As we all know it’s a pandemic situation everywhere in the world due to novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. There are still many things we don’t know about it and day by day we get to know different news about it.
It causes flu-like symptoms in people, including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and it also ranges widely in severity. The most vulnerable people are elder or who have lung or heart disease but the disease has progressed unpredictably. This is new to us and humans still don’t have immunity to fight against COVID-19 and the doctors are still learning the behavior and the best way to address it.
When it comes to your pets, according to the World Health Organization and veterinary experts during the press meeting, we likely don't have to worry about spreading it to our furry friends (or them spreading COVID-19 to us).
I have seen many people abandoning their pets before knowing any of these things and which is very bad.
During the press release WHO says that Household pets likely can't transmit COVID-19.
Now you must have thought of one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, but there is no evidence that a dog or any pet can transmit COVID-19. It spreads through the infected person.
Most veterinarian doctors believe and say that your pets can’t get COVID-19.
But the study also says that dogs can get some kind of coronavirus.
The reason why vets initially weren't sure whether the pet in question was infected is because there are some strains of coronavirus that animals can get, especially puppies. Puppies are at more risk to get infected, so as per the advice from vets keeping them quarantined at home until they are fully vaccinated will be much better and safer from them.
Even one of the experts says "A patient can infect his/her pet dog by sneezing and coughing. The pet does not get sick from it, but then the dog can carry the disease to other people. Apart from this, cats, dogs, birds have no role in spreading the disease," he added.
But basically, all pet owners should follow basic hygiene rules to protect against coronavirus and it’s important for pets.
So following hygiene rules, including washing hands with soap before and after touching them, is essential also for avoiding the spread of the virus from pets during this critical period, the expert said and also warned that the pets should not be taken to crowded places.
Some diseases are specific to either people or animals, and coronavirus only affects people but does not harm animals, he noted.
If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you're sick or think you might be sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face mask.
Here is a video of COVID19 safety tips from the American Heart Association.
Stay Healthy. And Have a Healthy Bond with Your Pet.