It’s natural to worry about our furry friends during a pandemic, and pet owners often ask, “Can You Give Pets Covid?”. The good news is that while pets can indeed be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, it’s usually not a serious concern. Infected pets may or may not show symptoms, and when they do, the illness is typically mild. Serious cases in pets are extremely rare, and most recover fully with home care.
If your pet does become sick with the virus, symptoms are generally mild and manageable at home. Keep an eye out for these signs that could indicate your pet has COVID-19:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Eye discharge
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
If your pet is exhibiting these symptoms and you’re concerned it could be related to COVID-19, the first step is to reach out to your veterinarian.
Crucially, if you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet starts showing signs of illness, do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Instead, call your vet and inform them of your COVID-19 status. Many veterinarians now offer telemedicine consultations or have specific protocols in place for treating pets from COVID-positive households.
What Happens If Your Pet Tests Positive for COVID-19?
Depending on your pet’s condition and symptoms, your veterinarian might recommend home isolation. This is similar to how people isolate when they have COVID-19.
If home isolation is recommended and you can care for your pet at home, it’s essential to keep them home and only leave for necessary veterinary care. Protect yourself while caring for your sick pet by following the same precautions advised for people caring for someone with COVID-19 at home. This includes good hygiene practices.
For cats that test positive for the virus, it’s especially important to keep them indoors. Do not allow cats with confirmed COVID-19 to roam outside to prevent potential spread.
Monitoring Your Pet’s Symptoms During Recovery
Closely monitoring your pet’s symptoms during home isolation is vital. If you notice any new symptoms developing or if their condition seems to be worsening, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Always adhere to all care instructions provided by your veterinarian. They may advise you to keep a written record of your pet’s symptoms to track their progress.
When Can Your Pet Come Out of Home Isolation?
Follow your veterinarian’s guidance on when it is safe for your pet to interact with other people and animals again. Generally, your pet can resume normal activities when they meet these criteria:
- Your pet has not shown any symptoms for at least 72 hours (three full days) without the aid of any medication or medical treatment.
AND:
- It has been a minimum of 14 days since your pet’s initial positive COVID-19 test.
OR
- If your veterinarian recommends follow-up testing, all subsequent tests for active infection come back negative.
By following these guidelines and staying in close contact with your veterinarian, you can ensure the best possible care for your pet if they happen to contract the virus that causes COVID-19. Remember, while “can you give pets covid” is a valid concern, the risk of serious illness in pets remains very low.
