9 things you should know about the CDC's new social distancing guidelines for pets

Although we were initially told that pets couldn't contract COVID-19, things are looking slightly different now.

Lions, tigers, dogs and cats around the country have tested positive and, although experts assure us that our furry friends are at low risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidelines to include some regulations concerning pets.

Here, we break it down and tell you all about the new rules, aimed at protecting our animals while trying to mitigate the spread of the disease:

1. Think of your pet as an extended member of your family, subject to the same rules that humans are to follow. Which means: do not let them interact with people or animals outside your home.

2. If someone in your house is sick, make sure they stay isolated both from other people and animals that live with you. 

3. Cat owners should try and keep the felines indoors as much as possible.

4. When taking dogs out on walks, keep them on leashes and make sure they stay six feet away from other animals and people. 

5. Try to avoid dog parks and other public places where a relatively large number of animals and/or humans tend to gather. 

6. If you are sick, stay away from your pet—no petting, snuggling, kissing, licking, "sharing food or bedding" is allowed. If nobody else is around to take care of your pet while you're not feeling your best, wear a mask and wash your hands before and after contact with them

7. If you are sick and your pet gets sick as well, do not take it to the veterinarian by yourself. Call the clinic, let them know you've got the virus and they'll either set up a virtual consultation or figure out a way to treat your pet while minimizing the risk of spread.

8. Always practice proper pet hygiene: clean after them and make sure to wash your hands after handling them, their food, their waste or other related supplies.

9. Keep in mind that kids that are 5 years old and younger, plus people over 65 and folks with a weakened immune system are more likely to get sick from the germs that some animals may be carrying.

As cities find creative ways to cope with the changes spurred by the virus, the wellbeing of our pets has taken center stage as well. The city of New York, for example, has launched a pet hotline for concerned owners. Read all about it here.

Although we should all take the guidelines seriously and try our best to quarantine ourselves and our furry loved ones for as long as possible, it's important to note that, according to the CDC's statement, "in the United States, there is no evidence that animals are playing a significant role in the spread of COVID-19." However, given that animals can carry germs, "it's always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals."  

Most popular on Time Out