Should Your Pet Wear A Mask For Protection Against COVID-19?
We love our pets, but should our pets wear masks to protect them from COVID-19? I think by now we've all seen someone put a tiny little mask on their dog. There are even companies out there that are selling masks for pets and they are raking in some serious dough. The answer to the question is a simple No and here is why.
According to the Hemopet, which is a diagnostic testing lab for animals, website:
There is no evidence to date of companion cat or dog SARS-CoV-2 transmission to humans. If companion pets such as cats do develop symptoms, they are only mild and pets recover.
The article goes on to state that the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association say that putting a mask on your pet, dog or cat, can really stress your pet out and that can cause breathing problems especially dog breeds with a shorter snout or any animals that might have a respiratory problem.
I've seen a few people on Facebook and on TV shows putting a little mask on their dogs. You may think it's a cute idea or you might seriously be trying to protect your furbaby. In actuality, you may be causing more harm than good.
Can you give your pet COVID-19? Yes, it is possible. Here is what the CDC recommends for pet owners:
It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations.
Treat pets as you would other human family members – do not let pets interact with people outside the household.
If a person inside the household becomes sick, isolate that person from everyone else, including pets.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.
Hmm, that last one makes you wonder a bit, doesn't it?
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