So far, two dogs in Hong Kong and a cat in Belgium have tested positive to COVID-19.
Veterinary surgeon Dr Nonna Green says all the three animals got the virus from their owners after being in very close contact with them.
Highlights
- Two dogs in Hong Kong and a cat in Belgium tested positive to COVID-19
- These animals are believed to have contracted the disease from their owners after being in close contact with them
- Veterinary surgeon Dr Green says there's no evidence that animals can pass the virus to humans
According to her, the first case was of a 17-year-old Pomeranian who didn't show any symptoms of the disease but tested positive twice.
"That dog was twice weak positive on PCR test, and even while the subsequent testing was negative, there was presence of antibodies on a serological blood test. The dog was discharged from quarantine after two weeks and died three days later," Dr Green told SBS Russian.
Since the dog's owner refused to do an autopsy, it is believed that it passed away from chronic conditions due to old age.
The second known case was of a young and healthy German Shepherd dog who tested positive after its owner became ill. That dog was also asymptomatic and after two weeks of quarantine was reunited with its owner who has since recovered.
The infected cat in Belgium was also in very close contact with her owner who was diagnosed with COVID-19.
The cat in Belgium is the very first recorded case where an animal showed symptoms of the disease, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties. Dr Green says it is thought to be an "isolated case".
"At this stage, there is no evidence that pets, such as dogs and cats, can be a source of infection for other animals or humans. But it seems people can pass on infection to them," she says.
Dr. Nonna Green, Registered Veterinary Surgeon Source: Supplied
"Coronavirus in dogs is not COVID-19"
Dr Green says there is a common misunderstanding around coronaviruses, especially when it comes to animals.
"There are many different types of coronavirus, and in animals, there may be completely different ones that are not transmitted to humans.
"We know about several coronaviruses in dogs and cats that cause disease. A few weeks ago there was a large outbreak of coronavirus infection in Greyhound in Australia. And people panicked because they connected it to COVID-19," she says.
"COVID-19 is a completely different disease and has nothing to do with canine coronavirus the main symptom of which is diarrhea. It occurs more often in small puppies and can even be fatal."
She also reminds all pet owners to practice appropriate hand hygiene before and after handling pets, their food and water bowls.
What should pet's owner do if they are unwell?
Dr Green advise to follow these rules:
- Minimise close contact with your pet: NO hugging and face-to-face contact
- Do not allow your pet to sleep in your bed
- Do not kiss your pet
- If you are in quarantine, do not break quarantine to take your pet to the veterinarian even if it is unwell, call your veterinary surgery and ask for advice
How to help your dog survive your quarantine?
- Quarantine means no one goes out and that includes your pet, however, if you have your private back yard, it should be fine to let your dog go there. Make sure that you have safe fences preventing the dog from escaping
- Make sure that you have enough pet food, preventative medication for conditions like fleas, tick or prescription medication and a special diet if your dog has health problems
- Make sure that your dog is vaccinated
- For dogs who live in apartments, toileting can be a problem. Therefore prepare a toilet corner
- You can use puppy pads or fake grass. You can even buy real grass specifically made to use for dog toilet
- Keep them busy, offer them indoor activities such as "doggie puzzle", shoe boxes or cupcake containers where you can hide special treats. Let them figure out where the special treats are hidden
- Train them how to do spins, rollovers, sitting pretty, weaving between your legs
Source: Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash
"Don't join friends for a walk with their dogs, don't let anyone pet your dog. Once you return home, wash their paws or wipe them. Do not let your dog rub against surfaces and brush them after walks".
