No, our pets cannot become infected with COVID-19 also known as the human version of Coronavirus. However, CORONAVIRUS IN DOGS or CANINE CORONAVIRUS was discovered in 2003.
CAN MY PETS GET THE CURRENT HUMAN CORONAVIRUS/ COVID-19?
The Coronavirus that we are hearing about on the news is NOT Canine Coronavirus. The fact is that no dogs or cats have been infected with human Coronavirus/COVID-19.
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS IN DOGS or CANINE CORONAVIRUS ?
Canine Coronavirus usually doesn’t last too long, but it does cause numerous side effects and complications, in some cases. Canine coronavirus can be passed through feces and saliva. A dog has one to five days after being exposed to the disease for symptoms to present themselves. Symptoms include onset diarrhea, a decrease in appetite and lethargy. A dog’s stool often contains mucus or blood and will always have a distinct odor. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for coronavirus. Do your best to keep control of the symptoms because often a secondary infection may occur, which you can then get antibiotics for. Coronavirus is rarely fatal except in the cases of dogs with underdeveloped or compromised immune systems.
CAN MY PETS CARRY COVID-19 AND PASS TO ME?
Your dog or cat could transmit human Coronavirus/COVID-19 to you, through general contact, if they subjected to it somewhere else. The virus CAN RESIDE on and in your pet’s nasal and oral cavities (nose and mouth), without ever infecting them with the virus. No dogs or cats have been infected with COVID-19.
There is a Canine Coronavirus Vaccination but is NOT recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or DAMC because it:
•causes mild or subclinical disease.
•generally occurs in dogs younger than six weeks old.
•is typically self-limiting.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PET
The best way to protect your pet in Florida (United States), is to get them vaccinated against the most common viruses and infections (core vaccines). Those vaccines include:
•Canine parvovirus (CPV)
•Canine distemper virus (CDV)
•Canine adenovirus (CAV)
•Rabies
•Leptospirosis vaccine
•Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)
•Distemper-Measles Combination Vaccine
Call to schedule your dog’s vaccination – (727) 584-8370