Coronavirus and Pets
As we all bravely make our way through this new and different time, we know many of you are concerned about your pets. Can you get COVID-19 from them? Can they get it from you? When it comes to the coronavirus and pets, you probably have lots of questions! Chances are you’ve “googled” them, but in case you haven’t, or you’re looking for updated information, we’ve compiled a list of resources for you.
From the CDC: Coronavirus and Pets
- Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people and others cause illness in certain types of animals.
- Coronaviruses that infect animals can become able to infect people, but this is rare.
- We do not know the exact source of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- We do not have evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.
- We do not have evidence to suggest that imported animals or animal products imported pose a risk for spreading the 2019 novel coronavirus in the United States.
- Read the full article here.
From the AKC’s experts:
Can dogs contract COVID-19?
Dogs can contract certain types of coronaviruses, such as the canine respiratory coronavirus, but this specific novel coronavirus, aka COVID-19, is believed to not be a health threat to dogs.
The World Health Organization has stated, “There is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.”
Read the rest of the AKC article here.
To be clear, if you’re sick with the Coronavirus or THINK you might have it, the CDC does say:
Just in case, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with COVID-19 have someone else walk and care for their companion animals while they are sick. And people should always wash their hands after snuggling with animals anyway, as companion pets can spread other diseases to people, according to the CDC. Keeping these precautions in mind, a Hong Kong animal welfare organizations emphasized that pet owners are highly unlikely to catch COVID-19 from their animals.
“We wish to remind the public that there is no evidence that companion animals can transmit the disease to humans,” Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the largest independent animal welfare charity group in Hong Kong, said in a statement, according to the Post. “Currently, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare,” the World Organisation for Animal Health added in a statement.
If you need help caring for your pet right now, call us and we’ll help you find someone! (970) 245-2526.
