COVID-19. How to protect cats and dogs
Coronavirus, masks for everyone? Scientific studies in favor
April 7, 2020
#IoRestoaCasa, digital solidarity for all
April 8, 2020
How to protect cats and dogs from Covid-19?
A) avoid close contact of the animal with positive people,
B) follow the hygiene precautions Basic,
C) do not poison them with bleach.
Dog paw hygiene, NO bleach!
Sanitize the paws of dogs after a walk outdoors in places frequented by other people - albeit, respecting the safety distances - is a useful precaution during this period. (1) But bleach risks doing them serious damage. (2)
'Bleach can be very dangerous for our animal friends and therefore, not knowing the dilution proportions well, it is absolutely to be avoided. ' (Luca Lombardini, veterinarian, vice-president of LNDC Animal Protection)
The detergent label clearly indicates, among the mandatory information, the instructions for use and precautions to be followed. (3) And it is good to note, on the labels of any bottle of bleach, that the substance is irritating to the skin and eyes, highly dangerous if ingested. This is as true for humans as it is for pets.
Dogs they are exposed to the greatest danger, as they are curious and endowed with a very developed sense of smell. They may be attracted to a new smell and decide to lick the surfaces where it is, including their own paws. It is therefore advisable, even after using bleach to wash the floors, to rinse them abundantly.
Chlorhexidine without obsession
Chlorhexidine is another active ingredient used in disinfectants (Citrosil, the most famous in Italy). Various sanitizing products for dogs based on chlorhexidine (wet wipes, shampoo without rinsing, etc.) are commercially available. Although their smell is less pronounced than that of bleach, you must always follow the instructions for use and precautions specified on the label.
The use of such products it must be delicate and infrequent, every 24 hours at the most. Faced with the risk of causing the animal irritation or dermatitis that could expose it to greater risks than those intended to be prevented.
ʹClean the paws it is a measure to be taken only if one is to be overzealous. In any case, however, products that can cause damage to the fingertips or worse damage should be avoided if the animal licks and ingests themʹ. (Piera Rosati, LNDC Animal Protection, president).
Hygienic precautions with pets
The current state - as indicated in the introduction and also reiterated by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) - there is no scientific evidence on the risk of contagion from Covid-19 of pets. The recorded cases are very few and closely linked to the disease of their owners.
Experimental studies now in progress some domestic species would also confirm the susceptibility of cats, ferrets and even dogs, albeit to a lesser extent, to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Exposure of animals to SARS-CoV-2 could therefore also give rise to asymptomatic infections or with few symptoms, if not disease. (3)
It is necessary therefore that people positive to COVID-19 avoid close contact with dogs and cats. Wash your hands often and carefully with soap and water or hydroalcoholic solution, even after touching the animals. And avoid excessive promiscuity in this historical period.
Covid-19, dog hygiene after walks
The Ministry of Health, in the coronavirus FAQ, recommends ʹespecially clean the paws avoiding aggressive products and alcohol-based products that can induce irritation, causing itching and instead using products without the addition of perfume (eg water and neutral soap). For the coat it is recommended to brush it and then wipe it with a damp cloth.ʹ
The ISS adds to dry the animal well, especially in the interdigital spaces, to avoid irritation caused by humidity. And the ENPA (National Animal Protection Authority) recommends the use of specific soaps for animals. Human soaps can in fact be too aggressive in some cases for man's best friend. (4)
Dario Dongo and Camilla Fincardi
Note
(1) Home isolation it can only possibly be applied to small animals, provided that it is possible to help them do their needs in the litter typically used by cats
(2) Misinformation - No to bleach to clean paws. LNDC (National Dog Defense League) Animal Protection, 28.3.20, https://www.legadelcane.org/rassegna-stampa/disinformazione-no-alla-candeggina-per-pulire-le-zampe/
(3) Umberto Agrimi, director of the Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health. SARS-CoV-2 infection among pets. 3.4.20, ISS (National Institute of Health, Epicenter,
(4) True or false? The hoaxes and the truths about animals at the time of the Coronavirus. ENPA (National Animal Protection Authority), 30.3.20, http://www.enpa.it/it/72745/cnt/i-fatti/vero-o-falso-le-bufale-e-le-verita-sugli-animali-a.aspx
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
Graduated in Law at the University of Bologna and in Italian-French law at the Université Paris Nanterre, she is currently enrolled in the Master in Law and Food Safety Consultant at the University of Bologna.
