Can My Dog Get/Give Me COVID-19?
What You Need to Know About Your Pet and Coronavirus
Tigers, cats, and Coronavirus. Oh my! There has been some misinformation and concern due to the news of the Tiger in New York and two pets in Hong Kong that tested positive with Coronavirus. The truth is that pets cannot spread Coronavirus to humans.
We want to share with you what we have learned about pets and COVID-19 so you can keep loving on your companions without fear or hesitation.
Can pets infect humans with COVID-19?
“At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including dogs and cats, can spread COVID-19 to people or that they might be a source of infection in the United States,” the Center for Disease Control (CDC) says.
What should I do if I think my pet has COVID-19?
Call ahead to your veterinary clinic so they can prepare the facility. When you call, “make sure to tell your veterinarian if your animal has been exposed to a person sick with COVID-19, and if your animal is showing any signs of illness,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says.
“This is an evolving situation, however, routine testing of zoo or personal animals is not recommended at this time,” the USDA says.
How can I protect my pet if I am sick?
Again, the CDC reported that there is no evidence our furry companions can get us sick. If you are sick it is best to limit contact with pets in the same way you would with humans. Out of an abundance of caution, there are a few things we can do, as recommended by the CDC:
“When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick.
Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.”
The best thing you can do is keep loving your pet as they are the best stress relief during this time. At Big Dog Ranch Rescue it is our goal to keep pets in their loving homes. If you have any further questions or need some encouragement during this time, please call us!
Katie Billmaier, DVM and her dog Logan AKA Puppy Love