COVID-19 & Your Pet

With new research being released on an almost daily basis as the novel coronavirus (aka COVID-19) continues its whirlwind course across the globe, there are many misconceptions about how the virus can affect dogs and cats. While the information below might have changed since the time of this posting, enough research has been performed to render the following accurate statements.

Your dog can’t give you COVID-19

Dogs can catch some strains of coronavirus, but this strain does not affect canines (COVID-19). Numerous tests performed in various countries across the globe have shown that canines cannot pass COVID-19 to humans, and vice versa. An initial scare in Hong Kong early on led to many people surrendering their pet dogs preemptively to avoid catching a virus that their dog can’t even pass to them.

While we recommend social distancing for humans and pets during this crisis, you don’t have to give up your beloved pet dog out of fear! In fact, having a pet dog can help you feel less isolated and improve your chances of getting some much-needed vitamin D by going for walks outside.

Cats can catch corona

Larger cats, such as lions and tigers, in zoos have tested positive for COVID-19. While preliminary studies in China have shown that house cats can also catch corona and be affected by it negatively, there is no current evidence that cats can pass on the virus to humans. Experts are recommending that you keep your cats indoors, wear gloves and a mask when changing the litterbox, avoid touching your face after touching your cat, and no kisses!

Adoptions are on the rise

As people feel lonely from the increased times of social distancing and quarantine, there has been a spike of pet adoptions in places like New York City. We wholeheartedly support the idea of animal companionship even when things are normal, but the thought of animals in need being adopted by contact-starved humans makes our hearts swell. We hope that this trend continues even after COVID-19 passes. Should you decide to adopt an older dog or cat, DGP for Pets can provide the joint health support that they need in order to remain active and mobile.