As the world is experiencing an unprecedented – for our generations – pandemic, people are trying to figure out who could pass the virus to them and who they could potentially infect.

A question that has most recently been posed, is whether humans can transmit the new virus to their pets and what implications this could have for the pet’s health, that of other animals, and humans. The concern has risen since a dog in Hong Kong was detected “weakly positive” to the coronavirus after his owner was also found positive to it.

Experts cannot say for sure whether animals can be infected by this new virus, as they don’t have enough data to base their conclusions on.

However, as mammals, cats and dogs are likely to be infected by humans. This does not necessarily mean that they can transmit the virus afterwards to other animals and humans.

“Cats and dogs are mammals too,” explains Shelley Rankin, a microbiologist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia. “They have many of the same types of receptors on their cells that we do. So the virus could theoretically attach to these receptors. But will it enter their cells and replicate? Probably not.”

Although scientists cannot say for sure whether a sick owner can infect their pet and how this could affect other, healthy, humans and animals, they advise pet owners to be careful when they come in contact with their pets anyway.

More specifically, pet owners that have been tested positive to the new coronavirus are encouraged to ask someone else in the household to care for their cat or dog. If this is not possible, they are advised to not let their pets lick them on the face, and of course, wash their hands frequently- before and after touching their furry friends included. Dr Rankin also reminds us that we should not forget to stock food supplies for our pets too, in case we become sick or cannot leave the house for some time.

Now, what if a pet becomes infected with COVID-19?

In that case, Dr Rankin advises owners to keep the infected pet in a separate room if possible, and take all precautions to avoid transmission as if they had a sick person at home. All that provided that the pet has the virus but is not sick. If, however, the pet has symptoms of the disease, the owner might need to be quarantined at a hospital or shelter.

In any case, as this is a new virus that scientists don’t know much about yet and cannot draw definitive conclusions, protecting ourselves and our loved ones, be it humans or animals, is crucial.

Washing our hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, avoiding close contact with others, and staying at home as much as possible are some steps we can take to protect ourselves and those around us.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Science Mag, Oregon VMA, cdc.gov