The question of whether you can contract COVID-19 from your beloved pets has been a significant concern for pet owners worldwide. It’s natural to worry about the health and safety of both your furry companions and yourself. Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect your pets and family is crucial during these times. This article provides clear, expert-backed information to address your concerns and guide you on what to do if you suspect your pet might be affected.
Can Pets Get COVID-19? Understanding Transmission
It’s important to clarify that while pets can get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, the primary concern is not transmission from pets to humans. According to multiple studies and health organizations, the spread of COVID-19 is mainly human-to-human. Pets, in most cases, are considered to be incidental hosts. This means they can contract the virus, typically from close contact with an infected human, but they are not a significant factor in spreading it further.
However, pets, particularly cats and dogs, are susceptible to the virus. It’s essential to be aware of the signs of illness in your pets and take appropriate measures to ensure their well-being and prevent any potential spread, even if pet-to-human transmission is low risk.
Recognizing COVID-19 Symptoms in Pets
While many pets infected with the virus might show no symptoms at all, some may develop mild illness. It’s vital to monitor your pets for any changes in their health. The common symptoms of COVID-19 in pets are generally similar to those seen in humans, although usually less severe. These can include:
- Fever: An elevated body temperature.
- Cough: Dry or moist coughing.
- Breathing Difficulties: Labored breathing or shortness of breath.
- Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy.
- Sneezing: Frequent sneezing.
- Nasal Discharge: Runny nose.
- Eye Discharge: Discharge from the eyes.
- Vomiting: Throwing up.
- Diarrhea: Loose stool.
If you observe any of these symptoms in your pet, especially if you are or have recently been sick with COVID-19, it’s important to take action and consult your veterinarian.
What to Do If Your Pet Shows Symptoms
If your pet is exhibiting symptoms that concern you, the first step is to contact your veterinarian. It’s crucial not to take your pet directly to the clinic, especially if you are sick with COVID-19. Instead, call your vet and explain the situation, including your own COVID-19 status and your pet’s symptoms.
Many veterinary clinics now offer telemedicine consultations, allowing you to discuss your pet’s condition remotely. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the next steps, which may include home care, arranging for a clinic visit with specific safety protocols, or recommending a COVID-19 test for your pet in certain situations.
If Your Pet Tests Positive for COVID-19: Home Isolation and Care
In some cases, your veterinarian might recommend testing your pet for COVID-19, and if the test comes back positive, home isolation will likely be advised. Just like with humans, isolating your pet helps to prevent potential spread to other animals, even though the risk to humans is low.
If home isolation is recommended, you’ll need to keep your pet at home and restrict contact with other animals and people outside your household. When caring for your sick pet, it’s important to protect yourself by following the same precautions recommended for people caring for an infected person at home, such as wearing a mask and practicing good hygiene.
Cats that test positive should be kept indoors to prevent any potential contact with outdoor animals.
Monitoring Symptoms and Ending Isolation
During home isolation, closely monitor your pet’s symptoms. Keep your veterinarian informed of any changes or worsening of their condition. They may advise you to keep a symptom log to track your pet’s progress.
The duration of home isolation will depend on your veterinarian’s advice. Generally, pets can return to their normal routines when they have not shown symptoms for at least 72 hours without any medical intervention, and it has been at least 14 days since their positive test, or all follow-up tests for current infection are negative. Always follow your veterinarian’s specific recommendations to ensure it’s safe for your pet to be around other people and animals again.
In conclusion, while pets can contract COVID-19, the risk of transmission from pets to humans is considered low. Focus on managing your own risk of infection and practice good hygiene when interacting with your pets, especially if you are sick. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, always consult with your veterinarian for the best course of action.
