While the final word is not in, it would appear that SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic possibly originated in bats and then spread to humans via infected intermediate host animals in live food markets in China. Human-to-human transmission is primarily through infected airway droplets and aerosols but may also occur through contact with contaminated surfaces. There have been rare instances of coronavirus infection in various non-human species, including tigers, lions, hamsters, monkeys, and ferrets. In April, 2020 there was a COVID-19 outbreak at the Bronx Zoo affecting five tigers and three lions with probable virus transmission from an infected but asymptomatic zookeeper. The big cats had a mild cough and loss of appetite, but all made a quick recovery.
There have been a
handful of reported COVID cases in dogs and cats, some of which have been
mildly symptomatic, with respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, but there have
been no documented cases in which humans have been infected from exposure to
their pets. However, this has not kept some pet owners from masking their dogs
and cats, making for some very humorous photos. Transmission seems to be from
humans to their pets and, although very rare, common sense dictates that if you
have COVID, you should restrict contact with your pet and have another member
of the household care for it.
There is a
different story, however, with minks which have become a reservoir for the
coronavirus and have probably passed on the virus, sometimes in a mutated form,
to humans. This has been a particular
problem in Denmark and led the Danish government in November 2020 to cull all
of the country’s farmed mink in the areas of epidemic virus spread, effectively
wiping out a major national industry which provides 40% of the world’s mink
pelts. SARS-CoV-2 has also been reported on mink farms in the U.S. but without
evidence of spread to humans – no need to disinfect or discard your mink coat.
However, the
pandemic has put our relationship with our pet animals in a whole new light.
The good news is that our pets have had a major positive impact during the
pandemic, when many of us are struggling with the new reality of big-time
restrictions on travel, dining out, entertainment venues, religious services
and the ability to socialize with family and friends. When faced with the
challenges of social isolation, people are turning to their animal friends not
only for basic companionship but also for help with anxiety and depression.
While we may feel
socially isolated, there is one group that is not suffering at all, namely our
pet dogs. It is estimated that there are about 90 million dogs in the United
States and they are in doggy heaven during the pandemic. They certainly don’t
have to worry about the inconveniences of social distancing, wearing a mask, or
washing and sanitizing their paws. What do dogs enjoy the most? Being at home
with their families and being taken on walks. During the pandemic, walking for
exercise has increased dramatically, and you can be sure that many of those
walks are accompanied by a pet dog. As we shelter in place, dogs have their
family at home with them 24/7, and owners have become attuned to their pets’
every need. There is even an opportunity for more bonding with the household
kids, who are doing their classes online at home. Since most meals are now
eaten at home, lots more table treats are available, too. There is no more fear
of abandonment, no more hiding under the bed at the sight of suitcases being
rolled out, and no more dreaded trips to the local kennel or doggy daycare.
It’s a dream come true for our pet dogs.
Pet cats may be a
different story. While they certainly offer comfort and social support when
their owners shelter and work at home, cats are less desirous of constant
companionship and are likely having a more annoying quarantine experience. For
the sanity of your cat, it is important to keep your home routine stable and
ensure that it has places to hide and rest away from extra noise in the house.
After the pandemic
has faded into history, dogs will look back at this period as their glory days.
All of us will rejoice, but one group, our beloved dogs, will probably suffer
separation anxiety and a severe letdown from their sudden loss of togetherness
and attention.
