COVID-19 and Your Pets - What You Need to Know

The Corona Virus and Your Pets: 

What You Need to Know 

Pet lovers worried about their pets during the Corona Virus Outbreak 

                By now everyone is aware of The Corona Virus and the damage it can cause as it sweeps the globe causing havoc on human life. Countless people from all across the world are becoming ill and many are loosing their lives to this virus. It is a pretty scary situation and pretty scary time as Nationwide quarantines are being ordered. School closures and even business shutdowns as we wait in the safety of our homes for this sickness to be eradicated. Most of us has never experienced anything like this before in our lifetime. And not only are we concerned with our own health but many are concerned about their pets as well. Pet owners are wondering and worrying about their beloved pets and what this virus can do to animals. What exactly does this mean for our pets? 

A microscopic look at The Corona Virus 

             Do we need to worry about our pets at this time? The answer is Yes and No. First of all, there is absolutely no need to get rid of your pets or be cruel to strays because of this virus. There has been no evidence that pets can give the virus to humans. However, if you know of someone that is positive don't let them handle your pet as their fur can act as a vector much like a doorknob or light switch. If you have the virus, it is said to limit your pets exposure and if possible have someone else care for your pet for the time being, as it may be possible for humans to transmit the virus to animals. Since this strain of the Corona Virus is new, we are still learning about it. The AVMA states "The CDC has not received any reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, and we have no information that suggests that pets might be a source of infection for people with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19." With that said, there has been reports from other countries of positive cases in animals. There has been a couple cases of dogs that tested positive that were living with humans that were positive, but these dogs did not show any signs of sickness. There has also been a few cats that tested positive that did show signs of sickness. Corona Virus is also suspected to be highly contagious to Ferrets, but there have not been any known cases. You can read more up to date information on the American Veterinary Medical Associations website. 

It is said that cats can contract the virus and show signs of sickness 

                  Until more is known about this strain of the Corona Virus it is best to practice excellent hygiene techniques, even  when you are at home with your pets. Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and gloves when venturing out of your home. Practice social distancing, even for your pet, meaning don't allow strangers to pet your dog on walks. And if you feel that you may be sick be careful handling your pets. But we stress that getting rid of your pet is  NOT necessary. We can all work together, stay safe, and get though this gloomy time. Brighter days are ahead. 

Wash your hands frequently and take precautions seriously 

Whats the Deal with Grain Free Food - What Food is Best for Your Pet

What's the Deal with Grain Free:
What Food is Best for My Pet? 

How to choose the best food for your beloved pet 

              

                     So you have been feeding your pet a very expensive, organic, GRAIN FREE diet that you heard was the best out there.  You love your pet and you want to give him nothing but the best with no fillers. But now all of a sudden you are hearing that Grain Free foods are bad and are causing dogs to have heart problems! So you think to yourself. Is this True? How is this possible?  Now what do I do? Does my pet now have heart problems? What food is best for my pet?  Well let us help clarify things.

Grain Free Diets have been linked to heart disease in dogs 

            First of all, are the claims true? Can feeding a Grain Free Diet cause heart problems in your pet? Sadly, the answer is Yes. There has been a staggering number of confirmed cases of a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)  that is suspected to be caused by the lack of an amino acid called Taurine in these diets. Taurine helps the heart function and when the animal is deficient in this amino acid the heart can become weak and not able to contract as strongly as it should. This can then result in Congestive Heart Failure and even sudden death. There are some breeds that are more at risk for Taurine Deficient DCM such as Golden Retrievers but any breed including mixed breeds can be affected. The FDA has issued a warning regarding these diets and they are conducting an ongoing investigation into these foods. The graph below illustrates some of the Dog Food Brands with the highest number of reported cases.  You can also find a complete list of the food at .https://www.fda.gov/media/128303/download .



         

Dog Food Brands with the most reported cases 

          So your dog has been eating a Grain Free Food, now what? Well first alert your veterinarian. They may have specific suggestions for a diet given your pets medical history. But it is recommended to change the food immediately to a well balanced commercial diet containing grains, that follow the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines. Studies have shown, that once on a well balanced diet containing the nutrients a dog needs including Taurine, the condition improved or was cured in most (but not all) dogs. If you are concerned about your pets heart health,  your vet can do radio-graphs and blood test, and if needed your vet may need to refer your pet to a Cardiologist. The Cardiologist will have the capabilities to look closer at your pets heart with a test called,  an echo-cardiogram, which enables them see the function of the heart more in depth.

There has also been a lot of buzz regarding the Raw Diet, so we want to touch on that here as well. Raw Diets or Home Cooked diets are not recommend as they are not balanced in the proper nutrition your pet needs. In fact, In a study by the research team at UCDavis  it was found that "Overall, 95 percent of the 200 recipes examined resulted in food that was lacking in the necessary levels of at least one essential nutrient, and more than 83 percent of the recipes had multiple nutrient deficiencies."  In addition to not being balanced nutrition you are also putting your pet at risk for food born illness such as salmonella or E. Coli poising, which is also a risk to humans.

Feed your pet a well balanced diet to ensure they receive the nutrients they need 

            Although  there is no credible evidence that proves Grain Free diets are better for your pet, media has portrayed grains as being "the bad guy", creating a notion that its just filler or even the myth of grains causing allergies. When in reality, grains are not fillers, they contribute key nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and essential fatty acids. Grains also do not cause allergies. If your pet has a food allergy or sensitivity, they are going to most likely react to the protein source in the food such as chicken or beef, and minimal chance of them reacting to the grain source.

Trust your Veterinarian when it comes to pet health

       In conclusion, grains are not the bad guy. The fad of feeding a grain free diet or other buzz diets such as, the raw diet, can actually do harm to your pet as they do not contain adequate nutrition. The perception that has been falsely created that grains are fillers or cause allergies are incorrect. So what is the best food for your pet? A well trusted, commercial diet containing grain that follows the AAFCO guidelines by a reputable company that have animal nutritionist and veterinarians on staff is what is recommended. If you have questions about your pets nutritional needs or health, talk to your veterinarian, not the 19 year old cashier at the pet store, or people with no adequate or relevant education on Facebook. Your veterinarian is here to help you and help your pet live a long happy healthy life.