Dogs and coronavirus: how to safely clean dogs' paws without risks

Following the spread of information that is not always accurate regarding dogs and Coronavirus, we thought to write a short article with many useful tips on caring for our four-legged friends dogs and coronavirus.

In this post, in particular, you will discover how to clean your dog’s paws safely after a walk.

Can I catch the Coronavirus infection from my pet?

Before addressing the topic of cleaning the dog, it is important to clarify the issue regarding the possibility of contracting the Coronavirus infection from your pet.

As highlighted by the Ministry of Health in the answers to frequently asked questions about Covid-19, there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the Coronavirus, which primarily transmits through human-to-human contact.

However, since the survival of the new coronavirus in outdoor environments is not yet known with certainty, if the dog’s paws come into contact with respiratory secretions expelled on the ground by infected people, it is theoretically possible that it could carry the virus, although there is currently no evidence of infections occurring this way.

For this reason, it is necessary to clean the paws after every walk without putting our four-legged friends at risk.

Can I catch the Coronavirus infection from my pet?

In compliance with the precautionary measures provided by recent regulations, you can take your dog outside for its needs.

In a previous article on our blog, we already covered how to behave with dogs and cats to avoid the risk of infection, through an interview with Dr. Daniela Di Scala, Veterinarian and Medical Director of the “Friends of Animals” Veterinary Hospital in Latina.

After walks, to protect our four-legged friend, it is important to take care of their hygiene.

The Higher Institute of Health has already expressed its opinion on this, advising, upon returning from a walk, to “wash the dog's paws with water and soap, just as we do with our hands, making sure to dry them well, and it is also advisable to avoid letting them step on surfaces we come into contact with.”

Here are some useful tips to optimally ensure the sanitation of your pet and the entire home environment:

• Prepare a microfiber cloth to moisten with warm water and mild soap in a bucket/basin, and a separate cloth to thoroughly dry the paw pads after rinsing the paws. A small brush can be useful to check for any dirt trapped between the paw pads, especially if your dog has long fur.
• Don’t just clean the animal’s paws, but also its coat. After a walk, you can take a cloth and wipe your pet’s fur right in the hallway.
• Avoid cleaning your dog with harsh products and alcohol-based ones that can cause irritation and itching.
• No bleach to disinfect dogs’ paws, not even diluted. As many veterinarians have pointed out, bleach is a very strong chemical product and can cause burn-like injuries on dogs’ skin, especially on their paw pads.

 

 

Dogs and Coronavirus: disinfect your dog’s paws the right way!

A great way to ensure your dog’s hygiene safely is Aloe Plus shampoo: not a dry shampoo but a classic hypoallergenic spray formula shampoo, enriched with natural ingredients like organic carrot and organic Aloe Arborescens.

Equipped with a practical dispenser, it allows you to apply the right amount of product even with just one hand.

Click here to learn more about the product!

If you have doubts or questions about cleaning your dog during the Coronavirus emergency, remember that recent regulations also include veterinary care among support services, so don’t hesitate to contact your trusted veterinarian for any concerns.

 

Recommended product to ensure the hygiene of your four-legged friend!

Aloeplus dog shampoo spray with Aloe Arborescens and organic Carrot.