Should your dogs get tested for COVID-19 to protect them against the virus?

Several instances of COVID-19 have been documented in domestic animals, including cats and dogs, during the pandemic.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medications for the treatment or prevention of the virus in animals, despite the fact that some animals have received an investigational COVID-19 vaccination.

Pet owners may be concerned about spreading COVID-19 to their pets as the omicron variant spreads and health officials monitor a new subvariant.

To keep your pet safe, here's what you need to know:

Is there a COVID-19 test for pets?
Diagnostic assays for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have been developed by veterinary laboratories for use in pets if necessary.

How many pets have been found to be infected with COVID-19?
According to the US Department of Agriculture, at least 15 species of animals, including domestic pets, have caught SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As of Feb. 1, the virus has been detected in 110 cats and 95 canines.

What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in dogs and cats?
According to the CDC, not all pets infected with COVID-19 will develop symptoms. Serious disease in pets is exceedingly uncommon, and the majority of pets who have become unwell have only had minor symptoms and have fully recovered.

COVID-19-infected pets may develop the following symptoms:

Fever

Coughing

Breathing problems or shortness of breath

Lethargy

Sneezing

a stuffy nose

discharge from the eyes

Vomiting

Diarrhea

If your pet tests positive for COVID-19, what should you do?
Depending on the severity of your pet's symptoms, your veterinarian may advise you to isolate him at home, just like you would if you were sick with COVID-19.

Keeping track of your pet's symptoms during home isolation is recommended by the CDC. Contact your veterinarian if the symptoms worsen.

If your pet has not displayed symptoms for at least 72 hours without medical attention and it has been at least 14 days since their previous positive test, or if all follow-up tests for a current infection have come back negative, your pet can normally resume normal activities.

Is it possible for pets to transmit COVID-19 to humans?
According to the FDA, the danger of animals transferring COVID-19 to humans is negligible based on existing information. There is no indication that the virus may be transmitted to humans through pet skin, fur, or hair.

The pets that have tested positive for the virus were in close contact with a virus-infected person.

COVID-19: How to Protect Your Pet
The CDC advises against kissing, stroking, hugging, or sleeping in the same bed as your pet if you test positive for COVID-19. If someone in your household tests positive, segregate them from everyone else, including your pet.

The CDC also warns against masking your pet or bathing it in chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other chemicals like hand sanitizer, counter cleaning wipes, or other industrial surface cleaners.

Details Here