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The COVID-19 epidemic has already spread across Poland. The coronavirus causes fear in many people. They are afraid of, among others dog and cat owners. Is there a real threat from them? Can cats and dogs catch COVID-19?
The coronavirus belongs to the Coronaveridae family. It has a lipid shell with very characteristic crown-like structures on its surface.
The coronavirus causes a disease that scientists refer to as COVID-19. The disease causes cough, fever, shortness of breath, weakness and muscle pain. In extreme cases, the coronavirus can lead to sepsis, septic shock and acute multi-organ failure. In extreme cases, COVID-19 leads to the death of the sick person.
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According to WHO, there is no evidence that dogs or cats can contract the coronavirus. In other words, they cannot infect other people this way. So let’s remember that the coronavirus does not break the species barrier.
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Unfortunately, many people, when there were doubts in this matter, decided to get rid of their pets. Dogs and cats were abandoned in the woods or returned to shelters. Some even demanded that the veterinarian euthanize their pet for fear of possible contamination.
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While there is no evidence that a cat or dog can contract the coronavirus, this does not mean that our pet cannot become a source of indirect infection. Remember that a dog’s or cat’s hair is the same surface as the skin of our hands, our beard or clothes. If the coronavirus is transferable, it can also be transmitted by our dog or cat.
However, don’t panic. To prevent infection, it is enough to properly care for the hygiene of the dog’s and cat’s coat. It is enough to clean and wash your pet more often than normal to reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
What safety rules should be followed for dogs and cats?
While there is no evidence that pets can transmit the coronavirus, there are certain safety measures and recommended hygiene practices to keep in mind. It is worth remembering above all about:
- washing hands frequently, especially after playing or stroking the pet;
- avoiding sleeping with your dog or cat;
- walking away from crowded places and crowds – it is best to choose e.g. a forest.
It is also very important that dog owners who are in quarantine arrange for help with walking and caring for the dog. Another option is to put your dog in a pet hotel for two weeks, which is the period of quarantine.
Contact with a dog or cat can be as dangerous during a coronavirus epidemic as using a cell phone with dirty hands, or touching door handles, countertops, and a store counter. Remember that many places we touch may be contaminated with the coronavirus. It is enough for an infected person to cough or sneeze in close proximity to various objects for them to become a source of indirect infection.
It is worth emphasizing that taking care of the hygiene of the dog or cat is important not only during quarantine. You should also use common sense so as not to harm our pet. Remember that the main route of infection with the coronavirus is the droplet route. So the basis COVID-19 prophylaxis is to avoid clusters of people because it is other people who pose the greatest threat.
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Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected] You can find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.