(3/2021) There are many types of corona viruses which exist in the animal and human realms. These tend to be species specific. The new corona virus pandemic is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2 or SARS-Cov-2. This is the virus which can lead to Corona Virus Disease 2019 or COVID-19. This is predominantly spread by human-to-human contact. That is why we need to protect each other by distancing, masking up, washing hands, and hand sanitizing.

If a person is infected with Covid-19, there is the potential for the pet dog, cat, or ferret even to carry it. There is no evidence, to date, that they can spread the disease to people. However, exercising protective measures should be undertaken with pets as well as the other people in the household. Prevention of mixing of the pet with other uninfected people should be done. The infected pet owner should be the sole caregiver for the pet. If that can’t happen, then someone else should be designated as the sole caregiver for the pet. In order to limit contact with that pet, reusable, washable dishwashing gloves should be worn. Those gloves should be washed and the hands should be washed and disinfected after removal of gloves.

Remember the infected person in the house is the greatest risk to those who are uninfected. Certain pets could get infected and some may be able to transmit the virus though this has yet to be confirmed. Dogs, cats (domestic and zoo), and ferrets can acquire SARS-Cov-2. Poultry and pigs do not seem to be susceptible. There have been several high profile stories about 2 dogs in Hong Kong, a cat in Belgium, and a Bengal Tiger at the Bronx Zoo testing positive. There is more information about these cases available from the AVMA and COVID-19 website - www.avma.org

Preventive measures to take with pets are to reduce exposure of pets to a sick individual and keep pets away from other people. Pets that are exposed to sick family members should stay away from those who are unexposed in the family. However, if a person has Covid-19, and has exposed their pet, keep those pets inside, keep them away form other people (even your family members). If you are in self-isolation, keep your dog, cat, or ferret in isolation. Do not let them roam. If an uninfected person must care for an exposed pet, avoid handling the pet where possible. Wear reusable kitchen gloves to handle the pet, food and water bowls, and litter boxes. Once again wash the gloves, remove them, then wash bare hands and sanitize hands afterwards.

COVID-19 is primarily spread by body secretions such as saliva and mucous droplets from sneezing, coughing, and shouting. Pet fur, collars, leashes, and carriers have limited risk of transmission, but don’t stop good hygiene practices. Since routine cleaning is effective against SARS-Cov-2, wash all of these items with soap and water. Disinfectants are highly effective against SARS-Cov-2. One can use rubbing alcohol or 70 % isopropyl alcohol, bleach (diluted), and 0.5% Hydrogen Peroxide.

While it is good to go for a walk with your dog to take a break and get some exercise, don’t let down your guard on social distancing, maintain 6 feet of separation, avoiding public places (dog parks), and gathering. You should not let others pet your dog.

If your pet should get sick in a household that has Covid-19, keep in mind it is more likely to be another illness for that pet. Multiple regulatory agencies, AVMA, USDA, CDC and others, do not recommend routine testing of animals even with upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. There are other more common organisms and diseases to go looking for. Only in very specific situations, might there be an indication to test.

There has not been any evidence so far that any animals, including pets, that may be incidentally infected by humans play a role in the spread of Covid-19. Please share the information that a pet is coming from a COVID-19 household ahead of any visit so the veterinary staff can be prepared ahead of time. Someone who has not tested positive could bring the pet or a telemedicine consult could be arranged.

Information for this article was obtained from an article on Veterinary Information Network’s Veterinary Partner www.veterinarypartner.com Covid-19 FAQ for Pet Owners by Mark Rishniw and Animals and Covid-19 www.avma.org