last posts

Covid 19 and Pets: Can dogs and cats be infected with the Coronavirus?

Can dogs and cats be infected with the Coronavirus
Can dogs and cats be infected with the Coronavirus
 

Can my pet be infected with the new coronavirus (Covid-19)?

While the new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is mostly transmitted from person to person, it can also be transmitted from humans to animals.


Covid-19 is a type of coronavirus. Corona viruses are a family of viruses. Some cause cold-like diseases in humans, while others cause diseases of animals, such as bats. In addition, some corona viruses only infect animals. While the exact source of the origin is unknown, the virus causing Covid-19 is believed to have started in an animal, spread to humans. 


Coronavirus in dogs and cats

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a few pets have been infected with the covid-19 virus including cats and dogs. This mostly occurred after animals closely contacted people infected with the Covid-19 virus. Read also: What diseases of cats are transmissible to humans?


Based on the limited information available, the risk of animal spread to humans is low. Animals don't appear to play a crucial role within the spread of the virus causing Covid-19. There is no evidence that viruses can be transmitted to humans or other animals from pet skin, fur or hair.


However, keep in mind that young children, people with weakened immune systems and people aged 65 or over are more likely to develop some other germs that animals can carry.


To protect your pet from the Covid-19 virus, do not allow your dog or cat to deal with people or animals outside your home. For example:

  • Avoid dog parks or public places where many people and dogs gather.
  • When walking your dog, make sure he's wearing a hood and keep your dog at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from other people and animals.
  • Keep the cats indoors as much as possible.

If you are infected with The Covid-19 virus and you have a pet:

  • Isolate yourself from anyone else, including your pet. If possible, ask someone else in your home to take care of your pet.
  • Avoid foreplay, hugging, kissing or licking and avoid sharing food or bedding with your pet.
  • If you're taking care of your pet or are near animals during your illness, wear a cloth face cover. Wash your hands before dealing with animals, their food, their waste, their contacts and afterwards. Also make sure to clean your pet's leftovers.


If you have COFD-19 and your pet's disease, don't take your pet to the vet yourself. Call the vet instead. He may advise you by a virtual visit or develop another plan to treat your pet. Testing is recommended only for pets who have developed symptoms and have been infected with The Covid-19 virus. Read also: A Guide to Holistic Cat Care for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.


If your pet test results are positive for the virus causing Covid-19, follow an equivalent precautions as if a loved one is infected. Isolate your pet in a separate room away from the rest of your family and keep your pet at home. Wear gloves when dealing with your pet, food, dishes, crap or mattress. Wash your hands after touching any of your pet's belongings. Do not put a lid on your pet's face and do not wipe your pet with disinfectants that can be harmful. If your pet has new symptoms or appears to be getting worse, contact your veterinarian.


If your pet gets sick, there's reason to be optimistic. Of the few dogs and cats confirmed to be infected with the covid-19 virus, some showed no signs of the disease. Pets who contracted the disease had only mild symptoms and could be taken care of at home. None of them died.


If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health and how it may be affected by the Covid-19 virus, contact your veterinarian.


Coronavirus and COVID-19 in Cats, Can my cat get Covid19?


Comments



Font Size
+
16
-
lines height
+
2
-