2023-12-31 06:45:58
Dogs at Risk for COVID-19, Owners Not Easily Infected
Many dog owners are currently wondering whether their four-legged friends can also become infected with COVID-19, and whether they can transmit the virus. According to the Medical small animal clinic at the LMU Munich, dogs can, in fact, be infected with the virus, but the risk of transmission to humans is low.
The clinic’s information page for pet owners states that cats and dogs can be infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, cats are more susceptible to the virus, and transmission between house cats is also possible. If a dog shows signs of respiratory problems or a fever, owners are advised to leave the animal at home and contact a veterinarian by phone.
Despite dogs being able to contract the virus, Dr. Katrin Hartmann from the clinic sees no reason to worry about humans becoming infected from cats or dogs. There is no evidence that pets can transmit the virus to humans, and the risk of infection is considered low.
The clinic also states that it is possible for people to infect their pets with SARS-CoV-2 through close contact. However, there is no evidence that the virus multiplies particularly strongly and over a long period of time in cats and dogs. Therefore, cats and dogs do not seem to play a major role in the transmission of the virus.
As a precaution, dog and cat owners with COVID-19 are advised to avoid close contact with their pets. It is recommended to leave the care of the pet to someone who is not infected during the illness. Additionally, contact with pets whose owners have tested positive for the virus should be avoided, and general hygiene measures, such as handwashing, should be observed.
Overall, while dogs can become infected with COVID-19, the risk of transmission to humans is low, and pet owners are advised to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.]
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