Nearly 100 Pet Dogs Have Contracted COVID-19 In The US

The COVID-19 has affected hundreds of thousands of Americans in the last year. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Humans are not alone.”

According to a new report, nearly 100 pet dogs are said to have contracted the virus, mostly after close contact with an infected person.

Tips To Reduce The Spread Of COVID-19 In Dogs

The CDC advises pet parents to treat their pets as they would other human family members — do not let pets interact with people outside the household. The infected pets might not show any COVID-19 symptoms. Also, the pets that have gotten sick, most were only mildly ill and then fully recovered.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading to their animals, pet owners should limit their pet’s interaction with people outside their household.  The CDC has also recommended following these additional tips to keep you and your pets safe:

• Pets or other animals should not be allowed to roam freely, and dogs should be kept indoors.
• Avoid public places where a large number of people gather.
• Do not put a mask on pets. Masks could harm your pet.

Also, you’ll be worried about getting contracted with the COVID-19 from your infected pet. But according to the CDC, “There is no evidence that the virus can spread to people from their pet’s skin, fur, or hair.”

What if you test positive for the COVID-19?

If you are sick with COVID-19, either suspected or confirmed by a test, restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just as you would with people.

• Ask another member of your household to care for your pets while you are sick.
• Avoid contact with your pet including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, sharing food and sleeping in the same bed.
• Make sure to wear a mask when your pet is around
• also, don’t forget to wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

If you are sick with COVID-19, and your pet becomes sick, the CDC advises that you do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Instead, contact your veterinarian and let them know you have been sick with COVID-19. Some clinics may offer telemedicine consultations or other plans for seeing sick pets.

At this time, the CDC says there has been no evidence that animals are playing a significant role in the spread of COVID-19, but because all animals can carry germs that can make you and other people sick, the CDC says it is always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.

• Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste or supplies.
• Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.
• Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.
• Be aware that children 5 years of age and younger, people with weakened immune systems, and older adults are more likely to get sick from germs some animals can carry.

According to the World Organization for Animal Health, the infection of animals with SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — has implications for animal and human health, animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and biomedical research.

If you still have any doubts about the COVID-19 infection in pets, stay tuned to the DogExpress blog for more updates.