COVID-19 and Pet Health Safety

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:

• https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/covid-19/pets.html
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/can-pets-get-coronavirus/faq-20486391
• https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/coronavirus/COVID-19-PreparingPetsReturnWork.pdf
• https://www.mendocinocounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument/36985/
• https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/coronavirus/COVID-19-PreparingPetsReturnWork.pdf
• https://www.24petwatch.com/Portals/24petwatchv2/coronavirus-infographic.jpg
• https://www.mackoulpediatrics.com/PetsandCOVID19
• https://static.mackoulpediatrics.com/images/510_pets_owners_post.jpg
• https://zahp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/OH-FICC-Group-_ZAHP-Webinar-March-2021-presentation.pptx.pdf
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/hippos-hyenas-and-other-animals-are-contracting-covid-19/ar-AARGZdj
• COVID-19 & Pet Health Safety (Infographic) (petnewsdaily.com)

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.