Animal Humane Society Explains CDC’s New Coronavirus Guidelines for Pets
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging pet owners to practice social distancing with their pets. Recently, two cats tested positive for the novel coronavirus in New York. On Monday, officials reported a dog in North Carolina contracted COVID-19.
The government agency recommends pet owners not let their pets interact with other people or pets outside their household. They also suggest keeping cats indoors when possible to stop them from being in contact with other animals or people. The CDC also recommends avoiding dog parks.
So far, there hasn’t been any known cases locally.
“We haven’t seen any severe infections in dogs or cats,” said Graham Brayshaw, director of animal services at the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley.
CDC recommends social distancing rules for pets.
The animal expert says our four-legged friends tend to have respiratory symptoms when they get COVID-19. Dr. Brayshaw said symptoms might include coughing, nasal discharge and respiratory congestion.
Many people may also wonder if their pets can spread COVID-19 to humans.
“We don’t see any evidence at all of a dog or cat able to give it to a person,” said Brayshaw. “What we’re finding is that people are very susceptible to this virus, we can pass it very easily to other people, and cats both can still get coronavirus and get this version of it, but it’s rare to see.”
The CDC also says you should stay away from your pets if you think you might have COVID-19 or you test positive for the virus.
“If you’re home alone, or if everyone else in the house has it, you, of course, have to take care of your animals, so take care of your animal in that situation. Just know they’re at risk at potentially picking it up,” Dr. Brayshaw said.
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