Can pets get COVID-19?

Two of the questions pet owners are increasing asking is: Is my pet at risk of catching COVID-19? What will happen if my pet is infected with COVID-19?

This article aims to answer these 2 questions. 🙂

To some people, this may sound incredulous, as they may think that COVID-19 is a pandemic event for humans. They may think: How does COVID-19 even threaten the animals, when the humans are already busy fending for themselves? Pet owners may not think likewise.

News have reported that it is possible that pets can get COVID-19 too. To some extent, it depends on the authority on whether to test the animals which will lead to more discoveries (and potentially uncover more positive cases). If there's no testing, then we will not know if the pet is at risk or already infected unless they start displaying symptoms and fall sick.

Here's what may happen if a pet is suspected to be infected with COVID-19

1. Vet will inform AVS
   If the veterinarian suspects that a pet may be infected with Covid-19, she'll inform the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). You will need to call the vet and bring your dog or cat to them if you suspect your pet may be at risk (especially if they are in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case).
   
2. Further Testing awaits
   AVS may work with the vet and the pet owner for further testing and isolation of the dog or cat as needed. Samples and PCR test may be required, as recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
   
3. Isolate the pet at home
   Depending on the animal's symptoms, the vet may recommend home isolation, instead of staying in hospital. Thus, the pet will have to stay at home except for medical care reasons and poop breaks.
   
4. Separate and quarantine the pet from the family
   When the pet is in isolation, try to designate an isolation room or 'corner' at home for pet quarantine. Minimise contact, much like the same for human isolation cases.
   
5. Monitor pet's symptoms
   Symptoms include fever, coughing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, lethargy (unusual laziness or sluggish), sneezing, runny nose, eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea.
   
6. Completing home isolation!
   Follow your veterinarian’s advice on when the pet can return to be around people & other animals again. Look forward to cuddling the pet again once they are cleared & fully recovered!
   
7. Stay healthy & maintain good hygiene
   Practise good cleaning habits for both hooman and pet! Wash hands regularly after handling the pets, their food and waste.

It's about protecting you, your family and your pet

As more people around the world vaccinates, the hope is that we may soon return to a more normal life. Still, the onus is on us pet parents to take steps to protect ourselves and the ones around us, including our dogs and cats. The transition to endemic reality may mean that more people will get the virus, and thus it is important to be aware on what this will mean and happen to our pets too.

Here's a visual summary for you pet owners - courtesy of the team from Pawmeal! 😊

What if your closed ones or a family member is tested positive or is issued a quarantine order instead, and you have a pet at home? This article elaborates on how to take precautions to protect your pet from a potential close contact high risk person.

Source: World Health Organization; World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Channel News Asia (30 Sep 2021), Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)

Is my pet at risk of catching Covid-19?

You may be wondering: What should you do if your pet is a close contact to a positive case?

It's actually not unusual to be worried about pets getting infecting with COVID-19, especially during uncertain times during this still-ongoing pandemic.

There has been a few cases of animals being tested positive for COVID-19 as early as Mar 2020, such as this Belgian case. However, in Singapore, there has not been any confirmed cases of pets and animals contracting Covid-19 to date (as of 03 Oct 2021), although there have been some confirmed cases of infected pets overseas.

Can pets be infected from their humans, or can they spread to their owners?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the possibility of pets spreading Covid-19 to hoomans is low. However, it is possible that humans can spread the virus to their pets especially if they are in close contact with them (which is very common, all the cuddles and kisses, we know).

Having said that, given the raging pandemic that is still ongoing today (and likely to become an endemic event), it is still important for pet owners to learn some tips on how to protect their little furry friends if a family member is tested positive or suspected to be infected with COVID-19. This is because it's all about protecting yourself, your family and your pet!

How to protect your pet when a family member falls sick or is in isolation

Here's some tips for you when it comes to caring for your pet if there is a suspected close contact case or positive case in your family.

1. Hygiene matters!
   It's important to wash up regularly before and after handling your pet (including hugs and petting), their food bowl and daily supplies!
2. Maintain social distancing from your pet
   If you have a close family member who is already isolating themselves from people, they should isolate from the animals too.
3. Seek your veterinarian's help if your pet falls ill
   If your dog or cat falls sick, especially after being in close contact with a suspected or confirmed human COVID-19 case, call a vet immediately. It's for the pet and the humans' safety!
4. Take precautions if you must take care of your pet while in isolation
   Wear a mask when handling your pet and always wash your hands before and after interaction with them.

Your pets depend on you during this pandemic

Our pets are dependant on us for everything in their lives. So this article hopes to empower you with the knowledge to take steps to protect your pets during this still-uncertain times. Here's an infographic by Pawmeal© and Pawgazine© to help you understand everything in a snapshot, too! 😊

For Singaporean pet owners, there may not be any confirmed COVID-19 positive pet cases so far, but we never know when our dogs or cats may be already at risk from the coronavirus. Here's an article that provides a summary on how to protect your pet should your pet be at risk of getting infected.

Source: World Health Organization; World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Channel News Asia (30 Sep 2021), Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)