A: TL, DR. Yes, pets and other animals can get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
Most of these pets that get sick with COVID-19 have mild illness and fully recover. However, people with COVID-19 should still act in a way to protect pets from infection.
A recent study out of the UK demonstrated a large increase in myocarditis (heart inflammation) among dogs and cats (from 1.5% to 12.5% of pets) during December 2020 to March 2021, coinciding with the surge of the alpha variant. Many of the owners of the sick pets also became sick with COVID-19 in the month or two before the pets got ill (and about half of the pets themselves tested positive for either the alpha variant of the virus or the antibodies). While myocarditis among pets in the UK has returned to pre-COVID levels, the possibility of viral mutation and health effects of the virus in other species is something we are watching closely.
Here are some tips to help you protect your pets:
• Pet owners and their household members should get vaccinated if eligible.
• If someone in your household has COVID-19, they should isolate from all other people and animals. If isolation is not possible, people with COVID-19 should avoid snuggling, petting, and sharing the same bed with their pets. In addition, they should wash their hands well before and after interaction with their pets.
• Pets should have limited contact with unvaccinated people outside of the household.
• Do not put a mask on your pet.
• Do not wipe your pet down with disinfectants, hand sanitizer or other surface cleaners. Talk to your vet for guidance on proper care of your animal.
Thankfully, there seems to be low risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to humans. In addition, pets do not appear to spread the virus from skin, fur, or hair.
Tips for protecting your pet from COVID
Uptick in myocarditis in dogs and cats
