Coronavirus & Your Pets

Dr Larry answers our questions about Coronavirus

- Dr Larry Kraitzick

Human Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause a range of symptoms, including a runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever. They may be as mild as the common cold, or severe as pneumonia.

DO CORONAVIRUSES OCCUR IN ANIMALS?

Coronaviruses are common in several species of domestic and wild animals, including cattle, horses, dogs, cats, ferrets, camels, bats, and others.

WHERE DO HUMAN CORONAVIRUSES ORIGINATE?

In the last two major coronavirus outbreaks, transmission occurred through intermediate hosts: the Civet (SARS) and Camels (MERS).

CAN PETS CONTRACT THE COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS?

A very small number of animals have been reported to be infected with the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 after close contact with people who had COVID-19. If you’d like to be extra careful, don’t let other people outside of your household handle your pets at this time – the exception being if your pet needs veterinary care.

WHAT ABOUT CORONAVIRUS IN DOGS?

Canine Coronavirus causes a mild to severe gastroenteritis, usually in puppies. This doesn’t spread to humans.