The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down and left us all with plenty of questions. For pet owners, concern about our furry, feathered, or scaly family members comes into play. Can our pets contract COVID? Should we be concerned about them spreading it? Here, we offer some answers to help you understand the impact of the coronavirus on pets and how to handle it.
- Can pets get COVID-19?
- First, understand that while pets can contract COVID-19, it doesn’t appear to be a widespread problem. Because the risk is low for animals, pets are not undergoing routine COVID-19 testing.
- Should my pet wear a mask when out in public?
- It’s not advisable for pets to wear masks. In fact, vets advise against it. While you might think that pets, like people, should wear masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it can actually be dangerous for pets to wear masks. Not only do pet masks impede proper ventilation and prevent dogs from panting, but they also make it difficult for dogs to see facial expressions and smell things, which can make it hard for them to successfully navigate the world.
- How can I protect my pet from COVID-19?
- Even though they shouldn’t wear masks, you should protect them from COVID as much as possible. They shouldn’t be allowed to interact with people or animals who have been exposed to COVID-19. Similarly, if someone in your home has COVID, your pet should not interact with anyone from outside the home. Pets should be treated like humans in this instance, so that they don’t contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
- What should I do if my pet seems to have COVID-19?
- If you think your pet has COVID-19, talk to your vet. A pet sick with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 might experience fever, coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unusual lack of energy, sneezing, runny nose, eye discharge, vomiting, and diarrhea. As you would with any other illness, if you think your pet is sick, contact your vet, who will know how to proceed. Some vets perform COVID tests for pets, while in some cases a vet may offer telemedicine appointments so that you don’t have to bring your sick pet into the office.
The goal of Total Point Urgent Care is to be a convenient healthcare resource for our community. Providing immediate medical care at a fraction of the cost of an emergency room, our neighborhood clinics offer warm, efficient, personalized care. At our locations in Texas, our on-site technology and services include urgent care, primary care, specialty care, routine checkups, COVID-19 testing, and onsite lab and x rays. Soon, we’ll even offer virtual visits so that our patients can choose telecare instead of risking a trip to the clinic. For convenient medical care, visit one of our locations or contact us through our website.
