Fact or Myth: Can my pet get COVID-19?
BY KATIE CAVENDER
Recently, there have been some reports of household animals being impacted by COVID-19 (coronavirus). The implications of these findings are still unclear. At present time, the risk of animals spreading the infection to people is felt to be generally low. Cats have received the most attention with a growing list of examples of cases in big cats (tigers and lions) in zoos as well as household cats. We do not know if the household cats were infected by the virus from within the home or outside the home. Until we learn more, it’s best to be cautious and keep cats indoors as much as possible.
There are other important guidelines for those who have pets. It’s important to wash your hands after interacting with your pet. Try to minimize the number of people who interact with your pet. When walking dogs, do you best to maintain at least 6 feet from other people and their pets. Try to avoid dog parks or other public areas where other people congregate with their pets.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, be careful around pets and try to avoid contact if possible. If you must be in contact with a pet for feeding, be sure to have a mask on the entire time.
To learn more about COVID-19, visit LVHN.org/COVID19.