There is still much unknown about the novel coronavirus and how it affects animals, but the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released some guidelines on what to do if you think your pet may have contracted COVID-19.
If you or someone in your household is sick with COVID-19, the CDC recommends that you limit contact with your pets as much as possible. This means avoiding sharing food, kisses, or close snuggles. You should also wash your hands before and after contact with your pet, just as you would with any other surface.
That said, there is no evidence that dogs or cats can spread COVID-19 to people. In fact, of the few pets that have been tested for the virus, most have come back negative.
If your pet does become ill and you suspect it may be COVID-19, please contact your veterinarian. They will likely refer you to a specialist center for testing and treatment. At this time, there are only a handful of these centers in the United States.
What to do if you are infected with Covid-19?
As always, if you are sick with any respiratory illness, it is important to practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the virus. This means covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, washing your hands often, and avoiding close contact with people and animals.
There still remains much unknown about how exactly COVID-19 spreads from person to person, but it is thought to be primarily through respiratory droplets. It is unclear if the virus can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, but it is thought to be a secondary method of transmission. As such, it is important to practice good hygiene no matter where you are.
While there have been no reports of pets spreading COVID-19 to people, it is still important to take precautions if you are sick. If you must interact with your pet, wash your hands before and after, and avoid sharing food or close contact. If possible, have someone else in your household take care of your pet until you recover.
What are some symptoms of Covid-19 in pets?
While some pets may be asymptomatic, the cases that have gotten sick only showed mild symptoms. It is very rare for Covid-19 infected pets to have serious illness or symptoms. Covid-19 symptoms in pets are similar to that in humans. According to the CDC, some of the symptoms include; Fever, Coughing, Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, Lethargy, Sneezing, Runny nose, Eye discharge, Vomiting, Diarrhea.
How to protect your pet’s health against Covid-19?
There is currently no evidence that companion animals can spread COVID-19 to people. However, it is still important to take precautions to protect your pet’s health. Here are some things you can do:
– Keep your pet up to date on their vaccinations and routine vet care. This will help them stay healthy and reduce the risk of them contracting any diseases, including COVID-19.
– Avoid taking your pet to crowded places where there is a higher risk of exposure to the virus. This includes animal shelters, dog parks, and boarding facilities.
– If you are sick with COVID-19, limit contact with your pet as much as possible and have someone else take care of them if possible. If you must take care of your pet yourself, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.
– Keep up with good hygiene practices for both you and your pet. This includes washing your hands often, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in your home, and grooming your pet regularly.
It is also important to keep up with regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations for your pet, as this will help to protect them from other diseases. Vaccinations are especially important for puppies and kittens, as they are more susceptible to infections. Puppies and kittens should also be kept away from other animals, as they can easily contract diseases.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help keep your pet healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on COVID-19 and animals, please visit the CDC website or speak to your veterinarian. Together, we can help prevent the spread of this virus and keep our pets healthy and safe.
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