Covid-19 and Pet Safety
Let’s talk about our furry family members.
Two house cats in New York and a dog in North Carolina have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cats are expected to make full recoveries.
Animal infections with Covid-19 are rare worldwide, however, experts say that the situation is evolving. Based on the limited information we currently have available, “the risk of pets spreading coronavirus to people and other pets is considered to be low.”
Physicians Premier, your ER in Corpus Christi, would like to share some important pointers about how can you protect your pet during the time of covid-19. Note that the information used to answer the questions below are derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We encourage you to visit their site for more details.
Is it possible for me to get covid-19 from my pet?
Pet to human contamination is one of the main concerns about pet owners. From what we know so far, there is very minimal chance that your pet can spread the covid-19 virus.
The authorities recommend that you follow these pet safety guidelines:
- When walking your dog, use a leash and be sure to maintain a distance of at least six feet between your pet, other animals or people.
- Limit your pet’s interaction with people or other animals.
- Keep your pet indoors as much as possible.
- Avoid places like dog parks where many dogs and animals congregate.
Will I infect my pet if I become sick with covid-19?
Treat your pets as you would any family member. If someone in the household is sick, it’s best to isolate themselves. Ensure that your pet maintains social distancing. If you get sick, entrust your pet’s care to a healthy family member or a friend until you are healthy again.
Can my pets carry the virus on their fur and skin?
Pets generally may carry certain fungi or bacteria on their fur. Today, there is still no evidence that viruses can spread from the coat or fur of pets to people.
Just as you would a fellow human, wash your hands before and after interacting with a pet.
We hope these guidelines on how you can protect your pet helps. At Physicians Premier, we understand how important pets can be to us. We cannot treat pets in our emergency room; however, we encourage you to take the necessary precautions and exercise pet safety during this time of covid-19.
Get in touch with your local veterinarian if your pet shows any signs of respiratory issues.
Sources:
“Covid-19 and Animals,” The Ohio State University, 18 May 2020, https://vet.osu.edu/about-us/news/covid-19-and-animals
“Pug in North Carolina Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Researchers Say,” The New York Times, 1 June 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/us/dog-coronavirus-positive-test.html
“Confirmation of COVID-19 in Two Pet Cats in New York,” CDC, 22 April 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0422-covid-19-cats-NYC.html
“Covid-19 and Animals,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html
