Information that humans can infect animals with COVID-19 appears regularly. But these are, firstly, isolated cases, and secondly, not 100% proven. And yet, what about cats and dogs if you are sick?
Animals and their coronaviruses
For starters, both dogs and cats have their own strains of coronavirus that have nothing to do with COVID-19. These infections are not transmitted to humans, and the animals themselves, as a rule, easily transfer them. In some cats, however, the coronavirus can develop into FIP (viral peritonitis), but the vast majority of carriers of the coronavirus do not even know about it.
The human strain has not yet been fully understood. There are sporadic data that a person has infected his pet, but they have not been confirmed. The incidents with minks, which led to the mass extermination of these animals in Denmark and some other countries, are also not particularly indicative. Yes, minks get sick, but people did not get infected from them. In addition, a vaccine for these animals is already being developed.
How to keep your pet safe
Despite the fact that at the moment the human coronavirus is not dangerous for pets (or, say carefully, minimally dangerous), after confirming the disease, try to contact the cat or dog as little as possible. It is better to shift the care of them to other family members or neighbors, not to be in the same room, if possible, not to touch it again.
If this is impossible and there is no one to trust, be sure to wash your hands before and after contact, use a sanitizer and refrain from unnecessary touches. It is better for someone else to walk your dog during your illness. Good relations with neighbors or walking services will come in handy here: the animal can be transferred and picked up contactlessly, and you can pay for the services with a card. Small dogs, in case of emergency, can go to the toilet for a diaper. If there are no options at all, take extra precautions and go for walks where there are no people.
If you are in the hospital
With a severe form of the disease, it is not necessary to refuse hospitalization with the last effort, so as not to leave the pet alone. There are more responsive people than you think! Even unfamiliar neighbors can feed the cat, invite a relative to walk the dog or negotiate with the zoo hotel. Your animals do not pose a danger to other people!
Guinea pigs, parrots, fish are also safe and do not get infected from humans. In addition, direct contact with them is in any case less than with a cat or dog. Take standard precautions and don't worry too much.
