natural pet


It is unlikely a pet will become infected and serve as a source of infection for people.


lethal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus (this occurs in about 10 percent of infected cats). Again, this feline coronavirus will


Coronavirus Pet Safety T


Facts and Tips for Dog and Cat Owners by Shawn Messonnier


here are many types of coro- navirus. COVID-19 is new—a novel coronavirus—and there are


currently no confi rmed cases of CO- VID-19 in dogs or cats. Dogs can become infected with a canine coronavirus. It is fairly species-specifi c and will not infect people, but can infect cats (without caus- ing clinical disease in naturally infected cats). Most infected dogs do not show


CAT OF THE MONTH I


’m Apricot, nice to meet you! I’m an outgoing kitty who is ready to be your perfect companion. You’ll probably notice


me right away because I’ll be standing up, ready to greet you as soon as you walk into the room. People describe me as energetic, fun, social, adventurous and smart. I am very cuddly once I get to know you, but I do take


some time to settle into my new home. If you can give me some space at fi rst, I’m sure we will grow to have a relation- ship built on mutual respect and adoration. I’m looking for a home with older children or adults only. Do you have room in your heart for a fun cat like me? Please email Adoption@AustinHumaneSociety.org to ask about me today!


To learn more about Apricot or other pets to adopt, visit AustinHumaneSociety.org.


26 Austin Area Edition AustinAwakenings.com


symptoms and recover without showing signs of infection; young puppies may exhibit mild diarrhea. Cats have their own coronavirus that,


like dogs, usually causes an asymptomatic infection, or may cause mild diarrhea or mild respiratory infection (especially in kittens). However, this coronavirus, for unknown reasons, can mutate in the GI tract and transform into the (usually)


not infect dogs or people, and only in- fects felids. (A curious note is that cats can become infected with the human SARS coronavirus experimentally and naturally, but do not become ill, and the original SARS virus was suspected to have originated from a mongoose.) As with human coronaviruses, canine and feline coronaviruses can survive outside of the pet’s body for a period of time, especially in a colder environ- ment, but are easily killed with most soap or disinfectants. Dogs and cats that develop their own


coronaviral diseases will not infect people. However, by serving as fomites (objects that can carry an infectious organism on the sur- face), dogs and cats could potentially carry a virus on their coat or skin if an infected family member gets infected material (saliva, respiratory droplets, etc.) onto the animal. Like any other surface in the home, the virus could transfer from the surface of the pet to other uninfected family members. (T is is usually by hand to face transfer.) To be safe, it may be wise to keep the


family pet away from the infected family member, or at least have the infected fam- ily member bathe and/or wipe the pet’s coat with a wet washcloth before the pet is exposed to uninfected family members. Keep in mind that maintaining


proper blood levels of vitamin D in people and in pets is important in minimizing infectious diseases.


T is is an evolving topic. As new discover- ies and research arise, check the Centers for Disease Control website (cdc.gov) for the latest advisories and recommendations.


Shawn Messonnier, DVM, is the owner of Paws & Claws Holistic Animal Hospital, in Plano, Texas, and an award-winning author and host on Martha Stewart Radio.


Gladskikh Tatiana/Shutterstock.com


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