What should pets do if their owners are infected with COVID-19? First, they don’t need to wear masks.

If pet owners are unfortunately infected with the new coronavirus, how can they protect their pets at home? The good news is that the probability of common pets such as cats and dogs developing serious symptoms due to infection with the new coronavirus is very small , but we still need to pay attention to protecting our furry children.

In some cases, the coronavirus can be transmitted from people to animals, especially when the animals are in close contact with infected people. Records of cats and dogs being infected with the coronavirus have been reported in many parts of the world, but the overall numbers are relatively small.

Based on current information, the risk of pets transmitting COVID-19 to people is low . Here are some tips from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):

How to protect your pets from COVID-19

Pet owners and everyone in the household who is eligible should be vaccinated (this is also for the good of humans themselves).

Pets should be avoided from contact with people infected with the new coronavirus.

If possible, do not allow your pet to come into contact with unvaccinated people outside the household.

Do not put masks on your pets as they may harm them.

There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through the skin or hair of pets. Do not wipe or bathe pets with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or other products, and do not use hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, various industrial cleaners, surface cleaners, etc. to wash pets.

If you are infected with the coronavirus

While you are sick, avoid contact with pets or other animals, including petting, snuggling, kissing or licking, sharing food, and sleeping in the same bed.

If possible, have another family member care for your pet.

If you must care for a pet or come into contact with other animals while you are sick, wear a mask and wash your hands before and after contact with animals .

If you are concerned about your pet being infected with the coronavirus

Pets infected with the coronavirus may experience no symptoms or only mild symptoms and recover fully .

Symptoms of illness in your pet may include: fever, cough, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, lethargy, sneezing, runny nose, eye discharge, vomiting or diarrhea.

If your pet becomes sick after being exposed to someone with COVID-19, consult your veterinarian and share the information. Your veterinarian may be able to provide telemedicine consultations or other options, and may also want to rule out other more common pet respiratory illnesses. Let your veterinarian assess your pet's condition and decide on the next steps for treatment and care.

Do not feed human medications to your pets without authorization .

Routine testing of pets for COVID-19 is not recommended.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19 for pets. Do not abandon or kill your pets because of COVID-19

The new coronavirus is mainly transmitted between people through close contact. There is currently no reliable evidence that common pets can transmit the new coronavirus to humans. Do not transfer, abandon, or kill your pets because you are worried about the new coronavirus.

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Compiled by: Maya Blue

Editor: Old Cat

Compiled from: CDC: What You Need to Know About COVID-19 and Pets

Source of title image and images in the article: Pixabay

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