LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The coronavirus is affecting all of our families, and that also includes our pets, but not on the way that you could think.
As members of our families, they need food, shelter, and some playtime. In their own way, they give us their unconditional love and attention, but they won’t give us the novel coronavirus.
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Dr. Brian Hewitt says that it is true that both dogs and cats have some diseases, including their own type of coronavirus, but it's not the same type as COVID-19.
“Many people are aware that a dog tested positive in South Korea, but there’s no indication that dogs and cats can contract, and there have been no documented cases that a dog or a cat can pass it to a person the virus. It’s not even certain that that do in Korea was truly infected," Dr. Hewitt said.
At this point, humans are more a risk to other humans than with their pets.
“Porous surfaces, like money or pet fur, are less like to transmit it, so if somebody that has the coronavirus pets your dog, you’re actually less likely to get this than if someone touches your doorknob," Dr. Hewitt said.
And even if we’re in self-isolation, Dr. Hewitt says you can still take them for walks to help them with anxiety and fitness.
So if the novel coronavirus threat was stopping you from showing some love to your pets, feel free to play with them and pet them as much as you want. This will make them happy, and it will also will improve your health.
