will need to buy food for yourself, you need to acquire food for your pet, whether online via home delivery, or by asking a friend to buy it in the shops. Minimise your own contact with your pet, washing your hands before and after any interaction. Ask someone else to walk your dog, if possible. If your pet falls ill, do not take them to the vet and call your local vet practice for advice on what to do.

QAny tips for helping dogs cope if they can’t be walked for a period?

ADog walks are as important for the mental stimulation as for the physical exercise, so you can at least make sure that your pets receive plenty of this. Offer them interactive toys (eg, food-stuffed Kongs), and use this time to engage in reward-based dog training at home.

QAs pet rats have a sensitive respiratory system, what is the best way to treat them if we get Covid-19?

ARats are not at any risk from the virus, as far as we know, despite having a sensitive respiratory system. You should, however, practise good hygiene around the rats to prevent them or their cage acting as fomites, ie, carrying virus particles around.