{"id":30167,"date":"2021-04-05T06:00:34","date_gmt":"2021-04-05T12:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=30167"},"modified":"2024-07-18T13:49:17","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T19:49:17","slug":"covid-19-and-pets-what-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/covid-19-and-pets-what-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 and pets: What you should know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s been proven again and again that having a pet contributes to better health. Pets can\u00a0help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels while reducing loneliness and depression.<\/p>\n

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pets have comforted us and helped us stay healthy. Dog adoptions surged. New puppies joined families. And cats kept people entertained during the toughest months of lockdowns and surging infections. Since pets are very much part of our families, it\u2019s understandable that some people worried about their pets\u2019 health. While COVID-19 probably emerged<\/a> from an animal source, there is no evidence that animals, including pets in the United States, are a source of the infection or able to infect others, according to the\u00a0Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>\u00a0(CDC).<\/p>\n

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People who are not ill with COVID-19 do not have to isolate themselves from their pets, but they should continue to practice good hygiene. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The risk of animals spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to people is considered low at this time. It does appear, however, that the virus can spread from people to animals in some situations, especially during close contact.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are not ill with COVID-19, you can interact with your pets as you normally would, including walking, feeding and playing,\u201d according to experts at the\u00a0American Veterinary Medical Association<\/a>\u00a0(AVMA).<\/p>\n

Conversely, if you are sick with COVID-19, experts advise you to avoid close contact with pets. The National Council for Safety, Protection and Wellness offer this guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We have reviewed recommendations and guidelines from veterinary experts to help you keep your pets safe during the pandemic.<\/p>\n

How should I care for and interact with my pet during the coronavirus pandemic?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Treat your pet like anyone else in your household. People who are not ill with COVID-19 do not have to isolate themselves from their pets, but they should continue to practice good hygiene and take other precautions:<\/p>\n