Pets and Coronavirus

by  Helen Cammisa-Parks

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause disease in both humans and animals. Some coronaviruses cause respiratory infections in humans, ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Additionally, coronaviruses can cause disease in animals, such as cattle, camels and bats, while others infect only animals and not humans, such as feline and canine coronaviruses.  There are 2 types of naturally occurring feline coronaviruses: feline enteric coronavirus and feline infectious peritonitis virus, the latter causing feline infectious peritonitis, which is an incurable, lethal disease.

Transmission of Coronavirus That Causes COVID-19 

Animal-to-Human Spread

Although rare, some coronaviruses that infect animals can be transmitted to humans and then further spread among humans. This is what happened with the newly identified coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, that has caused the current worldwide outbreak of the respiratory disease called COVID-19. The first reported infections were linked to a live animal market in Wuhan, China, with the virus likely originating in bats.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, and talking. Data from recent epidemiologic studies indicate that people who are presymptomatic (virus detected prior to symptom onset) or asymptomatic (virus detected but symptoms never develop) likely play a role in the spread of COVID-19. Currently, based on the limited data available, the risk of animals spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

Human-to-Animal Spread

Although we are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, we do know that certain animals can be infected with this virus. Documented cases of animals being infected with the virus have been reported worldwide, including pet cats and dogs, lions, tigers, and minks, which are closely related to ferrets. All of these animals became infected with the virus after close contact with people with COVID-19.

Federal government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and certain state public health and animal health officials are conducting active surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in pets, including cats, dogs, and other small mammals, that had contact with a person with COVID-19. These agencies are working together to better understand how common the SARS-CoV-2 infection might be in pets as well as the possible role of pets in the spread of this virus.

Preventative Measures to Take for Your Pets

Until more information becomes available regarding how this coronavirus affects animals, you should treat your pets just like you would other human family members to protect them from a possible infection. Since there is a small risk that people with COVID-19 could spread the virus to animals, the CDC recommends that pet owners restrict their pet’s interaction with people outside their household as follows:

• Keep cats indoors and do not let them roam freely outside.
• Practice social distancing by walking dogs on a leash at least 6 feet away from people and other dogs.
• Avoid public places where a large number of people gather.
• Do not put face coverings on pets as this could cause harm.

People With COVID-19 and Pets

Until we know more about this virus, people with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test) should avoid all contact with pets and other animals.  If possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick. However, if you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, always wear a cloth face covering making sure to cover both your nose and mouth, wear gloves, and thoroughly wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

If you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes sick, call your veterinarian prior to administering any treatment or taking your pet directly to the clinic. Most veterinary clinics have specific protocols in place for ensuring the health and safety of companion animals during this virus pandemic.

Pets With COVID-19

Since the risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low, there is no reason to abandon or surrender pets that have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. If you suspect that your pet is sick with COVID-19, call your veterinarian to discuss the best course of treatment prior to taking your pet directly to your veterinary clinic. Depending on how sick your pet is, your veterinarian may recommend that your pet be quarantined at home, instead of being treated in the hospital.

Precautions

If your veterinarian recommends home isolation and you are able to care for your sick pet at home, it is important to follow recommended precautions similar to those for people caring for an infected person at home.

• Separate your pet from other people and pets in your house by isolating sick pet in a designated “sick room,” such as an extra bedroom, extra bathroom, or a laundry room, if possible.
• Cats with COVID-19 should be kept inside and not allowed to roam freely outside and should be provided with their own separate litterbox.
• Dogs with COVID-19 should be limited to bathroom breaks only. It is ideal if you have a private backyard where your dog can go to the bathroom. However, if you must walk your dog, use a leash and practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet away from people and other pets. 
• Avoid contact with the sick pet as much as possible, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.

Care Guide

A good rule of thumb is to treat your pet like any other member of your family. Thus, it is important to protect yourself while caring for your sick pet. 

• Wear a cloth face covering and gloves in the same room or area as the sick pet.  Do not place a face covering on your pet as this can cause harm.
• Use gloves when handling the sick pet’s dishes, toys, or bedding and when picking up feces. Throw out gloves and place fecal material or litterbox waste in a sealed bag before disposing.
• Disinfect water and food dishes, toys, and other animal care items with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectant and rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards. 
• Soft items like towels, blankets, and other bedding can be safely laundered and reused. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with a sick animal can be safely washed with other items.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitizer regularly during the day, especially after cleaning up after your sick pet.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “happy birthday” song twice). 
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer product that contains at least 60% alcohol (ethyl alcohol or ethanol). Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Never use hand sanitizers containing methanol (wood alcohol) as this can be harmful if absorbed through the skin and can be life-threatening if ingested. 

• Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, mouth and eyes, with unwashed hands.
• There is no evidence that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets. Thus, do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or any other products that are not approved for animal use as these can be toxic and, in some cases, life-threatening or fatal. 

 

Symptoms You Should Look For

Pets sick with COVID-19 may exhibit the same types of symptoms as humans with COVID-19 including:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Lethargy (unusual laziness or sluggish)
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Eye discharge
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

During home isolation, it is important to keep a written log of your pet’s symptoms. If your pet develops new symptoms or seems to be getting worse, including trouble breathing, you should call your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the type and severity of your pet’s symptoms, your veterinarian may be able to advise you over the phone, may be able to conduct a telemedicine consultation, or may instruct you on where to take your pet to get the best care possible.  It is important to follow all care instructions from your veterinarian to ensure the best outcome for your pet.

Additional COVID-19 Resources

Most local (city, town, township) and state governments have information pertaining to COVID-19 for your specific area on their websites. Thus, for additional information pertaining to COVID-19 for your specific area, please consult one or more of these websites.

For additional general information about COVID-19, it is recommended to consult the following websites: 

•         Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  www.cdc.gov 
•         World Health Organization (WHO):  www.who.int
•         U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):  www.fda.gov