Loving Protection For Our Pets In Trying Times

March 17, 2020,

We love our pets so much that often they can be seen as our children.

Happily.

They love us too. Unconditionally. That is why so many United States households have pets.

We can’t get enough of them.

fciwomenswrestling.com femcompetitor.com, fcielitecompetitor.com, pexels.com Daria-Shevtsova-photo-credit.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, “Sixty-seven percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet, according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). This is up from 56 percent of U.S. households in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted.”

We can certainly understand why. So many have pets in our circle.

They are so integral to our family lives that we couldn’t imagine life without them.

“Because of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born.”…Mary Oliver

fciwomenswrestling.com femcompetitor.com, fcielitecompetitor.com, pexels.com Andrea-Piacquadio-photo

We would do virtually anything to protect them and in this time of the Coronavirus pandemic, not only should humans take precautions for themselves, they should think of taking measures to protect the health of their pet as well.

Here is an exceptional article by Money Magazine about pet insurance:

https://money.com/best-pet-insurance/

Let’s visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for their thoughts.

They share at cdc.gov, “There are many health benefits of owning a pet. They can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialize. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pets can help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship. Most households in the United States have at least one pet.

Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. Some of the health benefits of having a pet include:

Decreased blood pressure
Decreased cholesterol levels
Decreased triglyceride levels
Decreased feelings of loneliness
Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
Increased opportunities for socialization

As we can see, the benefits to having a pet are voluminous.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.”… Josh Billings

To protect our little furry friends we can look to the ASPCA for great suggestions.

ASPCA Shares Tips to Keep Pets Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic

Pet owners encouraged to include pets in preparedness plans

NEW YORK, March 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Amid the growing concerns around the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is providing information on keeping animals safe during a human health crisis and encouraging pet owners to include pets in their emergency plans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 infection results from human to human transmission. Likewise, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has stated that there is no evidence that dogs or cats can spread the disease or have become ill with the virus.

“The ASPCA is committed to prioritizing the health and safety of pets and their owners, and we are closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19,” said Dr. Stephanie Janeczko, vice president of ASPCA Shelter Medicine Services. “A pet’s first line of defense is a well-prepared owner, and we strongly encourage pet owners to take the necessary precautions and incorporate pets into their preparedness plans to keep their family – including their pets – healthy.”

The ASPCA is urging pet owners to take the following actions:

Wash Your Hands
Although there is no current evidence that suggests the coronavirus can be transmitted to or from companion animals, it’s always a good idea to follow basic hygiene practices around animals. This includes washing your hands thoroughly throughout the day and before and after direct contact with your pets, their food or their supplies.

Play it Safe
While there have not been any reports of companion animals becoming sick from the virus, it is still recommended that people who are sick with COVID-19 limit contact with companion animals until more information is available. If you are sick or under medical attention for COVID-19, you should avoid close contact with your pets and have another member of your household care for your animals. If you must look after your pet, you should maintain good hygiene practices and wear a face mask, if possible.

Stock Up on Pet Supplies
Prepare a kit with essential supplies to have on hand in the event of an emergency. Your emergency kit should include a 30-day supply of your pets’ medications, as well as at least two weeks’ worth of food and other supplies, like litter. Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to also write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.

Designate an Emergency Caregiver
Proactively identify someone who could help with their short- or long-term care in the event you are unable to care for your pets. Consider a family member, friend, neighbor or a boarding facility.

Create a Pet Dossier
If your emergency caregiver’s assistance is needed, make it easier for them by having all of your pets’ information in one place. Consider including things like habits, food preferences, medical conditions and medications taken, veterinarian contact information, medical and vaccination records, and any behavioral tendencies.

For more information on ASPCA pet safety and COVID-19, please visit www.aspca.org.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.