Coronavirus and animals: Do I need to get my pet tested for COVID-19?

One of the questions any concerned pet owners would ask these days would be: "Do I need to get my pet tested for the coronavirus disease?"

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) answered some frequently asked questions about the deadly pandemic COVID-19 and its effect on animals, including your pets.

At the moment, there is no evidence that pets can spread the novel coronavirus nor carry the virus that causes COVID-19 on their skin or fur. However, the health agency stated that dogs and cats could catch other types of coronaviruses like canine and feline coronaviruses.

“These other coronaviruses cannot infect people and are not related to the current COVID-19 outbreak,” it clarified.

Even so, CDC still encourages the practice of healthy habits around pets since “animals can spread other diseases to people.”

So, do you need to get your pet tested for COVID-19?

The answer is no. According to the CDC, “At this time, testing of animals for COVID-19 is not recommended.”

For pet owners who are infected with COVID-19

Now, if you are the one who tested positive with the coronavirus disease, the CDC emphasized that you should avoid contact with your pets as you would with other people.

“If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food,” it said.

As you undergo self-quarantine and practice all of the advised precautionary measures, have another member of your household care for your beloved pets while you are on the process of recovery.

Nevertheless, if you must care for your pet or be around animals despite your condition, practice proper handwashing before and after your interaction with your pets.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#COVID19animals

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