News of a 17-year-old Pomeranian from Hong Kong testing ‘weak positive’ for the novel coronavirus disease last month still shook many pet owners to the core, leaving most of them reluctant on the capacity of the virus among animal companions.
Still, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted from animals to humans.
“There are other fairly harmless strains of coromavirus that pets can catch,” said Animal Trust owner Owen Monie. “These can’t be caught from – or passed onto – humans and usually show up as a mild tummy upset. But to date, there is no evidence that animals can catch COVID-19.”
If you do develop the virus, it is important to keep a scrupulous hygiene always. WHO advised to wash hands “before and after being around animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoid kissing, licking or sharing food.”
For taking your dogs out for a walk, veterinarian Dr. Katie Friel-Russell recommended observing a two-meter distance to other pets and their human companions. Unlike the other days where you can go up and pet other animals on your walks, Dr. Russell advised to avoid touching other animals as their furs can be carriers of COVID-19
