Should We Be Worried About Our Pet During Pandemic? — Ameni Coco
According to CDC, several zoo cats have shown symptoms of respiratory illness following probable contact with an employee infected with COVID-19.
Now you will wonder so what about our pets in the city? We thought our pets were safe from this highly contagious virus until now. What is the truth and should we hide our pets from the outside world now? Or now we need to take extra steps to protect our dogs and cats from the virus?
Let find out more in the article based on the recent researches and discoveries that might answer your questions.
CAN HUMANS TRANSMIT VIRUS TO ANIMALS?
Coronavirus is spreading at a high speed in society, it has been reported that there is a possibility of infection in animals who are in close contact with humans infected with COVID-19 based on Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, a certain number of cases of COVID-19 in dogs and cats have also been reported worldwide.
The cases to date are very isolated but the risk of pets being infected with this disease still seems very low. No scientific study officially confirms the risk of transmission of the virus to our pets, even though some studies are carried out to better understand the transmission of COVID-19 in animals.
As of March 25 2020, tests have been done on 17 dogs and 8 cats living in families affected by COVID-19, and only two dogs have tested positive for the virus. However, it is not prudent to draw conclusions from such an experiment, given the low number of subjects tested.
CAN DOGS AND CATS INFECT HUMANS WITH THE VIRUS?
To date, based on limited information, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be relatively low.
In the beginning, the virus is suspected to have an animal source (possibly a bat) and to originate from a live animal market, the virus is now spread from person to person by droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or splitters. There might be a minority of pets that can possibly catch the virus, but it doesn't mean that dogs and cats can infect humans. It’s unnecessary to remove an animal or pet from a house, but if someone gets the Covid-19 is unable to take care of the pet, they can give it to someone or an organization to take care of the pet temporarily.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT OUR ANIMALS FROM COVID-19?
If someone catches the coronavirus, you should limit contact with your pets as much as possible, just as you would do with those living with you.
If this is your situation, ask someone else in the house to feed your pet, for example. Avoid petting your dog or cat and do not share table food with them. If nobody can help you at home, wash your hands well before and after any contact with your pet.
In short, how to protect your animal from COVID-19:
- If you are sick, ask someone else in your house to take care of your pet.
- If you are sick, avoid touching, petting, or sharing food.
- Wash your hands frequently and cough in your elbow.
- If your dog comes into contact with someone who is contaminated, bathe him with water and pet shampoo.
- Keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash when you walk. The virus can survive for a while on their coat, following contact with an infected person.
- Strengthen your pet’s immune system
More generally, even if you are not sick, you can protect your companion by making sure you have stored enough food and medication in the event that you become ill and need to be quarantined.
A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM IS THE BEST ASSET FOR FIGHTING A VIRUS
An effective and strong immune system is the best way to protect anyone (animal or human) from COVID-19 or any other virus.
It’s the same principle for any disease.
The body has all the defenses necessary to fight an intruder. It is therefore important to make sure you adopt a healthy lifestyle and a good diet to be sure of putting the odds on your side and on the side of your pet.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 IN ANIMALS?
As mentioned above, the tiger in New York with COVID-19 had respiratory symptoms.
Some pets who have had this coronavirus have shown no clinical symptoms.
The cases are still too sporadic and the studies too early to draw conclusions. It is therefore difficult to answer this question at the moment.
HOW DOES CORONAVIRUS MANIFEST IN HUMANS?
The new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, can severely affect some people and cause their death. This new coronavirus causes damage to the respiratory system and has the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
Similar to the flu virus, the symptoms may be minor for some and severe for others, depending on how effective their immune system is at fighting the intruder.
In immunocompromised people, a secondary bacterial infection (pneumonia, for example) can develop and complicate the state of health of those affected.
CAN CORONAVIRUS IN DOGS SPREAD TO HUMANS?
According to current knowledge, dogs cannot transmit coronavirus to humans, regardless of the type. However, it can transmit other types of viruses, bacteria, or fungi. So, if you are unsure about your dog’s diagnosis, it’s best to check with a vet in order to limit the risk of transmission.
In summary, pets are probably not immune to COVID-19. Although the cases listed are rare at the moment, it is prudent to use precautionary measures in the event that you become ill, in order to protect your dog or cat.
There is still no need to construct a facial mask for your doggie, but if you are sick, physical distancing and hand washing will also be useful to prevent the possible transmission of the virus to your animals.
Additionally, strengthening your pet’s immune system helps ensure they have the best defenses against a virus.
Studies are underway to teach us more about this disease in our pets. These experiments take time, so you will have to be patient.
The whole planet is mobilizing to bring us good news as quickly as possible. Until then, it’s important not to jump to any conclusions. Let us take advantage of our isolation to spend quality time with our pets, who themselves benefit from our company more than ever.
We are living in a time of exceptional, historic, and difficult crisis. We are a team, let’s support each other through this event.
Reference:
Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases
