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With the current pandemic, many people are wondering if their pets can contract COVID-19. This disease is a type of coronavirus that can infect people and some animals. In humans, symptoms can be as minor as those of a cold or severe enough to cause respiratory distress and death, which is obviously concerning to us all. Below are a few veterinarian-approved answers to common concerns.

What to Know About COVID-19 & Pets

Can your pets get COVID-19?

There are reports that a small number of cats and dogs have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. The dogs were not ill and belonged to an infected owner. The cats showed mild respiratory signs, and one cat had both respiratory signs and diarrhea severe enough to cause the owner to take the pet to a veterinarian. So far, medical professionals have only seen such cases outside of the United States. In the U.S., a tiger at the Bronx Zoo was diagnosed with the illness, presumably after exposure to a zoo employee.

Can you spread the disease to your pets?

veterinarianScientists are still working to determine how easy it is for COVID-19 to spread from humans to animals—and vice versa. If you are ill, the CDC recommends limiting contact with pets and other animals to be safe. Have a friend or someone else in the household care for pets, and avoid snuggling or petting. This is mainly because the virus might land in your pets’ fur and then be carried to someone else. The risk of your pet becoming ill is extremely low.

How can you keep your pets safe?

Since health authorities are not sure how easily the virus spreads among pets and people, prevention is the best option. Don't let pets interact with other people or animals outside of those in your household. Keep cats indoors and walk dogs on a leash to maintain distance. Your pet should not wear a face mask, which can cause breathing difficulties.

What if you think your pet is sick?

Call your veterinarian and discuss your pet's symptoms, and let your veterinarian know if a family member is suffering from COVID-19. It is highly unlikely that your pet will contract COVID-19 without direct exposure from a family member, and far more likely that they are sick with any of the usual illnesses that can befall our pets. A veterinarian may request a COVID-19 test, but the state animal health officer must approve each test on a case-by-case basis. Your veterinarian will then work with the state agencies, as well as the United States Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to determine how the test should take place.

 

Montgomery Animal Hospital of Cincinnati, OH, is offering curbside service during the COVID-19 pandemic. They first communicate with you via telephone and will then bring your pet into the hospital. This keeps you and your family safe, as well as their employees. They are one of the few pet hospitals accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and are known for providing state-of-the-art service. Find out more about their COVID-19 measures on their website. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 791-7912.

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