COVID-19 AND PETS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that primarily affects the respiratory system. The virus most commonly infects humans, but it has also been detected in several animal species, including cats, dogs, ferrets and some wildlife. Examples include cats, dogs, ferrets and wildlife species. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many pet owners have wondered whether their pets can become infected or transmit the virus.

Currently available data indicate that pets may contract the virus when exposed to an infected human via direct contact; however, pets do not represent a major vector for transmitting the virus to humans. Having accurate information will enable pet owners to take action to protect both themselves and their pets from contracting the virus and avoid panic or misinformation.

Can Pets Get COVID-19?

Yes, certain types of pets can contract the virus that causes COVID-19. Cats appear to be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection than dogs, although both species usually develop mild illness.

Infected pets typically acquire the virus from a household family member (usually a primary caregiver) who contracts COVID-19. Typically, infected pets will display no symptoms whatsoever, while other infected pets will experience mild symptoms that resolve quickly and without complication. Although acquisition of the virus is possible, it appears to be less common in pets compared to human infections.

How Does COVID-19 Spread to Pets?

COVID-19 is thought to spread from humans to animals in essentially the same manner as it does between humans. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets formed from coughing, sneezing or proximity to infected persons.

Factors which could increase a pet’s susceptibility to acquiring COVID-19:

• Being in close contact with a person with COVID-19
• Coughing, sneezing or breathing around your pets
• Sleeping next to your pet while you are ill
• Close face to face contact.

Symptoms in Pets

The majority of Pets infected with the virus will exhibit little or no symptoms. Some pets will show no symptoms at all.

• Mild coughing
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Mild fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Eye discharge or irritation

These signs are not specific to COVID-19 and may also be caused by many other respiratory or digestive illnesses. Therefore, a pet exhibiting signs related to their respiratory system or digestive system does not necessarily mean it has contracted COVID-19.

Risk of developing serious illness

While most Pets develop mild illness or remain asymptomatic as a result of contracting COVID-19, some Pets may be at an increased risk of developing serious illness.

Older pets and those with underlying medical conditions may have a higher risk of developing more severe illness.

While both dogs and cats have been shown to contract COVID-19, cats appear to be more susceptible to infection; however, while this is true, severe illness remains uncommon in both dogs and cats.

Pet owner concerns

Pet owners have several concerns regarding the contraction of COVID-19 in their Pets. Many of these concerns revolve around the potential for household transmission rather than concerns about how severe the disease will be for their pet. Fortunately, there is currently limited scientific data suggesting that Pets are a significant source of COVID-19 infections for humans.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians do not recommend routine diagnostic Testing for COVID-19 in each instance where a pet is experiencing respiratory symptoms, vomiting or diarrhea, etc.

In general, veterinarians will initially eliminate more common reasons for a pet’s cough, sneezing or other gastrointestinal symptoms before considering a diagnosis of COVID-19. If a pet has developed symptoms that suggest exposure to someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19, a veterinarian may consider testing in conjunction with local veterinary and public health officials.

A veterinarian would need to collect a sample from your pet’s nose or throat, which would then be submitted to a laboratory for specialized Testing.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment routinely recommended for pets with COVID-19. In the event that your pet contracts COVID-19, supportive care should enable them to recover.

Supportive care provided to your pet during recovery may include:

• Hydration
• Adequate food intake
• A quiet environment for rest
• Monitoring your pet for increasing symptoms

In instances where your dog/cat exhibits extreme difficulty breathing or has pre-existing health conditions, your veterinarian may provide you with additional care instructions.

Protecting Your Pet

Taking easy precautions to limit how much COVID-19 is transmitted to your pet is recommended in case you contract COVID-19 or suspect that you might.

Recommended Precautions

• Limit close contact with your pet while you are sick (face-to-face) as much as possible
• Avoid kissing or hugging
• Wash your hands thoroughly before & after touching/petting your pets
• Ask someone else at home to care for your pet if possible
• If you’re sick and need to care for your pet, wear a mask while interacting with the animal

You can use these same safety measures as those you would use to reduce person-to-person transmissions.

Prevention

The most effective method for protecting your pet from COVID-19 is limiting its exposure to an individual who has contracted the disease. Maintaining high levels of personal hygiene and getting veterinary care if your pet shows signs of being unwell will aid in maintaining its general health.

In addition to the above recommendations, routine veterinary care, vaccination against other infectious diseases, good nutrition and regular physical activity help keep your pet healthy.

Additionally, owners should never administer human medication to their pets without specific direction from a veterinarian.