Pet Blog > COVID-19 and Your Pets, What to Know
COVID-19 and Your Pets, What to Know
As soon as fear surrounding COVID-19 started spreading, a significant topic of debate was whether animals could get COVID-19 or not. There are people on both sides, and it drove many people to abandon their pets in fear of catching the virus from them. On the other hand, many pet lovers are concerned about their furry friends catching the virus. For starters, coronavirus is an umbrella term used for a number of different viruses. Some affect people, while others infect animals, such as the canine and feline coronavirus.
Some people reported that they received coronavirus from their pets. Also, many people claim that their pets caught COVID-19. Some experts suggest that this may have happened because of two deadly types of coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). All these viruses spread due to bats.
There is some evidence that some pets get COVID-19, but they only experience mild symptoms. Many pets didn't even show any symptoms, which is good news for pet lovers. Serious symptoms and illness in pets are extremely rare. So, if you are looking for a solution to protect your pet from the virus, you are in the right place.
Can Dogs Get the Coronavirus?
A few people reported that their dogs were infected with the virus. To shed some light on this, experts explained that it is possible for a dog to get the virus if an infected person comes in close proximity to one. So, if you have tested positive for COVID-19, maintain a safe distance from your dogs.
Can Cats Get the Coronavirus?
People also claimed that their cats got infected with the virus. Although it is rare, it's still best to be careful. Researchers also noticed positive test results with the zoo animals. Early studies suggest that cats are likely to suffer from the virus. Furthermore, they show severe symptoms and can pass the virus to other cats as well. Two domestic cats from the UK tested positive for COVID-19. They caught the virus from humans, and they developed mild to severe symptoms.
Numbers of COVID Cases Reported in Animals
HAll over the world, there have only been a few reported cases of animals getting COVID-19. In some of them, dogs caught the virus after a member of the family tested positive for COVID-19. Vets have reported that some large cats, including lions and tigers, caught the virus as well. Four tigers and three lions in the Bronx Zoo, New York City, were infected after coming in close contact with a zookeeper. They developed respiratory problems and symptoms like coughing. Another case with infected Malayan tigers was reported in Zoo Knoxville, Tennessee.
Also, minks showed coronavirus symptoms in various European and American farms. Vets noticed that the animals were showing breathing problems, which is a clear sign of COVID-19. So far, Syrian hamsters and pet ferrets didn't develop the virus. But, various studies suggest that they are vulnerable to the virus and can develop respiratory disorders. So far, no other cases have been reported in animals. Nevertheless, you still need to be careful and keep pets at a distance if you've tested positive.
Can I Get Coronavirus From My Pets?
Fortunately, there is no evidence suggesting that pets can transfer the virus to people. Although, it could be that we have yet to conclude it since there is a lack of studies on the subject.
Can My Pet Get Tested for Coronavirus?
Yes, COVID-19 can infect your pets. But before you jump to conclusions, take your pet to the veterinarian. The vet will diagnose your pet's condition to see if they have a common illness. If they can't identify the actual cause of the symptoms, they will consult the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the test. This department conducts animal testing and will suggest the best specialist for appropriate treatment. For concerns and questions, contact your pet's veterinarian.
How Should I Prepare my pet if Your get COVID-19 ?
If you test positive for COVID-19, quarantine yourself from the rest of your family for at least two weeks. Since you may also need to keep a distance from your pet, ask your family and friends to take care of them. If you cannot find any help to cater to your pet, make sure to disinfect your hands before feeding them.
Of course, it can be challenging when you have dogs. To keep your canine companion happy, you must take them for a walk. If you have a yard, give them some outdoor time daily. If you don't have a private lawn, train him or her to stay indoors using pet turf, potty pads, and artificial grass trays. For training, you need to use the same techniques that you used when your dog was a puppy. You can use positive reinforcement and treats.
Put the dog on a leash and walk them to the new elimination area. That way, they will reinforce the idea of eliminating in the new area. Of course, you can hire a pet sitter, dog walker, or alternative care if you can afford it. Before hiring a dog walker, consult with them to see if they can handle your dog. Also, make sure that they know how to look after dogs while maintaining a safe physical distance. You can find plenty of resources on the internet for effective techniques for taking care of pets during COVID-19. Here are some essential items that you need to stock for at least one month:
Pet food
Pet medication (such as heartworm and flea preventives)
Pet toys
Cleaning supplies
Pet turf or potty pads for elimination
Cat litter
You can order these supplies online to maintain social distancing. Make sure that you also have the contact details of a trusted pet sitting service or dog walker that knows your pet available.
Concluding Thoughts
Make sure that you arrange all the resources from now, so you don't have to worry about your pet while you are sick. If you are hospitalized, contact a dog walker, pet sitter, or daycare center to look after your pet while you recover. They can look after your pet without compromising on safety precautions.
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