Since the coronavirus pandemic began to spread, there have been many hoaxes about different topics. One of the first to emerge was that pets (dogs and cats, above all) could be infected and transmit COVID-19 to people. This caused panic and, as a consequence, in some countries such as Italy, the number of abandoned dogs increased.
The World Health Organization soon came out to deny this information at the end of February. For the time being, there is no scientific evidence that pets such as dogs and cats can suffer from or transmit the virus. Furthermore, the WHO indicated that, even if a canine or feline coronavirus existed, it would not be the same as the COVID-19 that affects humans.
This means that we should not become obsessed if we have a pet. The canine organizations pointed out that, although the necessary hygienic measures must be taken, certain practices such as putting masks on them or performing tests to check whether they are sick or not are not necessary. Besides being useless, the only thing we will achieve is to stress the animal, which can help and distract us a lot in these days of confinement.
With the aim of expanding the information about the possible relationship between pets and COVID-19, Dr. Mariuxi Burgos, specialist in Family Medicine, and Dr. Jonathan Franco, specialist in Internal Medicine, doctors of Mi Tres Torres, member center of Top Doctors, answer some doubts:
What do we know about the possibility that pets can transmit or become infected with COVID-19 themselves?
It has been said that they cannot transmit it, but would they act as another “surface” where the virus can be deposited?
And, in the same way that the virus can remain in the air for up to 3 hours, the coronavirus can remain on other surfaces and materials for more hours and even a few days. Thus, the animal itself would be one more surface but also all its accessories, leashes and toys, as Dr. Burgos points out, can be easily contaminated.
How should we clean the dog after returning from the street, for example, as a preventive measure?
It is necessary to underline what was mentioned above: we must maintain strict hygiene when returning from the street with the dog, in the same way we would do it if we went without him. As Dr. Burgos pointed out, the dog is just another surface, so you should wash your hands after touching it and do not rub your eyes or nose, but you can proceed with them with total normality and tranquility. They do not need to be put on masks, they do not need to be tested, but they do need to have their objects disinfected and take normal precautions.
What happens to the owner of a dog if it is infected with COVID-19, can he go down to walk it?
The dog’s caretaker should take the same precautions, and it is even recommended to have new food and water bowls, without taking the ones he usually has at home. Leashes should be washed and disinfected, or new ones should be purchased.
If the infected person does not find a temporary caretaker, veterinarians recommend taking the same precautions with them as with people.
If you need to contact a specialist, use our Telemedicine service.