Can your pet get you sick from COVID-19? Here’s what the CDC wants you to know
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the daily lives and choices of people for the past two years, and even as restrictions begin to ease, some questions about pets remain unanswered.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the coronavirus pandemic not only affects people but also animals, and the CDC states that more studies need to be done to understand more about how animals are affected by COVID-19.
Here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 and your pets:
Do animals get the same type of COVID-19 as humans?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, meaning there are many different kinds. Just as some coronaviruses cause illness in people, different types of coronaviruses cause illness in different animals. Some coronaviruses cause illness in animals such as bats, camels, and cattle, while a different coronavirus causes illness in canines and felines. According to the CDC, the types of coronavirus that cause illness in these animals do not cause illness in people. Pets can become seriously ill from the virus that causes COVID-19, but this is extremely rare.
Can animals spread the virus to humans?
According to the CDC there is an extremely low probability of an animal spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) to people.
Bellingham Veterinary is encouraging citizens to keep their families and pets healthy by washing your hands, especially after coughing, sneezing, or contact with others or animals, and to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. If you have any symptoms of illness, stay home and limit your contact with your pets. If you have COVID-19, Bellingham Veterinary advises avoiding any physical contact with animals.
Bellingham Veterinary is also offering curbside service appointments for animals, and home delivery for your pet’s medicines and prescription foods to help slow the spread of the virus to you and your loved ones. With curbside appointments, simply stay in your car as your pet is taken from your car, inside for their appointment, and returned after they have been helped. To make an appointment for your pet, call 360-734-0720 or request an appointment online.
Can humans spread the virus to animals?
Although there is no evidence that animals can spread COVID-19 to humans, the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals during close contact. The CDC recommends that people experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who have tested positive to COVID-19 avoid contact with animals, including home pets, livestock and wildlife.
What do I do if my pet seems sick?
The CDC recommends that if your pet is sick and showing side effects of COVID-19, contact your veterinarian. Animals who have SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 may have symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, shortness of breath, a fever, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or eye discharge.
If your pet is sick, talk to a veterinarian, as they will be able to give you more information on how to care for your specific pet if they are sick or have COVID-19.
The CDC also warns against putting masks on our pets, as they could harm them, and advises pet owners to not use harmful disinfectant products on their pet. Do not wipe or bathe animals with chemical disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes or other cleaners.
This story was originally published February 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM.
