COVID and Pets
By now we all know a lot about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to keep you and your family safe. But what about the other, furrier members of the family, your pets?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers some questions and answers to help keep you, your family, and your pets safe during the on-going pandemic.
Q. Can I get COVID-19 from my pet or other animals?
A. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of pets spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 in people is considered to be low. Currently, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. A small number of pet cats and dogs have been reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 in several countries. Most of these pets became infected after having close contact with a person with COVID-19. There are no documented cases of cats or dogs spreading the virus to humans.
Q. If I get sick with COVID-19, could I infect my animal with the virus?
A. We are still learning about this virus, but it appears it can spread from people to animals in some situations. If you are sick or think you are sick with COVID-19, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you limit contact with your animals. This includes petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding. If possible, have another family member care for your pet while you are sick. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with your pets, and wear a face mask.
Q. Should I get my pet tested for COVID-19?
A. No. Routine testing of pets for COVID-19 is NOT recommended. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of pets spreading the virus is low. If your pet is sick, consult your veterinarian.
Q. Can animals carry the virus that causes COVID-19 on their skin or fur?
A. Although we know certain bacteria and fungi can be carried on fur and hair, there is no evidence that viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people from the skin, fur or hair of pets. Do not try and disinfect your pet’s coat and never use hand sanitizer, counter-cleaning wipes or other industrial or surface cleaners; these can penetrate the skin or be licked off and ingested by your pet. If you have recently used any of these products on your pet, or your pet is showing signs of illness after use, contact your veterinarian and rinse or wipe down your pet with water.
Animals can carry other germs that can make people sick, and it is always a good idea to practice good hygiene around pets and other animals, including washing your hands before and after interacting with them.
Q. Are pets from a shelter or rescue centre safe to adopt?
A. There is no reason to think that any animals, including shelter pets, play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
Q. What animal species can get COVID-19?
A. We currently do not fully understand how COVID-19 affects different animal species. We are aware of a small number of pets, including dogs and cats reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after having had close contact with an infected person. Infected pets might get sick or they might not have any symptoms. Of the pets that have become sick, most only had mild illness and fully recovered.
The virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported in minks on farms in the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Sweden and the United States. Because some workers on these farms had COVID-19, it is likely that infected farm workers were the initial source of mink infections. Thereafter it spread from mink to mink, and back to humans from the mink.
Our pets will no doubt pick up on and potentially be stressed by the changes to our lifestyles as we all adapt to the evolving circumstances in the pandemic; we must continue to take care of their health and well-being as well as our own.
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/helpful-questions-and-answers-about-coronavirus-covid-19-and-your-pets
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html