Paw Pals Pet Sitting

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(703) 345-1695
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Four Dog Walking Tips During COVID-19

July 13, 2020 by Mary Telesz

dog walking tips during COVID-19According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is a threat to dogs. Although dogs can contract common coronaviruses, the specific novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is not believed to be a health threat to dogs, even though dogs can test positive for the virus.

As a dog owner, you have the responsibility to do what you can to protect your dog’s health and safety. This means adhering to guidelines on social distancing, stay-home orders, and so forth. The chances of your dog contracting COVID-19 and becoming ill seems unlikely, but your dog may be able to harbor the virus internally or externally on its hair.

During the pandemic, dog owners must still take their dogs outside for exercise and a walk. The best course for doing so with the current pandemic is to follow a few practices that will help keep you and your dog safe while on a walk.

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed, the CDC recommends limiting contact with your pets. That may be hard to do, but it is important to try and arrange for another member of your household to care for your dog while you are sick. If no one else in your household is available, contact a professional dog-walking or dog-sitting service to help you during that period.

Common Sense Dog Walking During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The science is showing that being outdoors is safer than confining yourself indoors. Nature is medicine, and sunlight is a disinfectant. However, it is still important to play it safe and assume that the virus can live on your dog for some period of time, even if short-lived.

Practice Social Distancing, Even with Other Dogs

practice social distancing, even with other dogsSocial distancing protects your dog from picking up the virus that may be on another dog’s coat. If you have a yard, you can confine your dog’s activity to the yard. Be aware that simply leaving your dog outside in the yard will not provide it with the exercise and stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Your dog needs play time and physical exercise.

Keep your dog on a leash when on a walk so you can control the distance between your dog and other humans and dogs. You need to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other people and animals. If your dog is not on a leash, it will want to interact with humans and other dogs just like they always do – up close and personal.

Limit contact with your dog if you or your dog have been exposed to COVID-19 or you are showing symptoms. That means avoiding petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.

Practicing social distancing also means avoiding dog parks when other dogs are there, pet shops, grooming salons, or other locations where dogs are likely to be in close quarters.

Wear a Mask on the Walk

Play it safe and wear a mask when you are out with your dog. The mask will help protect you if your dog gets away from you or you find it necessary to be in close contact with another animal or human during your walk.
Do not put a mask on your dog. As noted earlier, COVID-19 does not appear to be a threat to your dog’s health. Not only is a mask unnecessary for your dog, it can actually create a serious health risk. A mask will interfere with your dog’s breathing and ability to pant, thus impairing its ability to expel heat. It is especially risky for flatter-faced breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers.

Carry Hand Sanitizer

Carry a handy-sized bottle of hand sanitizer during your walks. Use it after you touch any surface, including your dog’s coat.

Wash Your Hands and Your Dog’s Paws as Soon as You Get Home

keeping your hands and your dog’s paws cleanKeeping your hands and your dog’s paws clean will help limit the spread of all germs, not just the coronavirus.

To keep the risks of contagion down, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after each walk. Before you come inside, make it a practice to wash your dog’s paws with a gentle product designed to use on dogs. Human soap is too harsh for your dog’s paws and skin. Make it easier on yourself and your dog by using dog-grooming wipes to wipe down your dog’s paws.

Contact the Dog Walking Professionals at Paw Pals for Assistance

Don’t let the pandemic compromise your dog’s mental and physical health. According to the CDC, “there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare.” You need to keep up with regular walks to keep your dog mentally and physically fit during the pandemic. If you are unable to get outside with your dog for any reason, contact the dog walking professionals at Paw Pals for help.

Filed Under: Dog Walking

Contact Paw Pals for More Information

Paw Pals specializes in professional dog walking, dog sitting, and pet sitting services. One of our reliable, adult staff members will keep your pet safe, while providing your pet the love and care they need when you are away. Contact us to learn more!

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Office Location

Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC
14001-C Saint Germain Drive #213
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 345-1695

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Office Hours

Monday
9am - 5pm
Tuesday
9am - 5pm
Wednesday
9am - 5pm
Thursday
9am - 5pm
Friday
9am - 5pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Areas Served

Centreville – 20120, 20121
Chantilly – 22151
Clifton – 20124
Fairfax – 22030, 22033
Fairfax Station – 22039
Manassas – 20109, 20110, 20111
Reston – 20191, 20190

Google Rating
5.0
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
5.0
Andrea Hall
Andrea Hall
22:45 03 Oct 20
I wasn't sure about hiring a new doggie walker service... after all they are our kiddos... my babies were in great hands and I felt relaxed having them in their care. Thank you for everything!
Phillip Evans
Phillip Evans
14:38 11 Jul 20
When we adopted our new dog in January, Paw Pals agreed to walk her and give her some outside time so she wasn't in the crate all day. She loved her dog walker and you could see her excitement every time the walker showed up. We moved out of the area but would recommend Paw Pals to anyone needing someone to care for their pets.
Katie Russell
Katie Russell
15:01 17 May 20
Paw Pals is fantastic! I have had a great experience with Mary! Compassionate, professional, responsive, and prompt! Thank you!
Kristin Conrad
Kristin Conrad
16:00 16 Nov 19
We are so grateful we found Mary and her team at Paw Pals. They are exceptionally responsive, amazingly organized and detail-oriented.We have such peace of mind when we travel knowing our home and pets are so well cared for. Paw Pals is the best pet sitting service we’ve used, and we’re so happy we found them.
Dr Tammy Cashion
Dr Tammy Cashion
21:11 12 Mar 19
We have used Paw pals pet sitting on multiple occasions for our bunnies while we are away. Many pet sitters are not interested in small pets however; Mary and her team, are amazing and we trust her implicitly! We are very happy with the outstanding service we have received from her team including texts and photos of our pets when we are out of town. They always go the extra mile and we highly recommend them!
Cindy Welgoss
Cindy Welgoss
13:12 27 Nov 20
We have been using Paw Pals for several years, and through a variety of pets that we have loved. Mary and her team have always been *exceptional* in every way. They are professional, courteous, and truly love our fur family! Mary herself is an organized and stellar administrator of her pet care business, keeping detailed records of our pet’s needs, scheduled pet visits, payments, and balance due easy to keep track of as the pet owner. The pet caretaking team is reliable and trustworthy. When our dogs see any of their Paw Pal friends, they get SO excited to see them! Follow up comments are left via text to keep the pet owner informed of the visit and how the pets are faring. Paw Pals has allowed our family the peace of mind to leave our pets at home, for work, weekend getaways and longer times away when necessary, where they are the most comfortable and familiar. We are grateful to Mary and her team for giving us the ability to enjoy pet ownership without feeling tied down. The responsibility of having pets comes with the need to keep them safe and comfortable at all times, and Mary and her team affords us this when our family has to be away.
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