There are certain misconceptions and misperceptions with regard to the COVID-19 and companion animals, more specifically pet dogs and cats.

The COVID-19 disease was caused by the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus and it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 11 March 2020. It has now spread to all continents. Amidst widespread uncertainty it has also become clear that there are certain misconceptions and misperceptions with regard to the pandemic and companion animals, more specifically pet dogs and cats. Below we answer the possible questions you may have.

Question:  Can you get the coronavirus from your dog or cat?

Answer:  No. The virus causing COVID-19 is spread from human to human mainly through droplets deriving from sneezing and coughing. Currently there is No evidence to suggest that pets can be a source of infection. As a result you do not have to fear that your pet can make you sick. As always, after playing or handling your furry loved ones, we recommend that you practice good hygiene and wash your hands with soap and water. If you would like more information you can refer to the Q&A session presented by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), who are the animal equivalent of the WHO. You may have heard of the ** pet dog in Hong Kong, who was in the same premises as his owner who had contracted COVID-19, that tested as a “weak positive”. While the animal did test positive, the levels were so low, it was deemed very unlikely that the dog could shed enough virus to infect a person (Read more about the case here http://bit.ly/2xOD69v).  

Question:  Can the COVID-19 disease (caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2), infect pets and make them sick?

Answer: No. COVID-19 is spread from person to person. Currently, there is no evidence that pets can become sick or has there been any reports of a pet becoming sick.  Even the one ** pet dog in Hong Kong who tested as a “weak positive” never became ill over many weeks of observation (Read more about the case here http://bit.ly/2xOD69v).

Question:  What precautionary measures should be taken by owners when companion or other animals have close contact with humans sick or suspected with COVID-19?

Answer: There are currently no reports of companion animals becoming sick from the COVID-19 virus. As a result, if you do become ill, all you need to do is to practice good hygiene (as always recommended) when playing with or handling your loved ones. However, since you may not be well enough to care for your pets, it would be advisable to have a member of your household care for them until you are well enough to take over. Also since pets can also get sick with their own illness and may need veterinary attention, having someone to take them to the vet will be helpful. Lastly animals and people can sometimes share diseases (zoonotic diseases) so limiting contact with your pet when you are ill is always a good practice (Source: Website of the World Organization for Animal Health or OIE 2020).

Question:  How are our veterinary practices ensuring they care for as many patients as possible?

Answer:  If your pet needs attention, we still recommend that they go to the veterinarian. However, since your vet can also be infected with the COVID-19 virus, you will notice that they will have tightened up biosecurity measures. As a first step, call in and check if your pet can’t wait until a more convenient date or if it is an illness of immediate concern. When heading to the practice limit the trip to just yourself and your pet, as the fewer persons in one place the safer for you and other owners coming in with their pet. If you are sick or in self-isolation please don’t take your pet to the vet yourself.

Above all, please remember to wash or disinfect your hands at the practice. At the end of the day, your local vet is there to help but we also do need them to stay healthy so that all pets in need can be attended to.

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/quarantine-cat-disinfect-dog-latest-advice-about-coronavirus-and-your-pets 

Note: If needed, the information provided here will be updated. This post was compiled from, among others, official information made available by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and against the background of information made available by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).

Faculty of Veterinary Science