At Tej Dhaliwal Veterinary Group your pet’s safety is our number one priority.
Although there is a lot of information circulating about COVID-19 much of it pertaining to pets is misrepresented. We are here to provide you with the facts so that you can make informed decisions to keep you and your furry family safe!
Can cats and dogs contract COVID-19?
At this time, experts believe that it is very unlikely. Based on the information currently available, there is limited evidence to support the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to your pet. The predominant route of transmission is from human to human.
There have only been 2 canine cases and 1 feline case of COVID-19 being transmitted to an animal after close contact with an infected human worldwide. This relationship is still being monitored, however these instances are being regarded as isolated events. Experts have concluded that dogs and cats are not easily infected with the virus. Currently there is no evidence to suggest that animals infected by humans are playing an epidemiological role in the spread. For more information regarding these isolated cases please refer to the Illinois Colleg e of Veterinary Medicine.
Can pets infect people with COVID-19?
There is no evidence that domestic animals can become sick with COVID-19 and spread the virus to humans. However out of caution it is important to continue good hygiene practices when interacting with animals through washing your hands before handling the animal, food or supplies.
Although pets cannot become sick from COVID-19, could they serve as a conduit of infection between people?
Yes. It is possible that a person with COVID-19 could shed copies of the virus and contaminate their pet. If another individual could touch the pet animal, contract the disease. Veterinary experts believe the risk for transmission is low as the virus survives longer on hard, inanimate surfaces than on soft surfaces.
Can I still take my pets for walks?
Yes. Please practice proper physical distance by staying 2 or more meters away from other people. Keep your pets on leash to avoid unintentional meetings. Reframe from letting strangers pet.
What do I do if my pet is exhibiting flu-like symptoms?
If your pet shows signs of illness such as coughing, sneezing, lethargy or vomiting please call our offices immediately at 1(866)209-1001. Keep them inside to prevent the further spread of infection. These signs of illness are likely associated with other viral infections that are not transmissible to humans.
How can I protect my pets if I am sick?
If you are sick with COVID-19 you should restrict contact with your pets, just like you would around other people. If you must care for a pet while inflected make sure you wash your hands before and after all interacting with the animal, food or supplies. Ensure that your pet is not exposed to other people.
We recommend preemptively identifying another person in your household that is willing and able to care for your pet. Make sure that you have a pet emergency kit prepared with at least 2 weeks of food and medication.
Should my pet be tested for COVID-19?
Although there are tests available to test for the new COVID-19 in pets, routine testing of animals for COVID-19 is not recommended at this time.
Is there a vaccine available for pets against COVID-19?
Currently there are no vaccines against COVID-19 available for animals. There is no evidence to suggest that vaccinating with commercially available vaccines for other coronaviruses will provide any form of cross-protection against COVID-19.
What is the best way to protect myself and my pets?
Follow the public health guideline of physical distancing of 2 or more meters. Most importantly, practice proper hygiene through:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water,
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing,
- Avoid others who are not well and
- Stay home if you are sick
To help combat the spread of COVID-19 TDVG has made the following changes to our policy.
- We are pleased to offer telemedicine to our clients in which one of our doctors will contact you through a secure line to discuss your pet’s case. Additional fees may apply. For more information please see the American Veterinary Medical Associatio n
- Effective immediately we will only be accepting emergency cases. Non-urgent in clinic appointments will be rebooked when appropriate.
- We are asking that all arriving clients remain in the car and call us upon arrival. A staff member will meet you at your car and bring your pet into the clinic for evaluation.
- We will contact you over the phone to obtain your pet’s history and relay our treatment plan and recommendations.
- Once the care of your animal is complete, the discharge process will be discussed.
- We will only be providing medications for emergency in-clinic cases. All other cases will be provided an external prescription.
- Please select at home delivery for all online food and product orders to avoid any difficulty in the event that our offices close.
For more information about COVID-19 please see the following sources:
For further information regarding COVID-19 and the impact that it will have on veterinary service please see the following links for additional reading.
- College of Veterinarians Ontario
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
- Ontario Veterinary Medical Association
- American Veterinary Medical Association
If you have any questions that were not featured here, please reach out to our offices, we are here to help! 1(866)209-1001.
