The World Health Organization has said “At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/ pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the novel coronavirus.” “The current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human to human transmission.”
“Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.”
The CDC has also stated, “There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.
Although there is no evidence of dogs and cats spreading the coronavirus, your pets can have droplets of the virus on their fur. Reports from Hong Kong said two dogs were infected with the virus but neither showed any symptoms.
17-year-old Pomeranian who tested a weak positive
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The first dog was a 17-year-old Pomeranian who was quarantined after his test confirmed a weak postive result for COVID-19 . After five more tests, he was cleared to go home. The dog was released back to his owner and sadly, passed away three days later. Experts said the dog didn’t die from the virus. Instead, they believe he died from stress related to the quarantine and/or old age. The dog’s owner wouldn’t allow a necropsy to be performed.
The second dog, a two-year-old German Shepherd, who was also diagnosed with the virus lives with a person .who was diagnosed with COVID-19. This dog and a second dog, a mixed breed, in the household have both been quarantined in the same government facility as was the Pomeranian for 14 days. The mixed breed does not have the virus. The dogs were kept in separate kennels.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PETS:
I’ve spoken to two veterinarians who agreed that people can’t get the virus from pets. Here are precautionary steps to take with your pets. The CDC says we should take these cautionary steps because not everything is known about the novel virus.
1. Don’t allow others to pet your dog during this pandemic. Both vets believe droplets from the infected owners were found on the infected dogs’ fur. The droplets can be from coughing, sneezing and petting your dog when infected.
2. As hard as it may be, the CDC states that “You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick, whether confirmed or suspected, with COVID-19, just like you would around other people.”
3. “If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food,” said the CDC. If you are ill from COVID-19, the CDC has recommended another member of the household or someone else take care of your pets while you are sick with the virus.
4 They recommend having another member of your household or family care for your pets while you are sick with coronavirus.
“If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask,” said the CDC.
5. If you must be hospitalized, make sure you have someone who will take care of your pets. Please don’t use this as a reason to surrender or abandon your pets.
6. Keep you and your pets away from others if out for a walk or hike and don’t allow others to pet your dog.
The steps we need to take to keep ourselves and our pets safe are plain common sense. Social distancing seems to be key to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is essential. If you don’t have access to soap/water, use hand sanitizer which is at least 60% alcohol.
It’s also suggested that we regularly clean our pets’ feeding and water bowls , bedding and toys.
Limit your contact with people and pets if you suspect or are confirmed being sick with the virus.
If you don’t have the virus, there are no suggested limitations except for the social distancing.
Above all, please take care of yourself, family and pets. Be safe, healthy and help to stop the spread of this pandemic across the globe. And please don’t use this as a reason to surrender your pet!
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein is a television talk show host, speaker, writer, and an unabashed animal advocate. Her love for animals and quest for the hard truth is what drives her passion for all things animals. She hosts the television show, “A Close Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.” She adores her tripawd, Brody, who was a formerly abused pup who lost his leg because of cruelty inflicted upon him. If you’d like Tina to talk to your group or have a story, please email her at tevangelistaepp@yahoo.com. Like https:www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookatAnimalWelfareIssues and be sure to check out AnimalWelfareIssues.com.
I can’t believe people r giving up their pets out of fear based on panic! Pets don’t deserve that from the people who say they love them. I blame the media for instilling fear into the masses which is y I don’t watch any of them.
I hear what you’re saying about the media but I believe what we need to focus on the fact that people are giving up their pets so easily. There is no evidence to fear our pets will give us COVID-19. The CDC and the WHO both have proclaimed this.
I agree that they are, most likely, giving up their pets out of fear. That is not a good reason.
I feel anyone who can give up their pet so easily perhaps shouldn’t have one.
Thanks for your input.
I see people getting close to each other despite that we’re supposed to distance ourselves socially from them. I don’t know why people can be so stupid at this time. Putting our lives in danger SMH. I hope people aren’t allowing others to pet their dogs we’re going to dog parks now it doesn’t sound safe what do you think?
I understand your concerns, A. I’ve seen most people distancing themselves from others but I’ve also seen quite a few people close to each other when there were was room to distance themselves.
I’ve seen people walking their dogs but not interacting with other people or animals.
I don’t know if people are visiting dog parks with their dogs or not.
All of us need to be smart and diligent in our movements to stay away from others. The sooner all of us cooperate with the restrictions, the better all of us will be
Thanks for your thoughts and be safe and healthy!