A new study demonstrates that household pets are susceptible to contracting COVID-19, with cats being more susceptible than dogs. The findings indicate that owners who contract the novel coronavirus and become ill may transmit the pathogen to their pets.
Less than 1% of dogs are positive for the COVID-19 virus.
In two separate studies presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, scientists analyzed the blood serum of 239 pet cats and 510 dogs from April to June of 2020. On occasion, infected animals were discovered, with less than 1% of dogs and 8% of cats testing positive for COVID-19.
Hinh Ly, a molecular biologist from the University of Minnesota, stated that based on these numbers, the likelihood of pets becoming ill is low. As reported by Science Alert, companion animals can be the source of a variety of infectious diseases; therefore, Human and animal health will be profoundly affected by research into the disease’s prevalence in cats and dogs.
Home boarding for dogs and cats via reputable platforms such as Holidog.com is the best option for your fluffy companions, whether you are concerned about passing a virus to your pet or simply need to travel out of town. Pets require affection, attention, and creature comforts, all of which can be provided by pet-loving host families across the nation while you are away or recovering from illness.
The benefits of hiring a pet sitter extend not only to you as the owner — alleviating the stress of special packing, special vaccinations, additional travel costs, and worries — but also to the health of your pet/s. The majority of pets prefer their own environment and may dislike the changes that holidays and new locations bring; they may become anxious and withdrawn when away from home.
Pet sitters are able to ensure that cuddles, play, and regular walks are maintained. In addition, they can take care of routine care and feeding, special requirements, grooming, medication administration, and vet visits. Sitters can also be tasked with household duties such as bringing in the mail, watering plants, turning lights on and off, and ensuring your home’s safety.
If you have an anxious pet, kennels are not recommended; for instance, the constant barking of other dogs could be disturbing. But perhaps most importantly, you will eliminate the possibility that your pets will be exposed to contagious diseases in kennels.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States have stated that the risk of animals transmitting COVID-19 to humans is considered to be low, and that additional research is required to determine if and how various animals could be affected by COVID-19.
The DCD advises individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to avoid contact with animals, including domesticated pets, livestock, and wild animals.
Rarely do cats exhibit symptoms of illness.
Angela Bosco-Lauth, a biomedical researcher from Colorado State University, told The New York Times that she was surprised by the frequency with which cats are infected, given that they rarely exhibit symptoms of illness. Researchers were unable to determine why cats are more susceptible to infection, reporting only that the ACE2 protein in cats is more similar to its human counterpart than its dog counterpart, and that this is the coronavirus receptor.
Researchers at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, discovered that two out of three cats and two out of five dogs whose owners had COVID had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, indicating that they were previously infected.
20% to 30% of the animals exhibited symptoms including loss of energy and appetite, coughing, diarrhoea, runny noses, and respiratory issues. The complications were generally mild and transient. The research indicates that it is unlikely for animals to transmit SARS-CoV-2 to humans.