Rutgers experts explain how to take care of your pet during a pandemic

New Brunswick, NJ-The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many veterinary clinics from regular appointments to emergency only appointments. Pet owners can deal with minor injuries and basic grooming problems that are usually resolved by professionals.

Veronica Jones, D.V.M. , Northeastern VETS Emergency Medical Veterinarian, Robbinsville, in 2009 Faculty of Environmental Biology, Pet owners don’t have to survive the coronavirus storm alone, advice on when and how to visit a vet, home care, and the best ways to keep their pets safe and healthy during this crisis. Offers.

Veterinary services are essential during this time of crisis. Should pet owners postpone non-urgent visits during these unusual times?

Jones: Pet owners should first contact their veterinarian if they have a health problem. While some discourage regular interviews, some veterinary clinics still offer telemedicine services for open or mild problems.

However, pets with chronic illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, cancer and kidney disease should always be examined. If the veterinarian can’t help you, or if your pet is very ill, you should take your pet to an emergency veterinary hospital. Our practice is to provide edge triage, as no clients are allowed inside the building. Our technicians will go out and evaluate your pet, and your doctor will bring your pet for evaluation.

What if my pet is cut? How can pet owners treat these minor injuries at home?

Jones: Hydrogen peroxide can be used once for the first wash of the cut. If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide, mild soap and warm water will surprise your wounds. After that, apply 3 kinds of antibiotic ointment such as neosporin to heal the cut.

For wounds, pets try to lick them and prefer to heal them. We recommend wearing a conical collar to avoid licking or infecting the wound until it heals.

How and how often to bathe a dog at home

Jones: A bath once every 6 weeks is sufficient, as dogs need to retain their natural scent and oil. You can use the bathtub for small dogs and the children’s pool or outdoor hose for large dogs. You can use regular dog shampoo unless your dog with allergies needs a special shampoo.

Pet products are not as strictly regulated as human products, so pet owners are advised to look closely at the ingredients in shampoos and avoid fragrant shampoos.

How about a nail clipper?

Jones: If you hear a “click” or “click” on a hard floor, it indicates that your pet needs nail trim. Cats can scratch their claws and hook them on posts or cat trees. Dogs don’t do it Because dogs have darker claws than cats, care must be taken not to make incisions in the bottom of the nails, which can be painful if they are full of blood vessels and break.

You don’t have to trim all your dog’s claws at once. Give them a treat after a few clips and let the time between them pass so they can adapt to the process.

The sense of social distance has made us all a little crazy, and taking a dog for a walk can be a good pastime. But how much does the dog have?

Jones: Older dogs do not need too many walks, especially as they can have joint problems. For young dogs, taking a walk in the yard or chasing the ball is a good act 2-3 times a day. Please do not overdo. Returning to the normal schedule, dogs no longer take an hourly walk.

There are increasing reports that cats and dogs tested positive for COVID-19. Need to worry about catching a virus from your pet?

Jones: Currently, pets are not routinely inspected, and pets are inspected only if they exhibit COVID-19 symptoms and are excluded from other illnesses. There are reports that some cats and dogs tested positive for COVID-19. However, the CDC and the veterinary community say that pets have a low prevalence and very mild symptoms. We understand that these pets did not suffer from human illness and vice versa.

However, interactions with other people (including pets) should be restricted to reduce potential spread. It’s okay if you’re the only one in contact with your pet, but it’s a good idea to postpone your play date with pets from other households until the crisis subsides.

If I have a COVID-19 contract, can someone else take care of my pet?

Jones: It’s a good idea to have someone plan to take care of your pet in case you need to go to the hospital and don’t go to take care of your pet.

Animal shelters are full of animals that need volunteers and homes. Is it a good idea to feed your pet during this crisis?

Jones: If anyone wants to adopt pets now, I won’t discourage them. But now we are working from home and will not work later. So make sure it’s a pet that you can handle when you return to your normal routine.

At this time, I’m not completely sure about the risk of pets and COVID-19, so it’s a good idea to wash the newly hired pets when you get home.