An American bulldog of a 19-year-old corona patient had to be put to sleep at the end of April, because the animal had breathing problems. The dog turned out to have the coronavirus. Three cats most likely contracted the virus from one of the mink farms where corona was found.
Chance of transfer
However, it is unlikely that your pet will become infected with corona. In most cases, pets are infected by their owner, says the RIVM. Because it concerns only a few infected pets worldwide, the institute considers the chance of such a transfer to be small.
There are a number of things that you can take into account.
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Despite the fact that pets are not a major risk factor for the spread of the virus, it is better not to just pet every animal, says veterinarian Marnix Lamberts. “Pets can not only spread the virus if they are infected themselves, it could also be spread through the coat. Just as the virus could spread through a door handle.”
Just like people
Lamberts therefore recommends that you always wash your hands well when you have stroked an animal. Actually, it’s best to treat pets as humans: if they don’t belong to your household, keep your distance.
Lamberts: “You don’t know where an animal has been. Or if your dog jumps against someone in the park, you don’t know if that person is infected.”
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Advice from RIVM
RIVM provides advice on dealing with pets on its site:
- If you are not sick yourself, but your pet is, then it is probably not a corona infection
- If you have corona symptoms yourself, but not your pet, avoid intensive cuddling and if possible have a non-sick roommate take care of your pet
- Do you have corona symptoms and is your animal sick too? Then there is a small chance that your pet is also infected. Do not let the animal walk outside and contact the vet by telephone if you have severe breathlessness and / or diarrhea.
For more information, see the RIVM site.
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People who have corona symptoms may want to keep a little more distance from their dog or cat, Lamberts says. “But if you are really infected yourself, there is a chance that your pet already has it, without you noticing.”
Call the vet
If your pet is ill and you think it is corona, you should call your vet. Lamberts: “Report in advance what is going on, and what symptoms your animal and you are showing. Then the vet can take the necessary measures, such as a mask, gloves and a face shield.”
Pets can be tested for the corona virus. If the virus is indeed diagnosed, the vet must report this to the NVWA.
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