COVID-19 & your pets
Some helpful information
To assist with any questions you may have about COVID-19 and your pets.
*** Your Pets and Covid-19 ***
We've understandably had a number of questions regarding Covid-19 and our pets so it seems sensible to try and provide some information for everyone, which has been taken from advice given to us by the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association).
* There is extremely limited evidence that our pets can be infected with the virus and no evidence that they can be a source of infection to other animals or us at this time.
* If you become sick with Covid-19 and if it's practical then have another household member care for your pets and try and avoid close contact such as petting, snuggling and being kissed and licked. If this is not possible then the usual hygiene measures before and after caring for them is recommended.
* At present, If a pet has been in contact with someone who has Covid-19 there is limited evidence they can be infected or spread the virus. The transmission is thought to mainly occur through droplets from coughs and sneezes but again strict hand hygiene before and after handling pets is very sensible.
* Although we love to chat to other dog owners and pet their dogs when on walks etc. it is probably sensible to try and avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and again follow the hand washing recommendations before leaving home and on return.
* Some of you may be aware of a little dog in Hong Kong that had tested positive for Coronavirus in the home of someone who had Covid-19. Small amounts of the virus were found in the dogs nasal passages and mouth but the dog has been quarantined and remained well with no symptoms. It's immune system has shown no response to the virus and it's quite possible that this was just a contamination of the dog's mouth and nose from it's owner but could also be a case of human-to-animal transmission. Again there is no evidence at this time that this dog could then become a source of infection but it does again stress the benefit of avoiding close contact and practising good hygiene around your pets if you do get Covid-19 until more is known.
The Vets at Hillside