COVID-19 and Pet Health Safety

Home » Public Notices » COVID-19 and Pet Health Safety

August 12, 2022

COVID-19 and Pet Health Safety

By Dr. Jamie Whittenburg
Updated: August 3, 2022

Pet owners need to stay updated on important medical information concerning COVID-19 to protect their furry friends

The COVID-19 virus can spread from people to animals during close contact
Pets can become seriously ill from a COVID-19 infection
The following symptoms may be exhibited by pets sick with COVID-19:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Lethargy (unusual lack of energy or sluggishness)
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Eye discharge
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea

Types of Animals Infected With COVID-19

Dogs
Cats
Farmed minks
Cougars
Tigers
Lions
Snow leopards
Gorillas
Pumas
Pet Ferrets
Hippos
Hyenas
Deer

The Role Of The CDC’s One Health

The CDC has improved our understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 affects animals and spreads between people and animals
The CDC leads the One Health Federal Interagency COVID-19 Coordination (OH-FICC) Group to:
- Bring together public health, animal health, and environmental health representations from more than 20 federal agencies
- Collaborate and exchange information
- Research and develop guidance for:
  - Pets, wildlife, zoo animals, and livestock
  - Animal diagnostics and testing
  - Environmental health issues relating to COVID-19

Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your pet during COVID-19

How To Protect Your Pet During COVID-19

To keep your pet safe at home:
- Limit contact between your pet and people outside the household as much as possible
- Keep pets indoors if possible
- Walk dogs on a leash and maintain at least 6 feet distance from other people and animals
- Avoid crowded dog parks or public places
- Regularly wash food and water dishes, toys, and bedding
- Create an emergency plan for your pet you get sick with COVID-19
- Have at least a two-week supply of pet food, treats, and cat litter (dust free)
- Have a 30-day supply of pet medication
- Ensure pet medical records are up-to-date, including microchip and vaccine information
- Cats are particularly susceptible to infection with COVID-19 — people and pets should avoid contact with strays
What NOT to do:
- DON’T mask your pets
- DON’T wipe or bathe pets with:
  - Chemical disinfectants
  - Alcohol
  - Hydrogen peroxide
  - Hand sanitizer
  - Counter-cleaning wipes
  - Other industrial or surface cleaners
If you are sick with COVID-19:
- Avoid the following forms of contact with pets:
  - Petting
  - Snuggling
  - Kissing
  - Licking
  - Sharing food
  - Sleeping with
- Wash your hands before and after interacting with pets and their food, waste, and supplies
- Wear a face mask around your pet
- Avoid sharing food, eating utensils, cups, bedding, and other items with pets
If your pet becomes sick with COVID-19:
- Isolate your pet at home, except for medical care
- Call ahead before taking your pet to the veterinary clinic
- Call your veterinarian and ask for a telemedicine consultation
- Follow all care instructions provided by your veterinarian
- Monitor your pet’s symptoms

If bedding is a concern and you need to purchase a new bed for your dog, we have a series of guides to help, including: our guide to finding a great waterproof dog bed, an outdoor dog bed, an elevated dog bed, or a dog couch.

For Up-to-Date Information & Point of Contact

Type in: “COVID and pets” when searching for information across the following websites:
- avma.org
- aaha.org
- wsava.org
- bva.co.uk
- akc.org
- usda.gov
- cdc.gov
For additional information, contact the CDC at OneHealth@cdc.gov

Stay updated. Stay protected.

Sources:

Medical disclaimer:

This infographic and the content in this article is editorial in nature. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available is for general information purposes only.