22 | SEPTEMBER 3 • 2020 

W

hile the world continues to 
understand COVID-19, how it 
spreads and the impact it can 
have on those who contract it, one of the 
biggest concerns for pet owners is whether 
or not pets can be impacted by the coro-
navirus.
“We are still learning new things about 
this virus,” says Dr. Orit Szwarcman of 
the Huntington Woods-based Home Vet 
service, which provides veterinary care for 
pets via home visits.
Dr. Szwarcman, 63, who started Home 
Vet in 1990 and grew up in Brussels, 
Belgium, has been practicing for 40 years. 
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused her 
to pivot and reshape how her services are 
offered.
A member of Temple Emanu-El in Oak 
Park, Dr. Szwarcman now only sees dogs 
outside. She wears a mask and asks that 
owners do the same. For cats, she sees 
some outside, some in a garage and the 
rest inside their homes.
These extra safety precautions can help 
keep herself, pet owners and their pets 
safe while the virus becomes more well-
known and understood by experts.
With many questions circulating about 
pets and COVID-19, how to navigate pet 
separation anxiety as owners return to 

work and which risks exist (or don’
t exist) 
for animals, Dr. Szwarcman answers some 
of the most common concerns.

Q: Can pets contract or transmit 
COVID-19?
A: As of now it appears that pets (and 
some other species like lions and tigers) 
can contract the COVID-19 virus from 
positive humans. Thousands of animals 
have been tested in the U.S. and only 20 or 
so have tested positive. All were exposed 
to positive people. Cats and ferrets seem 
more susceptible than dogs. It does not 
appear that pets play a role in people’
s 
exposure, only that they can become posi-
tive through exposure to infected humans.

Q: Can the COVID-19 virus live in animal 
fur?
A: Because pet hair is porous and fibrous, 
it does seem highly unlikely that a person 
could contract the virus by petting an 
animal.

Q: Is it safe to walk dogs in high-traffic 
areas during COVID-19 outbreaks?
A: The main problem would be encoun-
tering COVID-positive people not wear-
ing a mask. So I would avoid that type 
of crowded situation. Maintaining a safe 

distance is still the safer way.

Q: What precautions can people take to 
keep their animals safe in public spaces?
A: Same as before. The risk, although pret-
ty small for your pet to get the virus, is 
from positive people. Keep your pets away 
from people not wearing masks.

Q: How should pet owners who have been 
exposed to or contracted COVID-19 
navigate quarantine and take care of their 
pets?
A: Another person should take care of 
the pets, who should be isolated from the 
COVID-positive person. Ideally, a pet 
emergency kit should be prepared with 
food and medication (if they take any) for 
about two weeks.

Q: Is it risky to take dogs or cats to groom-
ers or daycare/boarding?
A: A well-run boarding facility or day care 
should not be a concern. Many groomers 
have curbside pickup or drop-off service. 
I have taken my own dogs to daycare and 
the groomer.

Q: Should people limit their pets’
 interac-
tion with other pets or animals?
A: That does not seem to be justified. 
Unless one is COVID-positive.

Q: What steps can people take to keep 
their pets healthy during this time?
A: Regular common sense to keep yourself 
safe should apply. Make sure their routine 
vaccinations and anti-parasite medications 
are kept up. Wash your hands. Wear a 
mask. Stay away from crowds.

Q: How can pet owners manage separation 
anxiety with their animals as they return 
to work?
A: After having been with their owner 
24/7 for months, some pets might show 
signs of separation anxiety. The first thing 
to do is to try leaving the pet for increas-
ingly longer periods. Minimizing depar-
ture routine, not doing all the same things 
in the same order when you’
re leaving, 
avoiding making a big deal (especially 
baby talk) when you leave or come back 
— all those would be helpful to prevent 
separation anxiety. If all fails, talk to your 
veterinarian about medication. Or see a 
veterinary behaviorist. 

Pets 
and the 
Pandemic

Metro Detroit veterinarian 
weighs in on pets and 
COVID-19, separation 
anxiety and more.

ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Dr. Orit 
Szwarcman 
and Sawyer

Jews in the D

JN FILE PHOTO

