Palm Desert veterinarian shares thoughts on pet social distancing, ways to keep animals and people safe from getting COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says social distancing now applies to pets. This means they advise you to not let your pets come into contact with other people or animals outside your home and if you show signs of being sick with the coronavirus avoid interacting with your pets just like you would with other people.

The CDC announced this after confirming two cats in New York are recovering from the coronavirus.

News Channel 3’s Caitlin Thropay spoke with a local veterinarian to learn more about what pet owners should do during this pandemic.

“As long as your pet is not close socializing with an infected person they pose literally no risk at all,” Dr. Lillian Roberts, a veterinarian at Country Club Animal Clinic in Palm Desert told News Channel 3 on Monday.

After two cats in New York contracted the coronavirus, the CDC recommends treating pets like family keeping them away from other people and animals.

According to the CDC website, until they know more, here is what they recommend:

• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least six feet from other people and animals.
• Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.

If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), the CDC says:

• When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
• Avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

“The pets that have developed positive tests have all been living in close proximity with people who were infected as far as we know,” Dr. Roberts told News Channel 3.

It's not entirely clear if cats are more susceptible than dogs when it comes to contracting the virus.

“Dogs appear to be a dead-end host which in other words they may be able to grow the virus in their throat for a while but they don’t usually get sick from it,” Roberts said.

The cats in New York were showing mild respiratory symptoms which is why they were tested and they most likely contracted it from their owners. One of the cat's owners in New York did test positive for COVID-19 before their cat started showing symptoms.

Roberts also said the virus doesn’t hold onto fur very well.

“If there is any risk at all it would be from their mouth and their mucus membranes or nasal passages just like we get it and theoretically if that dog were to lick that person face or hands and they had the virus on them and then immediately turn around and lick you in the face that would just about be the only way you could catch it from a pet,” she said.

Only social distance yourself from your pet if you feel you feel sick. Dogs do not react as well as cats would to social distancing.

We asked Crys Salgueiro, a local dog walker and owner of two dogs if she would social distance herself from her dogs if she thought she was sick with the virus.

“I will definitely distance myself from my pets just to be cautious,” Salgueiro said.

It’s still safe to take your pet for walks, just be sure to always practice social distancing.

Dr. Roberts and the CDC both are not recommending routine testing of animals at this time.

However, if your pet seems sick call your veterinarian.

For more information visit the CDC's website here: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0422-covid-19-cats-NYC.html