Tips for Pet Owners

Your trusted physicians at AssociatesMD believe it is important to update the information provided below with the CDC’s notice that the first pets in the US -- two domestic cats in NY --have tested positive with COVID. They continue to assure us that domestic pets cannot transmit COIVD-19 to humans. Please read the important tips below.

CDC: Two Domestic Cats Diagnosed with COVID-19 in NY, April 22, 2020

Precautions to inhibit the spread and flatten the curve of the Coronavirus COVID-19 may mean that morning hikes with your dog require you to don a protective facial mask, but don’t worry, you won’t have to wrestle Fido to affix his mask, too.

Does this mean that dogs are not susceptible to getting or transmitting the coronavirus?

And, what about kitty?

Here’s research-based advice for all of our AssociatesMD Medical Group pet lovers:

The CDC and WHO

UPDATE 4/23/20:

CDC reports that two domestic cats in NY --have tested positive with COVID. They continue to assure us that domestic pets cannot transmit COIVD-19 to humans. Please read the important tips below. CDC: Two Domestic Cats Diagnosed with COVID-19 in NY, April 22, 2020

“We don’t believe that pets are playing a role in transmission, but we think that they may be able to be infected from an infected person, said World Health Organization (WHO) epidemiologist Maria Can Kerhov.

Veterinary Associations

And the British Veterinary Association (BVA) concurs. They report that there is no evidence that pets can pass COVID-19 to their owners. From the small number of cases it appears that dogs do not show symptoms, but cats can show clinical signs of the disease. Pet cats should be kept inside if they live in a household where someone is suffering with the new coronavirus, veterinary scientists have said.

Veterinary associations around the world advise cat owner who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms to keep their cats indoors, minimize contact, and wash their hands before and after touching cats as well as food and water bowls.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there is “little to no evidence” that cats become ill if infected with the new coronavirus, and “no evidence that those that may be naturally infected spread (the virus) to other pets or people.”

The AVMA further explains that “Out of an abundance of caution and until more is known about this virus, if you are ill with COVID-19 you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just as you would restrict your contact with other people.”

The AVMA is committed to providing factual, up-to-date information and resources to support the veterinary community in performing essential work during the pandemic.

Service Animals

If you are ill with COVID-19 you should restrict contact with your pets, however, if your pet is your service animal, it is understandable that this may be more challenging. Just as you would restrict contact with your other pets and other animals, be sure to wear a cloth face covering. And now this may be difficult - don’t pet, share food, kiss, or hug them. Be sure to wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet or service animal. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with pets in your home.

AssociatesMD wants you to know that until we learn more about how this virus affects animals, treat your beloved pets as you would other human family members to protect them from a potential infection.

Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals.

To learn more AssociatesMD medical group has curated these great resources.

AVMA Resources and Tools for Animal Health During the COVID-19 global public health pandemic
AVMA Offers Advice: Pets in homes with owners with COVID-19
CDC Guidance for Managing People with COVID-19 in Home Care and Isolation who have pets
CDC COVID-19 Daily Life, Coping with Animals

Your trusted physicians at AssociatesMD know these unprecedented times are challenging. Your health remains our number one priority and we are steadfast in our commitment to you, our valued patient. Let us know how we may help you. Call us to connect at 1-844-954-DOCS.

For more than 20 years, AssociatesMD medical group’s multi-specialty physicians have cared for patients in locations throughout Broward with unwavering compassion and uncompromised dedication to excellence. AssociatesMD, now provides telemedicine - virtual care for easy, personalized, cost effective, and timely access to quality healthcare -- AssociatesMD TeleMed™

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