Can pets get corona from people?

 Can pets get corona from people?

What you should know

• A small number of pets around the world, including cats and dogs, have been reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, primarily after close contact with people with COVID-19.

• Based on the information available to date, the risk of humans contracting COVID-19 from animals is considered low.

• In some situations, the virus that causes COVID-19 can be transmitted from people to animals, primarily through close contact.

• Treat pets as you would other family members: do not allow pets to interact with people outside the home.

• If someone in the family is sick, isolate that person from everyone else, including pets.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause illness similar to the common cold in humans, while others cause illness in certain species of animals, such as cattle, camels, and bats. Some coronaviruses, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, only infect animals and do not infect humans.

Risk of Spreading COVID-19 Virus in Pets

We are still studying the virus that causes COVID-19, but we know that in some situations it can be transmitted from humans to animals. A small number of pets around the world, including cats and dogs, have been reported as infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19.

Infected pets may get sick or show no symptoms. Most of the sick pets had only mild illness and recovered completely. Serious illness in pets is extremely rare.

What to do - if you have pets

If you have pets, treat them like other family members to protect them from possible COVID-19 infection.

Since there is a risk that people with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to animals, pet owners should limit their pet's interactions with people outside the home.

• If possible, keep cats indoors and do not let them roam freely outside.

• Walk dogs on a leash at least 6 feet away from others to protect them from other people outside the home.

• Avoid public places where large numbers of people gather.

• Do not wear a mask on pets. Masks can harm your pet.

There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through the skin, fur, or hair of pets. Do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other products such as hand sanitizer, wipes, or other industrial cleaning or surface cleaning products. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about suitable products for bathing or cleaning your pet.

Pets infected with this virus may or may not get sick. Pets that have symptoms usually have a mild illness that can be taken care of at home. If you think your pet is sick with the virus, or if you are concerned about his health, talk to your veterinarian. Most pets infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 have been infected after close contact with a person infected with COVID-19.

If You Get Sick, protect the Pets

If you are sick with COVID-19 (suspected or confirmed by a test), you should avoid contact with your pets and other animals, as well as people.

• If possible, ask another family member to watch your pets while you are sick.

• Avoid contact with your pet, which includes stroking, hugging, kissing or licking, eating together, and sleeping in the same bed.

• If you need to care for your pet or be around animals while they are sick, wear a mask and wash your hands before and after handling them.