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CAN YOUR PET CATCH CORONAVIRUS???
Everyone is concerned about the coronavirus pandemic and among the
concerns are our pets. Can they catch it? Can a dog or cat transmit it
to people or other pets?
In present day times of confinement and quarantine having a pet around
is some of the best medicine for whatever ails you (or might ail you)!
The American Kennel Club has been swamped with similar questions since
this whole mess started and here’s what they have to say about you and
your pet’s health status when bonding:
Dogs can contract certain types of coronaviruses, such as the canine
respiratory coronavirus, but this specific novel coronavirus, aka
COVID-19, is believed to not be a health threat to dogs.
The World Health Organization has stated, “There is no evidence that a
dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread
through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or
speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and
thoroughly.”
The CDC says that “while this virus seems to have emerged from an animal
source, it is now spreading from person-to-person.” The CDC recommends
that people traveling to China avoid animals both live and dead, “but
there is no reason to think that any animals or pets in the United
States might be a source of infection with this novel coronavirus.”
Two dogs in Hong Kong whose owners tested positive for COVID-19 have
tested positive for the virus in what health officials characterize as
“likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission.” Local government
health officials emphasize that “there is currently no evidence that pet
animals can be a source of infection of COVID-19 or that they become
sick.”
SAFE TO PET YOUR DOG?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, petting a
dog’s fur is a low risk. The AVMA’s Chief Veterinary Officer Gail Golab
says, “We’re not overly concerned about people contracting COVID-19
through contact with dogs and cats.” And there’s science behind that:
“The virus survives best on smooth surfaces, such as countertops and
doorknobs,” Golab says. “Porous materials, such as pet fur, tend to
absorb and trap pathogens, making it harder to contract them through
touch.”
Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, says, “The CDC
has not reported any cases of pets or other animals becoming infected
with COVID-19 in the United States or anywhere else in the world,
including hotbeds like Italy.” Dr. Klein urges common sense best
practices when it comes to our pets: “If you have children, you wouldn’t
have them touch a puppy and put their fingers in their mouth, because
they can have fecal contamination,” he says. “The general practice of
washing our hands after touching a puppy or a dog—that’s normal
hygiene.”
WALKING THE DOG
Physical and mental exercise are extremely important for dogs and dog
owners alike. Before taking a walk, check your local regulations. As
long as the area where you reside remains safe enough to venture
outside, dog owners feeling healthy and well should plan to continue
walking their dogs daily, albeit with added safety measures. Observe any
local ordinances concerning curfews, even if that means adjusting your
dog walking schedule.
Owners should wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before
and after each walk. Consider carrying around a pocket-sized bottle of
hand sanitizer during your walks. Practice social distancing measures by
walking your dog in uncrowded areas when possible. If you live in a big
city, make efforts to take your dog down less-heavily-trafficked blocks,
or try adjusting walks to less busy times of day and night.
PROTECT YOUR PET
For now, healthy pet owners in the U.S. don’t need to do anything other
than follow basic hygienic precautions such as washing their hands with
soap and water before and after contact with any animal, including dogs
and cats.
If you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel
coronavirus, experts recommend that you should “restrict contact with
[your] animals — both to avoid exposing the pets and to prevent getting
the virus on their skin or fur, which might be passed on to another
person who touches the animal.” To reduce the spread of all germs, you
may consider wiping your pet’s paws when they come in and out of the
house with a paw cleaner and paw wipes.
Dogs do not need a face mask to protect themselves against the novel
coronavirus COVID-19. If you are still concerned or notice a change in
your dog’s health, speak to a veterinarian. And the most important
protection of all: Under no circumstances should owners abandon their
dogs, cats, or other pets because of COVID-19 fears.
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