The research and studies regarding COVID-19 are constantly evolving. We recommend everyone please follow the CDC guidelines found here as our understanding of this disease improves.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a novel virus caused by a coronavirus that spread into a global pandemic in 2020. While scientists are still working to understand this illness, it does appear to cause mild symptoms for most humans. Some individuals are at higher risk for severe disease or death.
Can I get COVID-19 from my pet?
According to the CDC, the risk of contracting COVID-19 from your dogs or cats is low. This includes any potential risk of carrying the illness on their skin or fur.
Precautionary measures are recommended by extending basic hygiene practices to include your pets. This would include washing your hands routinely after handling animals and limiting your pet’s exposure to other persons or pets that have had exposure to the illness.
The use of face masks in pets is strongly discouraged as it can cause your dog or cat a lot of harm and distress.
Can my pet get sick from COVID-19?
Domestic animals have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, but the research does not indicate that this is a highly likely scenario.
Most pets that have tested positive for COVID-19 have not been symptomatic and likely contracted the illness by living in close proximity with a COVID-19 positive human. Cats and ferrets are more at risk than dogs for contracting the illness and developing symptoms. Spread from human to animal and animal to animal has been suspected. The bottom line is that, based on our current understanding of the virus, your pets are more at risk of getting covid from you than you are of getting covid from your pets.
I have been exposed or diagnosed with COVID-19, what should I do for my pets?
If you have been exposed or diagnosed with COVID-19 you should treat the animals under your care as you would any other person. Wear a face mask when around your pets, wash your hands frequently, and minimize exposure as much as possible while continuing to care for your pets. Keep your pets at home unless emergency situations arise or if your pet needs immediate healthcare.
Can my pet go to daycare, boarding or be around other pets?
The CDC recommends we protect our pets as if they are another human person in our family. This means limiting your pet’s exposure to others outside your immediate family as much as possible. If you choose to take your pet to a grooming, boarding, or daycare facility then follow that businesses health and safety protocols to limit risk for all involved.
You can reduce this risk by limiting items brought from your home and disinfecting returned items with an EPA-registered disinfectant.
Do not use any chemical disinfectants on your pet including but not limited to hydrogen peroxide, hand sanitizer or counter-cleaning wipes.
Face masks should not be put on household pets.
To learn more about this illness and pets, your ASKVET Care Squad team and licensed veterinarians are standing by to help answer your questions!
