While the world still struggles to deal with COVID-19, there is also confusion and concern about our companion animals and coronavirus; including our equine friends.

Can horses catch coronavirus? The short answer is yes … and no! DO NOT PANIC, take a deep breath and keep reading for some good news!


Can Horses Catch Coronavirus? Yes.

There’s NO need to panic even though horses can become infected with a form of coronavirus and that is the critical distinction!

Coronavirus or COVID-19BUT … equine coronavirus (also known as Equine Enteric Coronavirus and ECoV) is “host-specific” and there is no evidence that it can be spread outside the species (or to humans).

Again, the COVID-19 virus the world is fighting is NOT the same strain of coronavirus that can infect horses; they are two distinctly different diseases according to the Palm Beach Equine Clinic and the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). 

Can My Horse Infect Me with Coronavirus?

Happily, this answer is a simple and emphatic NO! And vice versa, your horse cannot get human coronavirus!

A Horse and Woman's Face Next to Each Other
What Is Equine Coronavirus?

Equine coronavirus is a gastrointestinal – enteric – disease in horses (unlike the human coronavirus that causes respiratory issues and worse). ECoV is transmitted when an infected horse’s manure is ingested by another horse (fecal-oral transmission) or when a horse makes oral contact with items or surfaces contaminated with infected manure.


GOOD NEWS!

Equine Coronavirus in horses and foals is more flu-like. Even better, the frequency of ECoV is low – even rare – since 2010. This has also been validated by Dr. Nicola Pusterla, an equine infectious disease expert.


Common symptoms of ECoV infection are typically mild and include:

  • Anorexia, lack of appetite Horse Laying Down in a Pasture
  • Lethargy
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Laying down frequently
  • Elevated rectal temperature
  • Fever
  • Colic or diarrhea (only in 15-20% of infected horses)

Diagnosis is done with a simple fecal test.


Listen to the Podcast: Dr. Nicola Pusterla on Equine Coronavirus


Now that you know the facts about coronavirus and your horse, you can rest easy!

For suggestions on learning mindfulness from your pet to counter coronavirus, click here!


Image Credits

Wolfgang Claussen from Pixabay 

MasterTux from Pixabay 

Emma Morin from Pixabay 

Rihaij from Pixabay 

It’s a stressful time right now for the whole new world!

But for our pets, it’s just another day as they are blissfully ignorant of the current world events. Perhaps it’s time to learn mindfulness from your pets!

What is Mindfulness?

Unfortunately, most of us have been taught or conditioned to react or respond to what we perceive as reality around us. When we do this, we Learn Mindfulness to Deal with Life's Challengesoften find ourselves worrying about the past or fearful about the future. Neither are natural states of being. Thankfully our pets always live in the moment, so let’s learn mindfulness from our pets!

Mindfulness is all about “being in the moment” and creating our own state of being. When we live in the moment (instead of the past or the future), we enjoy:

  • Enhanced mental clarity.
  • Improved concentration; and
  • The ability to better relate to others.

Learn the “7 Practical Tips to Achieve a Positive Mindset” from the Success Magazine.


Keep reading to learn how to master mindfulness from the masters themselves.


Learn Mindfulness From Your Pets, the Masters!

Our Animals Live with Mindfulness NaturallyThe one thing most of us have at this moment is time. Spending quiet and quality time with our animals can help us fine-tune our skills in mindfulness. Our pets have this amazing ability to relax and soothe us by just being close! Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, horse, or some other animal you love, pets naturally transfer us from the stressful chaos of our lives into being in the moment with petting, grooming, or even just cuddling with them.

I love hanging out with Clifford my horse even when he’s just grazing in the pasture. He reminds me to focus on and appreciate Mother Nature. He leads by example by living in the moment, enjoying the fresh air and the warmth of the sunshine. He doesn’t have a care in the world; especially about what tomorrow may (or may not) bring! (Click on the image to enjoy Clifford’s video!)


Want to practice mindfulness with your dog? Click here to learn more from Harvard Medical School.

Our Pets Teach Us Mindfulness and EmpathyWhat would our pets tell us if they could talk? Perhaps that slowing down and being present in this very moment will help us find the mindfulness and peace our hearts and souls crave.

“With the awareness and empathy you build while taking care of your pet’s needs, you enhance your ability to be more mindful in everyday interaction with friends and strangers alike.” All About Cats, an Online Community for Cat Lovers

Imagine how that would help your life and interactions with your co-workers, friends and even family.

Use Your Pets to Learn and Practice Mindful Meditation by Focusing on Them

Meditate with Your Pet

Use your pet to learn and practice mindful meditation by focusing on the little things about them. Softly touch them and really notice how soft their fur, feathers or coat is beneath your fingertips. Watch and breathe along with them. Lose yourself by looking in your pet’s eyes. If you’re cuddling, feel their heartbeat along with your own.

This is what means to be in the moment, just being together and enjoying a sense of calm awareness. Practice this same kind of attention and focus in other parts of your life and know you can call peace, relaxation and mindfulness to you anytime no matter what is going on in the world.


Learn how to meditate with your pet to relieve stress (yours and theirs!) with this article from the Animal Wellness Magazine!


Grooming Your Pet Helps You (and them) Release Stress and Be in the MomentStay mindful, healthy and positive!

The simple act of grooming your pet can help you (and them) release pent-up stress and enjoy being in the moment with them.

The EquiGroomer tools make grooming easy and pain-free brushing with NO pulling or damage to your pet’s topcoat or skin. Happy, relaxed pets and owners.

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.


 

Additional Reading:

How Pets Can Sharpen Your Mindfulness Skills

Meditation for You and Your Pets

Mindfulness and Your Dog

How Pets Can Help You Meditate and Be More Mindful

Image Credits:

Image by Myriam Zilles from Pixabay 

Image by yogakalyanii from Pixabay 

Video: Courtesy of EquiGroomer on Instagram

Image by Angeles Balaguer from Pixabay 

Image by La Miko from Pexels

Image Courtesy of EquiGroomer

It’s certainly a difficult and unusual time with the coronavirus. Especially for those with pets who require regular grooming.  Even with groomers closed, you must regularly groom your pet during coronavirus!

 

Despite the current state of the world, our pets need their overall well-beingConsistent Grooming is Essential During Coronavirus for You and Your Pets attended to regularly, daily. In this unprecedented time, our pet’s health is equally as important as our own! Our pets rely upon us daily to protect them and ensure their best health and quality of life. Also, during all the uncertainty, we need our beloved pets even more for their infinite love, support and companionship while we all self-quarantine.

Since many groomers have been ordered to close as “non-essential” businesses, dogs, cats, and even rabbits still need to be groomed regularly and consistently for their overall comfort and health.



Consistent pet grooming involves 10 essential basics for ensuring physical and mental benefits. Click here to read/review our previous post.




No matter what is happening around us, regular brushing is essential to your pet’s overall hygiene, health, comfort and happiness. Our EquiGroomer grooming tools make the experience easier, more comfortable, and stress-free!


Regular Grooming Is Always Appropriate

Grooming Your Pet Also Benefits Your Stress With Coronavirus!By keeping up with your pet’s regular grooming, you can keep your pet’s coat in good shape, without painful matting, burrs and/or allergens. You can also address any potential health issues before they require a potentially stressful visit to your veterinarian during the shelter-in-place mandates.

By keeping up with your pet’s regular grooming, you can keep your pet’s coat in good shape, without painful matting, burrs and/or allergens. You can also address any potential health issues before they require a potentially stressful visit to your veterinarian during the shelter-in-place mandates.


Brushing Your Pet Benefits You Too!

With all the uncertainty and “unknowns,” many of us may be feeling additional stress and a loss of control. Brushing your pet daily helps relax it and is also priceless when it comes to naturally reducing stress. Grooming your pet regularly during coronavirus will strengthen the bond between you and your precious pet.


Can Your Pet Get or Transmit Coronavirus?

There have been many rumors and misinformation about the coronavirus and domestic pets. So, we’d like to take a quick moment to address what you need to know.

  • While there IS a “coronavirus” for canines (called CCV or canine respiratory coronavirus) and felines (feline coronavirus), the current COVID-19 virus strain is not connected in any way.
  • The WHO, CDC, AVMA and AKC all agree there is no imminent threat from our pets for transmitting the Coronavirus. Please do not abandon your pet!
  • According to the AVMA, even petting a dog’s fur is considered low-risk because the virus survives best on smooth surfaces.
  • Your pet does not need a face mask for protection.
  • Groom your pet regularly during coronavirus to eliminate any chance of the virus being on your pet’s coat and to maintain the best possible hygiene in your home.


Coronavirus Update on Pets Video

For further information, watch the “COVID-19 Update on Pets” video with Rodney Habib, Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Sarah Caddy of the University of Cambridge.




DIY: Pet-Safe & Natural Sanitizers

With the ongoing shortage of commercial sanitizers, you can make your own pet-safe products with the video below from Dr. Andrew Jones!

Use Pet-Safe and Natural Sanitizers During Coronavirus

 

Veterinarian Andrew Jones’ DIY Pet Safe Natural Soap, Hand Sanitizer & Disinfectant

 

 

As we all move through this uncertain time together, stay safe, healthy and positive!



Equigroomer Tools Makes Pet Grooming Easier!

The EquiGroomer tools offer easy and pain-free brushing with NO pulling or damage to your pet’s topcoat or skin.

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.


Additional Reading:

DIY Tips for Grooming a Dog at Home

Cat Grooming

Rabbit Grooming

Your Pets Unlikely to Get or Give Coronavirus

Can Pets Get Coronavirus (COVID-19) from Humans? Here’s What Vets Know

 Product Images are Courtesy of EquiGroomer

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