Its Raining Deals With Victoria Rains!

Can my dog or cat catch coronavirus? That is the question all fur parents are asking, just as we did! The more we know, the better we can prepare!

March 23, 2020

Coronavirus Pets UPDATE– REALLY??  My dog may be able to get sick from Wuhan coronavirus?

So, Can I catch coronavirus from animals?  I thought I read an article that said my pets won’t catch it. Please note there is no evidence at this time of any animal in the United States with coronavirus.

On February 27, we quoted the CDC in an article saying there is no reason to think pets in the United States might be a source of coronavirus infection or catch the coronavirus from humans.  (This statement is still true.)

What the CDC said in February… “While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person in China (and elsewhere).

They also said…There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus.”
The CDC also said it had not had any reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19.  And there is no evidence that animals can catch the virus or spread the infection to people.

What Scientists are saying now…

 On March 18, a story was published in the news media saying that pets such as cats and dogs can test positive for low levels of the virus if they catch it from owners who are ill.  This story appeared after a dog in Hong Kong tested positive for the virus after its owner was hospitalized.
Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department quarantined the animal and tested samples from its nasal and oral cavities.  The dog was mildly positive for the virus Feb. 27, Feb. 28 and March 2. 

Experts from the School of Public Health of The University of Hong Kong, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences of the City University of Hong Kong and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) unanimously agreed that the dog has a low-level infection that is “likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission.” 

But a spokesman for the Hong Kong department went on to say “There is currently no evidence that pet animals can be a source of infection of COVID-19 or that they actually become sick.” Dr. Paul Lunn, Dean of North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said in an interview with WRAL that there is no evidence the virus can spread from dogs to people. 

He also stated that there were only minor traces of coronavirus in the dog’s nasal passages.  The dog has not appeared to be sick and will be released to its owner soon. 

However, it is recommended that any pets, including dogs and cats, from households where someone has tested positive for the virus should be put into quarantine.

In general, pet owners should maintain good hygiene, including washing hands before and after handling animals, their food and supplies. 

And no kissing them. People who are sick should avoid contact with pets.  Plus a veterinarian’s advice should be sought if changes in a pet’s health conditions are detected. “Apart from maintaining good hygiene practices, pet owners need not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets,” a spokesman for the CDC said. “However, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals, as they can spread other diseases to humans.” 

“If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask,” said the CDC.
According to the CDC, there is no reason to think that any animals in the United States, including pets or livestock or wildlife might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time. Sources:  WRAL, Associated Press

If you are like me, you are worried about your pets.  Especially after hearing that the Wuhan Coronavirus may have originated in animals. (The origin is still uncertain). So, in addition to stocking up on extra food for your treasured companion, what should you know?

Do any animals in the United States have the coronavirus? 

The CDC says it has not had any reports of pets in the US becoming sick with COVID-19.  

 “However, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals, as they can spread other diseases to humans,” said the CDC.
While the Wuhan coronavirus may have originated in bats in China it would not have spread to animals in the United States. 

In other words, it would have to have a direct source to transmit the virus. And, since the coronavirus has now mutated to person-to-person contact, it is very unlikely that it is now contagious to animals from people.  Or Vice versa.

To be safe, the CDC and the World Health Organization will track the coronavirus in case that rare possibility does occur.

However, the CDC advises that if you are visiting a live animal market, it is important to clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water!

Both before and after visiting the market. No matter where in the world the market is! Avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled products. Of course, this means contaminated fluids and waste as well.
Remember, this advice would include pet stores, petting any animals, etc.

For a good checklist of items you will need if you have to be quarantined, here is an article.

To be sure, this may not show all you will need. Don’t forget to ad pet meds if your fur babies need them!

And if you are sick but have power, here is a free entertainment option for you! The new BlendTV! As a member of this marketing group, I got an advanced peek, and I am impressed!