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TOP STORY OF THE DAY: Don’t forget to take care of your pets during COVID-19
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused a lot of changes for everyone, including the staff and animals at the Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center, located at 8280 N. County Road 125 West, Brazil.
“Things are going pretty good at the shelter. We are doing everything we can to protect our staff at this time,” said Director Lindsay Stevenson, who admits the small staff is taking special care while working at the facility. “A majority of us have individuals in our households with compromised immune systems, so safety is a must to ensure our staff stays healthy so we can continue to take care of the animals. Even if one of us becomes sick, it’s a burden.”
The facility is closed to the public but continues to adopt animals through online applications and only allows adoptees in the facility by arranged appointment.
“Staff members wear masks and gloves when in contact with the public,” said Stevenson. “If it is deemed necessary for the public to enter the building, then everything is wiped down and sanitized in the lobby where they are only allowed.”
The public can not walk through the facility at this time. Stevenson is hopeful things will get back to normal soon, but “Meanwhile, please have patience. We are doing the best we can with all situations.”
As many families struggle with the financial impact of not working due to the Stay-at-Home mandate to attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19, Stevenson said donations of supplies, food, and funds are down at the facility currently at its maximum capacity.
“We are only taking emergency cases at this time,” Stevenson said. We understand this is a difficult time for everyone and are extremely appreciative of those who can still help, and are willing. Adoptions are holding steady with our appointments, but there are only so many appointments available per day, and adoption events have been canceled. We depend on the donations and adoption fees to run the facility.”
Stevenson said the facility can not even alter animals at this time due to COVID-19, and when the alterations are able to begin again it will be a huge expense.
“Any financial help in the area of medical expenses would be greatly appreciated,” said Stevenson.
Many of the staff members at the shelter have donated their time, which helps with the budget, but the utilities, medical bills, and the cost to house and feed the animals are causing the budget to run thin.
“Thankfully, the intakes have been down slightly with a lot of people being home and watching their pets,” said Stevenson. “We certainly appreciate our responsible citizens.”
As people struggle with “hunkering down at home” and are potentially dealing with various stress and frustration issues after a month, a family’s furry friends might also be experiencing some new feelings during self-isolation at home
“Pets play a huge role in mental health for both humans and pets. Many studies have shown the pets are very important in fighting depression and anxiety, but also please beware that animals can be affected by depression and anxiety as well. So support each other!” said Stevenson. “With more people at home, we suggest you take advantage of this time to spend quality time with your pets. Train them, play with them, take them for walks, etc.”
Although there have been a few reports of dogs/pets testing positive for the coronavirus, the World Health Organization reports it’s unlikely that pets can be infected.
However, officials believe the stress everyone is facing during this time can affect our furry friends.
However, pets don’t voice their feelings by yelling, throwing the phone or even a tantrum.
The Veterinary Centers of America Animal Hospitals recently provided a list of the top 10 indicators of pet stress, with an emphasis on dogs, but Stevenson believes the tips are a valuable resource for all pet owners to be aware of, including:
• Pacing along a repeated path or shaking,
• Whining, barking or vocalization to get attention for self-soothing with their owner,
• Prolonged yawning, drooling, and excessive licking or panting.
• Changes in eyes and ears like blinking rapidly or a startling appearance, and ears appearing to look pinned back against the head,
• Changes in body posture that appears to look like cowering with a tail tucked or becoming quite rigid,
• Increased shedding,
• Changes in bodily functions or a refusal to eat,
• Avoidance, displacement behavior, or hiding to escape people or other pets in the house The nervous pet might engage in activities such as digging or circling and may even nudge owners to prompt them to move along.
If a pet is stressed, first remove them from the stressor. Find a quiet place for the pet to regroup. Resist the urge to over comfort the pet, which could potentially only confirm that their fears are justified and may make them less confident in the future.
If a pet becomes consistently stressed, see a veterinarian.
Stevenson said to make sure the family pet is on a healthy diet, and not overindulging on snacks with their owners. Exercise is just as important for a pet as it is for the owner.
“We hope to be able to get back to normal soon, but most importantly right now is that everyone, including our pets, stays safe,” said Stevenson. “When you do plan on returning to work please make arrangements to help not only you but your pets to make the transition back to normal life easier.”
To support the efforts of the Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center send financial donations to 8280 N. County Road 125 West, Brazil, 47834. Check out the shelter’s Facebook page, website at claycohumanein.org, or call 812-446-5126 for more information.
Two COVID-19 cases confirmed in US pets
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) announced the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in two pet cats Wednesday.
These are the first pets in the United States to test positive for SARS-CoV-2. The cats live in two separate areas of New York state. Both had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery. SARS-CoV-2 infections have been reported in very few animals worldwide, mostly in those that had close contact with a person with COVID-19. At this time, routine testing of animals is not recommended.
However, until more information is known, the CDC recommends the following:
• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals.
• Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.
• If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
• Avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.
If you become sick from COVID-19 or the flu, consider having another member of your family, a friend, or neighbor care for the pets until you recover to ensure the pet’s good health.
For more information on animals and COVID-19, see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html
Local shelter taking care of unwanted pets needs some help
The Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center gratefully accepts donations from the public to offset the cost of taking care of the animals at the facility 24/7.
Monetary donations can be made several ways including mailing checks, donation over the phone at 812-446-5126 by credit/debit card, or going to the website at claycohumanein.org, or logging on to the shelter’s Facebook page and hitting the donation button
Shelter officials confirm they ask for specific pet foods because it is very important to keep the animals on a consistent diet to reduce digestive issues, which in return not only makes them sick but also causes more medical issues/bills such as meds for diarrhea and vomiting.
Officials confirm the following items, especially with kitten season coming, are needed, including:
Kitten formula
Kitten food (Purina-yellow bag or Purina One)
Wet kitten food
Litter
Cat chow (Purina blue or green bag)
Diamond original dog food (red bag)
Diamond naturals lamb and rice
Dog chow (green or red bag)
Purina One Smartblend ( any variety)
Canned dog food (chopped and chunk)
Dog and cat treats
Cleaning supplies such as bleach, paper towels, and laundry soap are always needed.
Donations of food and supplies can always be dropped off in a donation bin or sat by the front door of the shelter with no contact drop-offs. The Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center is located at 8280 N. County Road 125 West, Brazil. Call 812-446-5126 for more information.