Pets and the Novel Coronavirus

In this guide

When COVID-19 first emerged in December 2019, early research pointed to animals as the likely original source, which naturally led many pet owners to ask whether their own animals could catch or spread the virus. That question gained fresh urgency after a dog belonging to an infected owner in Hong Kong tested “weak positive.”

What exactly are coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses producing symptoms ranging from a runny nose, cough and sore throat to fever and intestinal upset. Some cause nothing worse than a common cold, others can progress to pneumonia. They typically spread through direct contact with an infected individual. Despite what internet memes might suggest, the name actually comes from the crown-like spikes visible on the virus’s surface, not anything else. SARS and MERS, including the well-remembered 2003 SARS outbreak, are other coronaviruses.

Do coronaviruses occur naturally in animals?

Despite speculation linking this outbreak to bats, coronaviruses are actually common across many domestic and wild species, including cats, dogs, cattle, horses, camels and, yes, bats.

Can pets pass a coronavirus strain to us?

Health authorities have found no evidence that pets can become ill from this virus or pass it on to people or other animals. That said, the usual hygiene precautions still apply: wash your hands before and after handling your pet, and avoid letting your pet lick your face or touching your own face unnecessarily.

Regarding the Hong Kong dog mentioned earlier, researchers determined it had a low-level infection. It was quarantined and retested repeatedly until results came back negative, with the virus detected in its mouth and nose, the areas a dog naturally uses to explore its surroundings. The dog never showed any symptoms.

Protecting your pet

To guard against respiratory illness generally, speak to your vet about vaccinating against Bordetella, parainfluenza and canine influenza, the most common vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases in pets.

Protecting yourself and your household

The standard precautions bear repeating: wash hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based sanitiser of at least 60% alcohol if soap isn’t available. The World Health Organization has published guidance on proper hand-washing technique. Avoid close contact with anyone unwell, stay home if you’re sick or feverish, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of it immediately, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and keep roughly six feet of distance from others where possible.

These measures protect you and also reduce the risk of passing the virus on if you’re infected without realising it. The virus spreads through droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching a contaminated surface.

If you become unwell

Try not to panic. Evidence suggests the virus is primarily dangerous to those with already compromised immune systems, and most people experience something closer to a bad cold. Wear a well-fitted mask to limit spread, and limit contact with both people and pets as your doctor advises.

Where possible, arrange for someone else in the household to care for your animals while you recover. Avoid snuggling, petting, being licked, and sharing food with pets during this time. If you must interact with your pet, wash your hands before and after, and wear a properly fitted mask as directed.

Where to learn more

COVID-19 research is ongoing, so certainty about its full nature and spread remains limited. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) published relevant guidance on 29 February 2020 worth consulting for more detail.

If your pet shows any signs of illness, call your vet first to describe the symptoms before bringing the animal in. If you yourself have respiratory symptoms, follow local health authority guidance, and please call ahead to reschedule rather than visiting the clinic in person.

Wishing you and your family good health.

Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.