Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Pets: An FAQ for Pet-Owners

This article was written on March 12th, 2020. Last updated on March 16th.

Can dogs get the new coronavirus (COVID-19)?

At this time, experts believe it is very unlikely. The World Health Organization currently advises that there is no evidence to suggest that dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. The OIE states there is no evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of this disease or that they become sick. The CDC also seconds that opinion, stating that, “At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19.”

Although pets cannot become sick from COVID-19, could they serve as a conduit of infection between people?

Yes. It is possible that a person with COVID-19 could sneeze or otherwise contaminate their pet, and then another individual could touch that animal and contract the disease. Veterinary experts believe the risk for transmission would be low. However, animals living with sick individuals should be kept away from other people and animals (quarantined at home), just as people who live with sick individuals must avoid contact with others. The CDC recommends that you restrict contact with pets if you are sick with COVID-19, just as you would restrict your contact with other people. Avoid snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must interact with your pet, wash your hands before and after, and wear a face mask.

If I am ill with COVID-19 are there special precautions I should take to prevent spreading disease, including when caring for my pet?

If you are showing symptoms or declared positive with COVID-19, you need to be careful to avoid transmitting it to other people. Applying some commonsense measures can help prevent that from happening.

• Stay at home except to get medical care and call ahead before visiting your doctor.

• Minimize your contact with other people, including separating yourself from other members of your household who are not ill; using a different bathroom, if available; and wearing a facemask when you are around other people or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.

• Wash your hands often, especially before touching your face, and use hand sanitizer.

• Use a tissue if you need to cough or sneeze and dispose of that tissue in the trash.

• When coughing or sneezing, do so into your elbow or sleeve rather than directly at another person.

Out of an abundance of caution, the AVMA recommends you take the same common-sense approach when interacting with your pets or other animals in your home, including service animals. You should tell your physician and public health official that you have a pet or other animals in your home.

Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. So, if you are ill with COVID-19, have another member of your household take care of walking, feeding, and playing with your pet. If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, then wear a facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet or service animal. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. While we are recommending these as good practices, it is important to remember there is currently no evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 to other animals, including people.

What should I do to prepare for my pet’s care in the event I do become ill?

Identify another person in your household who is willing and able to care for your pet in your home should you contract COVID-19. Make sure you have an emergency kit prepared, with at least two weeks’ worth of your pet’s food and any needed medications. Usually, we think about emergency kits like this in terms of what might be needed for an evacuation, but it’s also good to have one prepared in the case of quarantine or self-isolation when you cannot leave your home.

My pet or service animal needs to go to the veterinarian – what should I do?

If you are not ill with COVID-19 or another communicable disease (e.g., cold, flu), call your veterinarian to make an appointment for your pet or service animal as you normally would.

If you are sick with COVID-19 or another communicable disease, you should stay at home, minimizing contact with other people, until you are well.

If you are sick with COVID-19, and you believe your pet or service animal is ill, please seek assistance from your veterinarian and public health officials to determine how to best ensure your pet or service animal can be appropriately cared for while minimizing risks of transmitting COVID-19 to other people.

What precautions should be taken for animals that have recently been imported from high-risk areas?

Any animals imported into the United States will need to meet CDC and USDA requirements for entering the United States. At this time there is no evidence that animals other than the bat source of SARS-CoV-2 can spread COVID-19. As with any animal introduced into a new environment, recently imported animals should be observed daily for signs of illness. If an animal becomes ill, the animal should be examined by a veterinarian. Call your veterinarian before bringing the animal into the clinic and let them know that the animal was imported from an area identified as high-risk for COVID-19.

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Wash Your Hands

Although there is no current evidence that suggests the coronavirus can be transmitted to or from companion animals, it’s always a good idea to follow basic hygiene practices around animals. This includes washing your hands thoroughly throughout the day and before and after direct contact with your pets, their food or their supplies.

Designate an Emergency Caregiver

Proactively identify someone who could help with their short- or long-term care in the event you are unable to care for your pet. Consider a family member, friend, neighbor or your favorite boarding facility.

Stock Up on Pet Supplies

Prepare a kit with essential supplies to have on hand in the event of an emergency. Your emergency kit should include a 30-day supply of your pets’ medications, as well as at least two weeks’ worth of food.

Create a Pet Dossier

If your emergency caregiver’s assistance is needed, make it easier for them by having all of your pets’ information in one place. Consider including things like habits, food preferences, medical conditions and medications taken, veterinarian contact information, and any behavioral tendencies.

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Resources

The most up-to-date information and advice on human infection can be found on the following

websites:

• World Health Organization [WHO]

• CDC – COVID-19

The most up-to-date information related to animal health can be found on the following website:

• World Organisation for Animal Health [OIE]

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10 Poisonous Plants to Pets

Every day, the Pet Poison Helpline receives dozens of phone calls from dog owners and cat owners saying “My cat ate a lily!” or “My dog ate a plant. Is it poisonous?” Some of the most poisonous plants for dogs and cats are reviewed below. While there are thousands of species of plants and flowers, only a small percentage of plants are truly dangerous and poisonous to your pet. Make sure you know which plants are most deadly to your dog or cat and should avoid them getting into these poisonous flowers and poisonous plants.

Autumn Crocus

There are two Crocus plants: one that blooms in the spring (Crocus species) and the other in the autumn Colchicum autumnale). The spring plants are more common and are part of the Iridaceae family. These ingestions can cause general gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea. These should not be mistaken for Autumn Crocus, part of the Liliaceae family, which contain colchicine. The Autumn Crocus is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure. If you’re not sure what plant it is, bring your pet to their veterinarian immediately for care. Signs may be seen immediately but can be delayed for days.

Azalea

In the same family as rhododendrons, azaleas can have serious effects on pets. Eating even a few leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling; without immediate veterinary attention, the pet could fall into a coma and possibly die.

Cyclamen

The roots of this seasonal flowering plant are especially dangerous to pets. If ingested, cyclamen can cause severe vomiting and even death.

Kalanchoe

This popular flowering succulent plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea and heart arrhythmias if ingested by pets.

Lillies

There are dangerous and benign lilies out there, and it’s important to know the difference. Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies contain oxalate crystals that cause minor signs, such as tissue irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus – this results in minor drooling. The more dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies – all of which are highly toxic to cats! Even small ingestions (such as 2-3 petals or leaves) can result in severe kidney failure. If your cat is seen consuming any part of a lily, bring your cat (and the plant) immediately to a veterinarian for medical care. The sooner you bring in your cat, the better and more efficiently we can treat the poisoning.

Oleander

Oleander is an outdoor shrub, popular for its evergreen qualities and delicate flowers. However, the leaves and flowers are extremely toxic if ingested and can cause severe vomiting, slow the heart rate and possibly even cause death.

Dieffenbachia

Popular in many homes and offices, dieffenbachia can cause intense oral irritation, drooling, nausea, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if ingested.

Daffodils

These flowers contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong emetic properties (something that triggers vomiting). Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Crystals are found in the outer layer of the bulbs, similar to hyacinths, which cause severe tissue irritation and secondary drooling. Daffodil ingestions can result in more severe symptoms so if an exposure is witnessed or symptoms are seen, we recommend seeking veterinary care for further supportive care.

Lily of the Valley

The Convallaria majalis plant contains cardiac glycosides which will cause symptoms similar to digitalis (foxglove) ingestion. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. Pets with any known exposure to this plant should be examined and evaluated by a veterinarian and treated symptomatically.

Sago Palm

Very popular in warmer climates, this household and outdoor plant can be very harmful to pets. If ingested, the leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver failure and, in some cases, death.

Tulips & Hyacinths

Tulips contain allergenic lactones while hyacinths contain similar alkaloids. The toxic principle of these plants is very concentrated in the bulbs (versus the leaf or flower), so make sure your dog isn’t digging up the bulbs in the garden. When the plant parts or bulbs are chewed or ingested, it can result in tissue irritation to the mouth and esophagus. Typical signs include profuse drooling, vomiting, or even diarrhea, depending on the amount consumed. There’s no specific antidote, but with supportive care from the veterinarian, animals do quite well. With large ingestions of the bulb, more severe symptoms such as an increase in heart rate and changes in respiration can be seen, and should be treated by a veterinarian. These more severe signs are seen in cattle or our overzealous, chowhound Labradors.

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these items or any other questionable substance, call Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or your veterinarian for assistance. Accurate and timely identification of the suspected substance is very important. Having the container, package, or label in hand will save valuable time and may save the life of your pet.

Related article: Additional Poisonous Plants for Pets

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Stomach Flu with Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is identified by blood in the vomit and/or stool, often due to a food borne illness. Because it is a serious disorder that can be potentially fatal, immediate veterinary care is required.

Symptoms

Continuous vomiting and/or diarrhea are the most common symptoms.

Other symptoms include:

• Lethargy

• Listlessness

• Anorexia

• Weight loss

• Fluid loss

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Dehydration

• Hemoconcentration

• Hypovolemic shock

Causes

Infectious gastroenteritis is caused by pathogens (infectious agents). Some of the pathogens most commonly associated with infectious gastroenteritis include:

• Bacteria (e.g., Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridia)

• Virus (e.g., Parvovirus, Canine distemper)

• Fungi (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium)

• Parasites (e.g., Roundworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms, Whipworms, Coccidia)

E. coli, Salmonella and Corynebacterium are the most significant intestinal pathogens because they can be passed from animal to human or vice versa. Salmonella infections are also important due to the association with reproductive disorders.

Sudden dietary changes and/or dietary toxins may cause irritation and/or affect the immune system. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis, a chronic form of the illness, has been associated with allergens in dog foods. Gastroenteritis may be also observed due to irritation caused by stress, toxins, physical obstruction, ulcers, and abdominal disorders.

Gastroenteritis is not specific to any breed or gender, however, small breed dogs are more prone to infectious gastroenteritis.

Diagnosis

It may be difficult to identify the cause of gastroenteritis. Therefore, invasive diagnostic procedures may be required if routine diagnostic procedures are not successful.

A brief outline of diagnostic procedures:

Medical history:

• Physical obstruction, tumors, ulcers, intestinal blockage, etc.

• Information about the severity, progression and magnitude of the vomiting and diarrhea

• The vaccination record may help in ruling out a parvoviral infection

Physical observations:

• A skin test to determine the presence and extent of dehydration

• An abdominal palpation to check abdominal pain and/or abdominal obstruction

• An examination of mucus membranes to determine hemorrhagic losses

• Cardiovascular function provides information on dehydration and/or blood loss

• Visual observation of the vomit and/or stool to determine if there is blood present

Routine blood/biochemical tests:

• Packed cell volume (hematocrit) data to confirm hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

• Biochemical tests (i.e., liver, kidney, blood protein, and blood sugar)

Fecal study:

• Cultural assays to identify any potential microbiological or parasitic organisms

Radiographs/endoscopy:

• To locate any potential physical obstruction, tumor, ulcer, intestinal blockage, etc.

Treatment

In most of the cases, dogs recover and respond very well. The course of treatment, however, is dependent on the underlying cause of the condition. A brief outline of treatment is given below:

• Fluid and electrolyte therapies are important, especially in cases of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

• Antibiotic therapy may be restricted to animals with systemic infections.

• Corticosteroid therapy is useful in cases of shock. Usually hypovolemic shock develops due to dehydration.

• Dog medications that soothe the intestine and bind noxious agents can also be used in supportive therapy.

• Parasitic infections are treated with anthelmintics.

• Physical obstruction, ulcers and tumors may need surgical treatment.

Living and Management

An improved diet may reduce intestinal infections and other gastrointestinal disorders. The main priority should be to provide healing time for the dog's inflamed intestinal area. Thus, food and water should not be given for at least a period of 24 hours to rest the intestine. Then, provide a bland diet for three to seven days, followed by a gradual return to the dog's normal diet.

Often dietary irritants (especially protein) may lead to a recurrence of the problem. In these cases, a special hypoallergenic medical diet may be required.

Prevention

Some veterinarians have recently emphasized the importance of restoring intestinal microflora through food additives (e.g., probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics) in order to prevent the infection from recurring.

If dog owners are using homemade diets, the ideal micro- and macro-nutrient profile, along with optimum energy density, must be the focus of formulation. These diets provide highly digestible nutrients, less fats and restricted osmolarity. Consult your veterinarian for a proper, well-balanced diet for your dog.

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Diets for Pets with Heart Disease

It is now known that the diet is a very important part of medical therapy for heart disease and one in which owners have the most crucial role. New research is showing that proper nutrition may be able to slow the progression of heart disease, minimize the number of medications required, improve the quality of life or, in rare cases, actually cure the disease.

Maintaining Optimal Weight

A key goal for the nutritional management of heart disease is to maintain optimal body weight, because both weight loss and obesity can be harmful to your pet. Owners should watch their pets for loss of overall body weight and loss of muscle (cachexia describes muscle loss seen in animals with heart disease).

Many pets with heart failure will not eat as much, as frequently, or the same things as when they were healthy—this is called anorexia. This can be an important factor in the weight and muscle loss that occurs. Maintaining your pet's interest in food is a tricky, yet important, task but there are several tips to achieving this.

First, try giving more frequent, but smaller meals. Cats frequently are more interested when the food is warmed. Dogs are less predictable, but will usually prefer one temperature over another (try different temperatures—warmed, room temperature, cold or even near-frozen).

Another method to manage reduced or changed appetite in an animal with heart disease is to gradually replace their current food with a new one. For example, switch from a dry food to a canned food or change to a different brand. However, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the diet that is most appropriate for your pet.

Finally, flavor enhancers such as cooked meat or fish (without any salt; avoid deli meats) for dogs and cats, or sweeteners (such as yogurt, maple syrup, applesauce or honey) for dogs may be added to the diet to promote eating. Fish oil may be given to help with cachexia.

As it is important to make sure animals are not too skinny, it is also necessary to make sure they are not too heavy. Owners often find that severely overweight dogs and cats with heart disease that successfully lose weight, appear to have less trouble breathing and are more comfortable. A special diet may be prescribed for your dog or cat to help treat the heart disease as well as to maintain their optimal body weight.

Important Nutrients for Pets

Nutritional deficiencies are now uncommon in dogs and cats unless owners are feeding a nutritionally unbalanced diet. If your animal is eating a homemade, raw or vegetarian diet, or a diet made by a small company, please let your veterinarian know this as it could be important in the diagnosis or treatment of your pet.

Even if your pet doesn't have a specific nutritional deficiency, increasing the levels of certain nutrients may have benefits in the treatment of heart disease. Nutrients that may need to be supplemented are described below. It is important to keep in mind that dietary supplements have little regulation so quality control can be a big problem. Cummings School recommends using dietary supplements that bear the logo of the United States Pharmacopeia Dietary Supplement Verification Program (DSVP), which tests human dietary supplements for ingredients, concentrations, dissolvability and contaminants. Another good resource is ConsumerLab.com, which performs independent testing of dietary supplements primarily for human supplements but also for pet products as well.

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid which, if deficient, can cause a specific heart disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in cats. Complete and balanced commercial cat foods have enough taurine but diets that are not complete and balanced (labeled as for intermittent or supplemental use only), vegetarian diets or homemade diets can be too low in this nutrient. If your cat is diagnosed with DCM, the cardiologists will usually test their blood taurine level to see if they are deficient and prescribe supplements to help treat the disease.

Dogs, unlike cats, are not thought to require taurine in the diet. However, certain breeds (Cocker spaniels, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, English setters, Labrador and Golden retrievers) may require some in the diet to avoid a deficiency. Lamb and rice diets, very low protein, and high fiber diets in these predisposed breeds may make it more likely for them to develop taurine deficiency. Dogs of these predisposed breeds that develop DCM may have their blood tested for taurine levels. Most dogs with DCM do not have taurine deficiency but when levels are low then taurine supplementation can help in the management of heart failure.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Certain types of fatty acids present in fish oil (called omega-3 fatty acids) have been shown have a positive effect in dogs with heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids do not help to prevent heart disease as they do in people. This is because in people, omega-3 fatty acids have a beneficial effect in coronary artery disease, which does not occur in dogs and cats. In pets with heart disease, fish oil is recommended for dogs and cats who have reduced or altered appetite or any muscle loss (cachexia). Omega-3 supplements can also be used (in addition to appropriate medication) in the treatment of dogs with abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Fish oil may be purchased over-the-counter at almost all human pharmacies but dose and quality of the products vary widely. Cummings School generally recommends a one gram fish oil capsule that contains 180mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The quality control of the individual product should be checked to ensure your pet is getting the right amount and is not getting unwanted nutrients or contaminants. Various ways to check quality control of dietary supplements are mentioned above.

With capsules of this size most dogs and cats can be given one capsule per 10 pounds of body weight. Fish oil is relatively safe but if your pet has a bleeding disorder or is already eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, supplementation should be carefully considered with your veterinarian. Fish oil supplements should contain vitamin E as an antioxidant, but other nutrients should not be included. Cod liver oil and flax seed oil should not be used as sources of omega-3 fatty acids in dogs and cats.

Restricted Nutrients for Pets

While supplementing important nutrients may prove beneficial, it is equally true that reducing the levels of certain nutrients may have benefits in the treatment of heart disease. Nutrients that may need to be restricted are described below.

Sodium

Depending on the severity of heart disease, decreasing the amount of sodium in the diet can be beneficial. In pets with mild heart disease (those that are not showing any symptoms), only mild sodium restriction is recommended. If the heart disease is more advanced, causing a condition known as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), greater sodium restriction is advised. Talk to your veterinarian about the diet that would be most appropriate for your dog or cat. Diets that are low in protein should be avoided unless the pet has severe kidney disease. Cummings School provides a reduced sodium diet list in the PDF format for your convenience.

While it is important to feed the most appropriate pet food given your animal's type, level of heart disease and other medical issues, it is also necessary to remember that large amounts of sodium can also come from treats, table food and the foods you might use to give daily medications. A list of treats for dogs with heart disease is also provided in the PDF format. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about which treats can be safely fed to your pet.

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Can animals have high blood pressure?

Just like people, our pets have blood pressure too and they also risk developing high blood pressure. While high blood pressure in humans can cause more serious health issues, high blood pressure in animals is usually associated with a more critical health issue, because hypertension is typically the result of an existing underlying disease.

High blood pressure in dogs is often associated with Cushing’s disease or hyperadrenocorticism. Cushing’s disease is when a disorder, usually a benign tumor, allows an excess of cortisone to be released into the bloodstream.

Cats often develop high blood pressure as a result of having hyperthyroidism and/ or kidney disease. Hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of a thyroid hormone that results in increased metabolism.

If your pet has already been diagnosed with, and is being treated for, hypertension, your veterinarian will need to treat the underlying condition that caused the high blood pressure. It is also likely your veterinarian will also want to measure your pet’s blood pressure every three months moving forward. The vet may also suggest performing other tests, such as a complete blood count, blood chemistry panel, and a urinalysis every six months.

For most of us our pets are part of the family, so make sure they get a regular annual check-up with their veterinarian. Don’t ignore your vet’s advice, or at least get a second opinion before you make a potentially life and death decision on your fur baby's behalf.

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