Can dog and cats have coronavirus
The Coronavirus has harmed everyone’s daily lives, and for those of us with pet animals, this can be a little bit scary. At this point, people are worried about their animals being able to contract and spread the virus, but we are here to put your mind at ease.
Coronavirus in Dogs
Coronavirus in dogs has been a serious concern, however, there are only certain types of the virus which have been found to affect them. This does not mean that we should neglect to observe basic hygiene around our animals of course.
What the available research has been able to uncover is that cases of the coronavirus in dogs and cats have only been found in homes where the owners have contracted the virus.
Thus far the human transference to animals has been identified, however, there is little evidence that the virus can be transferred from animals to humans.
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Coronavirus Infection In Dogs
CCoV (Canine Coronavirus) lives in a dog’s intestines.
Coronavirus Symptoms In Dogs such as diarrhoea are a reality, however, this version of the virus is NOT the COVID-19 version which is affecting humans.
If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, they should be taken to a vet as these symptoms can be dangerous if untreated. It must, however, be stressed that this intestinal infection cannot be passed to you as a human.
It is, of course, a canine virus and runs the risk of being transferred to other dogs via faecal matter. Also, the intestinal infection may last up to ten days. If left untreated, the virus may lead to other infections, bacteria, and parasites.
It may also remain contagious in the canine for up to 6-months.
There is a Respiratory coronavirus in dogs that is in existence, but it is still not the COVID-19 strain of the virus and will not pass to humans.
Can Coronavirus in Dogs Spread to Humans?
At the moment there is no evidence to support that dogs can spread the COVID-19 virus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that even though the virus appears to have originated from animals, it is only being spread from human to human.
Conclusion
Coronavirus infection in dogs (COVID-19) is NOT possible. The virus has not proven to be contagious between canine and human hosts. It is highly advised during this time that should you (the owner) become infected, that you maintain proper hygiene care around your animals to avoid contracting the virus.
Keeping your animals in quarantine as well is also advised. It is advised that they are confined to the living area, with no outside interaction.
Coronavirus in Cats
Coronavirus Symptoms in Cats
Reports of a case in Belgium where a cat tested positive for coronavirus. The symptoms included diarrhoea and breathing difficulties. This was, however, a “version” of the virus, and it was located in the felines faecal matter.
It is important to note that this does not confirm coronavirus in cats. This is one isolated incident. There is a version of the coronavirus in cats which has been long in existence. This version is contagious in cats who live in close proximity (more than one cat in the household).
The version of coronavirus which is contracted by cats is known as FCov, Feline Coronavirus which can mutate to Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). FCov is a common virus found in multi-cat households which are passed by means of faecal matter.
It is mainly non-threatening to felines who contract it and may result in diarrhoea that will pass in a few days. In a small percentage of cats, the virus may mutate.
This mutated version is known as FIP and it this is a fatal disease. It is likely to occur in multi-cat environments and may take months or even years after the initial FCov infection to develop.
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Is Coronavirus in cats contagious to dogs?
Cats and Dogs will not spread their versions of the Coronavirus between themselves. In the same way that your pets will not be able to transfer the virus onto you as a human.
However, there have been identified cases where the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread from human to pet. The pets (Cats and Dogs) did not, however, show significant symptoms, of which these symptoms were non-fatal.
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Conclusion
Once again, there is no evidence to substantially suggest that the COVID-19 virus is transferrable cross-species, even if it is suspected that it originated from an animal. Your cat should of course not be wondering during this time of course, and it is in your best interest to keep them indoors during this time.
Overall
It is safe to say that you and your pets should be safe during this time. Provided that you are not infected with the COVID-19 virus. It is advised that you are of course even more hygiene conscious during this time and take care to wash your hands before and after handling your animals. You mustn’t handle your animals if you are infected with the virus, to avoid the virus mutating into something which may be transferred between human and animal.
We look forward to overcoming this epidemic together, and we hope that you will take this time to make the most being with loved ones.
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