Can my pets spread COVID-19?
Anika H. Ahmed MD
Pets are loved members of many households and need to be cared for. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there is concern for humans as well as animals. Ongoing clinical trials, research, limited available information, and data collected about the novel Coronavirus causing COVID-19 indicate that pets cannot spread the Coronavirus directly to humans. Conversely, the risk of pets getting COVID-19 from humans is fairly low but still possible. There have been a few reports of some cats and dogs testing positive for Coronavirus but that was documented only after those pets were exposed to people who tested positive for COVID-19. Among the animals, somehow cats are more prone to get COVID-19 from humans than dogs, and recently a tiger in a New York zoo tested positive as well. Animals can get Canine and Feline Coronavirus but that does not get transmitted to humans.
Since it has been documented in a few cases that humans who test positive for Coronavirus can transmit it to animals, it is highly recommended to avoid taking care of pets while down with COVID-19. This would include avoiding touching, petting, hugging, feeding, or sharing food or a bed with the pet. In addition to this, pets should not be allowed to lick or huddle close to a person positive with Coronavirus. Some health experts believe that Coronavirus can be carried on the skin and fur of an animal. For this reason, the frequent washing of hands for at least twenty seconds is highly recommended before and after touching the pet. Walking a dog is permissible due to necessity, as long as the dog is on a leash and six feet of distance is maintained from others. All dog parks should be avoided as that is where people and pets huddle together in groups and could risk being exposed to the Coronavirus. These basic, necessary precautions will help in keeping all humans and their beloved pets safe.
In case a pet falls ill and shows symptoms of Coronavirus infection, do not take the pet to an animal hospital or clinic immediately. Upon observing the first symptom of the illness, such as fever, cough, breathlessness, fatigue, or feeling of ill being, immediately call a veterinarian. Keeping in touch with a veterinarian on a telecommunications platform is highly recommended. A veterinarian can discuss and advise through a video call or chat, and pets can be managed at home safely. In case the veterinarian suggests testing the animal, the local health department should be contacted for more information on testing. Designated testing centers in certain states provide testing of animals in addition to humans, when advised by veterinarians and doctors. Always call ahead before showing up at the testing center for more efficient, speedy and easy testing.