Can Animals Get COVID-19? Is It Transmissible?

The one word answer is “Yes”. Animals can get COVID-19. As far as transmissibility is concerned, there is not much evidence about it. Some coronaviruses may spread from animals to humans, if the theory of SARS-CoV-2 (virus causing COVID-19) originating from bats is correct.^{1}

We should also not forget that animals can get COVID from us. So, if we get infected, we should avoid contact with animals. This includes keeping distance from pets, livestock, and wildlife.^{1}

Most people are concerned about their pets during COVID-19 pandemic. Several questions are lingering in the minds of pet owners, such as: Can dogs get COVID? Can cats get COVID?

In this blog, we will answer them all. 

COVID-19 in Pets 

The risk of COVID-19 virus spreading from animals to humans is considered low. But, there is no evidence of virus transmission from pet’s skin, fur, or hair. If you are a pet owner and suffering from COVID-19, here are some tips for you:^{2}

• Isolate yourself. If you need to provide basic care to your pet, do it with safety. It will be better if someone else can look after your pet.^{2} 
• If you share food and bedding with your pet, avoid that while infected.^{2} 

If your pet still catches infection and falls sick, do not visit the pet, rather take consultation over the phone. If your pet turns out COVID-19 positive, take all the necessary precautions, such as:^{2}

• Isolate your pet in a room. 
• Wear gloves while dealing with your pet’s food, dishes, bedding, waste, etc. 
• Don’t put a mask on your pet. 
• Don’t apply disinfectants on your pet. 
• Use pet-friendly disinfectants to sanitise the belongings of your pet such as bedding, toys, etc.
• Keep common areas of the house sanitised.
• Keep a track of your pet’s symptoms. 
• If your pet’s situation seems to be getting worse, consider taking the vet’s advice.^{2}{3} 

Many infected dogs and cats remained asymptomatic. Serious coronavirus infection in pets is very rare. So, hopefully, you won’t have to face much difficulty in handling your pet’s infection.^{2} 

COVID-19 Symptoms in Pets

• Fever 
• Coughing 
• Sneezing 
• Runny nose 
• Eye discharge 
• Lethargy 
• Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea^{3}  

When to End the Isolation of Your Pet?

• Negative test result is an obvious sign to end the isolation.
• If your pet doesn’t show any symptoms for 72 hours, you may end the isolation. 
• After 14 days of testing positive, you may end your pet’s isolation.^{3} 

Most important thing to remember: Under any circumstances you should not abandon your pet.

To ensure that your pet is healthy and fine, you may keep a record on their health. In case you doubt the beginning of any symptoms, these records will help you get a clear picture. Also, vets are able to diagnose better with an accurate record of symptoms. You may use the records feature of DuePet app to make the records for your pet. 

Download DuePet’s iOS App Now            Download DuePet’s Android App Now

Hopefully, this blog must have answered your questions regarding COVID-19 in animals. If you have more questions, please feel free to write to us. 

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