It's a worrying question wether 'COVID19' affects PET animals?

The World Health Organisation issued an update on Thursday 13 March saying "at present there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus".

However it is highly recommended your personal hygiene after in contact with pets (wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water). Pets are part of our family and they brings bundle of joy to us. it's our responsibility to protect and keep them safe in this messy time.

Q: Can we pass the new coronavirus to our pets?

A: The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads from humans to humans. There is no research to support human to animal spread at this time. Samples from the Hong Kong dog had a small number of virus particles present. In an animal with no clinical signs of disease, it’s hard to say what this means. It was a single case, and we learned that we need to do a lot more research into the potential of the human SARS-CoV-19 virus to infect animals.

That said, cats and dogs are mammals too. They have many of the same types of receptors on their cells that we do. So the virus could theoretically attach to these receptors. But will it enter their cells and replicate? Probably not.

Still, people infected with SARS-CoV-19 should limit contact with their pets. Wash your hands, and don’t let them lick you on the face. If the virus is in your secretions, and there’s any potential of transmission, these are ways it could be transmitted. (www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/quarantine-cat-disinfect-dog-latest-advice-about-coronavirus-and-your-pets)

What to do! 

• Understand this is not a panic alarm; it needs few precautions only 
• Keep your pet clean and healthy at all time
• Wash your hands with soap and water after touching your pet
• Please restrict your pet licking your face for now
• Stock enough food and treats for them
• Makesure they've enough supply of clean & fresh water all time
• If you or anyone in the family is affected and noticed sickness in your pet please report this immediately to your VET or Public Health Department

Do not forget to stock your pets favourite food  NOW