Pets Do Not Spread COVID-19! Pets Do Not Spread COVID-19! Pets Do Not Spread COVID-19! – It's Important, So Let Us Say It Three Times.
Pets do not transmit the COVID-19 virus, but maintaining good hygiene and antibacterial practices is still important. However, rumors can be even more frightening than the virus itself.
Many people worry that dogs and cats at home, or stray animals outside, who don't understand washing hands frequently or wearing masks, might get infected or even become carriers spreading the virus. Such rumors have led many innocent pets to be abandoned or harmed by selfish people.
That said, during this pandemic when frequent disinfection is necessary, how should we, as pet owners, maintain cleanliness and antibacterial care at home to protect ourselves, our families, and our beloved furry friends?
Today, let's discuss the proper ways to keep our pets clean and safe.
Bathing Is Still the Best Way
Dogs that need to go outside for walks can maintain a normal routine without wearing masks, face shields, or special shoes. Once they return home, simply cleaning their paws well is enough to prevent dirt from being brought inside and helps keep the house cleaner.
When washing your pet's paws, it is important to use pet-safe, non-toxic cleaning products. Common disinfectants that contain alcohol, hypochlorous acid, bleach, chlorine dioxide, and similar substances must not be used. Note that although alcohol has strong antibacterial effects, it has low safety—it is corrosive and flammable. Hypochlorous acid can only be used for environmental cleaning. Bleach is even less safe, posing risks of respiratory and skin irritation.
Many dogs have developed skin allergies or respiratory damage from exposure to disinfectants intended for human use. Veterinarian Dr. Wang Shurong explains, "They can inhale harmful substances and are sensitive to irritations on their skin and mucous membranes. Bathing can effectively wash off most dirt, viruses, or bacteria on the body."
Just like how we humans wash our hands frequently, the best cleaning method for pets remains giving them a proper bath. If you find full baths troublesome, thoroughly rubbing your dog's paws for 20 seconds and rinsing with clean water will save effort while still achieving effective cleaning and disinfection.
As for bathing, pet owners should not be lazy—it's important to give your dog a proper bath at least once a week!
DIY Pet Protective Sachets – Recommended by the New Taipei City Animal Protection Office
The New Taipei City Animal Protection Office shares a simple and natural way to protect your pets with homemade protective sachets. By using common herbs such as peppermint, mugwort, calamus, lemongrass, osmanthus, and clove, you can create an effective sachet that helps keep your dog safe and comfortable.
To make the sachet, dry the herbs thoroughly and place them inside a tea bag pouch. Tie the pouch securely to prevent the herbs from spilling out. Your dog can then wear the sachet, offering benefits such as repelling insects and eliminating odors.
Beyond repelling pests and deodorizing, the aromatic properties of these herbs also stimulate your pet's immune system, enhancing their overall health. Additionally, you can soak the sachet in warm water to create a herbal bath for your dog, which promotes blood circulation and boosts their resistance to illness.
This dual-purpose sachet is a cost-effective, natural solution that supports your pet's wellbeing in multiple ways.
Care and Cleaning for Your Dog's Essentials
Be diligent about washing your dog's mattress and leash. It used to be that changing and cleaning the dog's mattress wasn't done very often, but from now on, make it a habit to clean and freshen everything regularly. Wash your dog's sleeping pads, collars, harnesses, leashes, food bowls, and toys using natural detergents, then dry them thoroughly in the sun or with a dryer before letting your dog use them again.
Take advantage of the current atmosphere, where everyone is paying close attention to disinfection, to get into the habit of regularly cleaning your dog's belongings. Pets, like babies, need careful and loving care. Naturally, the cleaner the products you use, the safer and less toxic they are. There are pet-friendly antibacterial sprays available on the market, which are gentler than regular household cleaners, leave no residue, and are harmless for your pet.
When disinfecting your dog's items, do not use alcohol sprays. Instead, opt for these pet-safe antibacterial sprays that you can buy with confidence! In these challenging times when many industries face downturns, the economy still needs all of us working together to keep things moving forward.
