Can you disinfect your dog?

[MrsTumbletap]

So slightly lighthearted, but there is some truth to it.

On the telly this morning they were talking about how dogs could pick up traces of the virus on their fur when outside and then transfer it to us when we stroke them.

So is there a way to safely anti bac them? Could we run an anti bac wipe over them?

Give them a quick wash in the sink with warm water and soap?

Put alcohol gel on our hand and then rub it over them?

If they lick their fur would it poison them?

I am genuinely interested to see if there is a way to clean them quickly after walk, or just accept that there isn't a safe way to do it.

[Maggie90]

I was wondering whether to bath my cat!!!

Husband told me to stop being so silly. I’m still considering it. Will feel very mean though.

[Veronicat]

Please don't bath the cat. It strips their fur of the oils that protect it and make them waterproof.
You can buy special wipes from pet shops.

[Floralnomad]

This is one of the reasons why , as a high risk person , I’m not taking my dog out - he gets 20 mins twice a day in the garden playing chase and hide the ball , then gets wiped down with a wet wipe just in case . It’s far from ideal but he has had periods before when he’s not been out because of ailments to him or myself and he’s always been ok with it . In normal times he gets 60-90 minutes a day over 2 walks mainly offlead .

[Scattyhattie]

How long would virus survive on plants its about only thing dog brushes up and as
I'm distancing wouldn't think they'd get close enough for droplet contact. Tbh I was more concerned about dogs getting Alabama rot before lockdown as a couple had died locally.

[BlueGheko]

No please don't use harsh products on your dog, a bath with shampoo would be fine if you want to but advice is to keep your dog away from other people and dogs and wash your hands before and after petting your dog (no-one outside you household should be getting near enough to pet him).

[Yallreadyforthis]

There are activities that I'm happy to take a risk for. Petting my dog is one of them....

[MrsTumbletap]

@Floralnomad but would just a 'wet wipe' do anything, other than make them a bit wet? Does it have any antibacterial type stuff in it?

[Floralnomad]

Probably not but as he’s only in a private garden I hope he’s not picking much up . I always wipe him over after a walk anyway as it stops him being stinky .

[BiteyShark]

There are activities that I'm happy to take a risk for. Petting my dog is one of them....

Me too.

Also I am not disinfecting my groceries like lots of people are on MN so I am certainly not going to be doing the same to my dog.

[jinxpixie]

canine and Feline sector suggest wiping dog with a dispoable wipe or damp clean cloth (if walking dog for a shielded person) so I guess it can be done.

[MrsTumbletap]

@jinxpixie thank you that is helpful. So the advice is just a wet damp cloth and doesn't talk of anything antibacterial, which makes sense I suppose.

[MotherOfAllNameChanges]

Just bath them?

[JKScot4]

You cannot get C19 from your dog, WHO issued a statement due to all the nonsense!
Walk your dogs and if you’re social distancing nobody should be patting them.
If you’re that obsessed, a brisk rub down with a rough towel will be fine🙄

[PeachesAndPops]

Antibacterial doesn’t work on viruses anyway...

[Plentyofpets]

Spray with Leucillin, it kills the virus. Dogs can carry the virus on their coats as can any surface.