What Pet Parents Need to Know about Pets and Covid-19

Should we worry that our pets could become infected or even act as a source of COVID-19? Current evidence says, NO!

The world is a bit frightening right now. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads from one person to the next via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it may lurk on surfaces we all regularly touch. We are asked to stay home, keep a 6 ft distance from other people, wash our hands thoroughly several times a day and avoid crowds. I’m beginning to think that I am using so much sanitizer that my urine is regularly disinfecting the toilet bowl.

Many pet owners are familiar with Canine Coronavirus Disease (CCoV) that may cause mild diarrhea in dogs, and Feline Coronavirus Disease (FCoV) that can cause feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats. However, these “animal” coronaviruses are distinctly different variants and not associated with the current COVID-19 outbreak seen today in humans.

Currently, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected with COVID-19 or that dogs or cats can be a source of infection to other animals or to humans.

It’s a good idea to always wash your hands before and after touching your pet or someone else’s pet. In COVID-19 hot spots, you may want to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals. Although there is no evidence that pets get sick from someone with COVID-19, if you do become infected, limit contact with your own dog or cat and have someone in your household take care of him.

With so many people now working from home and with schools, restaurants and parks closed, pet owners have freer, or I call it,“creative time.” While you must keep a proper social distance from your human friends, it’s a great time to take your dog for a walk, play ball in the yard or treat your cat to a new toy. And your pet will relish the added attention. You may not be able to hug a close friend, but if you really need to hug something, hug your dog, cat, rodent or any other pet (maybe not your fish). It will good for everyone because more than ever what the world needs is love, sweet love.

 

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