We’re all highly familiar with the Coronavirus disease, well, at least familiar with it happening to humans, but what most of us are unaware about is that this hazardous virus can also affect animals! It can spread from human to animal and vice versa.
The risk of animals spreading Coronavirus to humans is debated, but if you are a pet owner you must take extra precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your pet from contracting the virus, and if you notice any symptoms of COVID-19 - DO NOT PANIC! I would encourage anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 to isolate themselves from other people and animals and get themselves tested as soon as possible!
True or False?
COVID-19 can only happen to cats and dogs?
NO! A ferret was infected with COVID just a while ago in The States but yes, the cat family has been the most affected out of all other species.
Should your pet wear a mask?
Masks don't belong on pets because they pose a choking hazard to many animals!
There is a vaccine for animals too?
Yes! This is not a myth, Russian scientists have developed the first COVID-19 vaccine for animals. The vaccine was registered after it showed effective results in quite a few animals.
Things you can do in order to protect your pet from contracting the virus:
1: Avoid crowded places, for example, dog parks, crowded beaches, and avoid using public pools as much as possible but of course your pet can’t stay indoors all the time, you could maybe try taking him or her to a pet-friendly private boat ride or if you prefer doing something indoors and a little cheaper you could try teaching him/her a new trick or you could insert a sprinkler in your backyard and enjoy with your pet!
2: Restrict your pets' interactions with your neighbor because you never know who might have the virus.
3: Always put your pet on a leash and maintain a distance of at least 6 ft while going for a walk.
4: Practice good hygiene when you are with your pets.
If you get the virus
1: If you contract the virus please do not send your pet away to your relatives’ house! Your pet may be a carrier. I would recommend sending your pet to an isolation center where he or she will get proper treatment and speaking with your vet is a must.
What should I do if my pet contracts the virus?
If your pets show symptoms such as sudden fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, or lethargy [unusual laziness], you should call your vet instead of directing going to him/her, and please do not get regular testing done on your pet as it is highly harmful to their body and regular testing in animals is strictly not recommended.
Stay home, stay safe!