05 Jul Caring for Your Pets if You Have COVID-19

Yes, dogs and other animals can contract the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, but according to health experts, there is little chance that they will pass it on to people.

The virus has been detected in domestic cats as well. One cat also had vomiting and diarrhea, and other cats developed illnesses with breathing and respiratory issues. Nearly all of the cats who tested positive for COVID-19 had contact with humans.

The virus has also afflicted big cats, including tigers and lions. Four tigers and three lions had coughs and respiratory issues as a result of an outbreak at the Bronx Zoo in New York State, which was probably brought on by an infected worker. At the Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee, there was yet another Malayan tiger epidemic.

Pets shouldn’t worry about obtaining COVID-19 from you, but you should be concerned about them doing so. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should avoid contact with other humans as well as pets, agricultural animals, and wildlife.

“Don’t go close another animal if you wouldn’t go near another person because you’re unwell or you could be exposed,” says Dr. Scott Weese at Ontario Veterinary College.

Can pets contract COVID-19 infection?

According to knowledge available as of November 2020, the COVID-19 virus can infect some animals, however it seems to happen seldom.

Comparatively few dogs and cats have tested positive globally, compared to people. Remember that there are currently millions of human instances of COVID-19 around the world, but less than 100 cats and dogs have tested positive, many of whom have not shown any symptoms or developed an illness.

Can SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus) infected animals convey the illness to people?

On farms in the Netherlands, there was indications that at least two individuals contracted the disease after coming into contact with sick mink. There was also proof that a same incident occurred in Denmark. It is thought that a person originally infected a mink at the farm, and that the sickness then spread from those affected minks to other humans. This is the sole instance of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from animals to humans that has been documented so far. Additionally, there is proof that cats have contracted the disease after coming into contact with sick mink on farms.

Concerns have been expressed in Denmark over the transfer of SARS-CoV-2 from people to mink and back to humans. An SARS-CoV-2 strain that could have emerged during these mink transmission incidents is being looked at by the State Serum Institute (SSI) of the Danish Ministry of Health. The SSI is explicitly investigating whether the mutations (changes) in this virus strain may affect upcoming vaccinations or antibody therapies.

It is essential to remember that mutations are common and happen at random. Instead, the main worry is that more infections in any living thing means more chances for the virus to evolve. Due to the virus’s high susceptibility among mink, farms are at danger of having infections spread quickly. Therefore, the existence of mink farms may make it more difficult to stop the spread and administer therapy for COVID-19.

In what ways should I be ready for COVID-19?

You won’t be able to leave your house for a number of weeks if you contract COVID-19. Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure you have a readily available supply of pet supplies at home so you can take care of your animal when they’re sick.

Additionally, you will probably need to be isolated on your property if you contract COVID-19. This could make taking care of pets a little more difficult. You may take your dog for a stroll here if you have a private yard. You might need to teach your dog to relieve himself indoors if you don’t have a private yard. This might be difficult since after a dog is housebroken, he is typically quite hesitant to go potty indoors.

Use potty pads, pet turf, pet fake grass trays, or another surface for elimination while teaching your pet to relieve themselves indoors. Using incentives and positive reinforcement, teach your dog to relieve himself on that surface just like you did when you housebroke him as a puppy.

How should I care for my pets if I have COVID-19?

Public health authorities advise limiting contact with pets and other animals if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 until more is known about the virus. If you can, keep your cat inside so they can’t socialize with other animals or people. Avoid dog parks and trails, and always keep your dog on a leash and at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from other people and animals.

Until you feel better, it’s best to let a family member take care of your dogs. While ill, you should isolate yourself from your pets in the same way that you would isolate yourself from the other human residents of your home. Leave your pet’s food, walks, playing, and cuddling to a healthy family member, and confine yourself to a single bedroom or bathroom.

You can be forced to take care of your pets alone if you live alone. If so, attempt to minimize touch as much as you can. To lessen the chance of infecting your pets, think about doing the following actions:

Hands should be completely cleaned both before and after handling pets.

Before touching the food and water dishes for your dogs, wash your hands.

Avoid giving your dogs too much cuddle time or kissing.

Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, then discard the tissues in a sanitary manner out of reach of animals. Immediately after coughing or sneezing, wash your hands.

Never feed your pet on your bed, and never share your meals.

If you can, use a mask—even one made of cloth—to limit the spread of droplets.

regular touch surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected.

Do not bring your pet to the veterinarian’s office yourself if you have COVID-19 and they fall unwell. Call your vet and let them know if you have COVID-19 illness. Some clinics provide telemedicine or have other backup plans in place in case sick animals from COVID-19 positive households need to be seen (see handouts “Telehealth and What it Means”, “Telemedicine and How it Works”, and “Preparing for Your Telemedicine Appointment” for more information).