May 05, 2020
As our understanding of COVID-19 continues to evolve daily, we would like to take the opportunity to share some additional information with the small pet community regarding this disease and the potential impacts to our domestic pet species. Additionally, the CDC has come out with some new guidelines and recommendations around taking measures to prevent the potential of pet parents and their animals from being exposed.
As you may have heard, there have been a few positive cases around domestic pet species recently confirmed here in the United States. The first known positive case was associated with a large cat at a zoo in New York City. This was followed with positive cases from at least two domestic cats and, most recently, a case in North Carolina affecting a dog living in a household with humans who had tested positive.
To date, there have been no known additional positive cases affecting additional domestic small animal species. There is also no information that indicates that pets play a vital role in the transmission of the virus. Additionally, it does not appear that the overall risk to pet populations is high. With that being said, we know we have a lot of information to continue to gather and it’s important to note that there does appear to be some correlation to the potential that positive humans can infect their pets with the disease.
The CDC has recently provided some updated guidelines regarding the potential risks to pets associated with COVID-19. These guidelines are specifically designed to protect not only pet parents, but your pets as well. The basis for the following guidelines comes from the CDC. We encourage all pet parents to stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines here.
First and foremost, be aware that we still have a lot to learn about this disease. Until we learn more specifically about how this virus affects animals, it is strongly recommended that you treat your pets no differently than you would treat other members of your household.
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either because you have exhibited potential clinical signs, or because you have a positive test), until we know more about this virus and how it affects pets, it is strongly recommended by the CDC and other organizations that we take the same precautions that we would with the other human members of our household. These precautions include:
If you have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 (or are experiencing symptoms) and your pet exhibits clinical signs that make you worried or concerned, do not take your pet to see your veterinarian. Instead, first contact your veterinarian to discuss symptoms and concerns. Your veterinarian will be able to work with you, either utilizing telemedicine or other tools, to evaluate different diagnostics as well as different therapies or treatments that may be indicated to provide for your pet’s care and wellbeing.