2023-12-20 06:45:17
“Can dogs get the corona virus? What you should know about the risk for your four-legged friends”
As the cold season approaches, many individuals are concerned about the potential for their pets to contract the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. With cases of coronavirus increasing, pet owners are becoming increasingly concerned about their furry friends. According to the Medical small animal clinic at the LMU Munich, dogs can indeed be infected with SARS-CoV-2, and the recent Omicron variant poses a risk as well. However, cats are more susceptible to the virus than dogs, and transmission between house cats is also possible.
Prof. Dr. Katrin Hartmann, an expert in infectious diseases in cats and dogs, assures pet owners that it is extremely unlikely for humans to become infected from cats or dogs, and pets do not transmit the virus to humans. Barmer also describes the risk of infection as “low.” It is also important to note that not only dogs and cats but also rabbits, golden hamsters, and ferrets are susceptible to infection with the coronavirus, according to Barmer.
While it is possible for people to infect their pets with SARS-CoV-2, close contact between humans and animals is a prerequisite for infection. The Medical small animal clinic assures that cats and dogs do not appear to play a major role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and a corona infection is not a reason to abandon or give away a dog or cat.
If a pet owner has been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and notices severe symptoms in their dog or cat, such as respiratory illnesses or fever, it is recommended to keep the animal at home and contact a veterinarian for further guidance. It is also important to take safety measures as a pet owner, such as avoiding close contact with pets if you have COVID-19 and leaving the care of the pet to someone who is not infected during your illness.
Despite these concerns, pet owners can rest assured that the risks of transmission are low and that with proper precautions, their furry friends can continue to bring them joy and comfort during these challenging times.]
#dogs #Corona #pass #owners