Coronavirus in Dogs and Cats? Can it be transmitted? How dangerous is it?

Coronavirus in Dogs and Cats? How bad is it? What's happening in the News?

There's a sad reality and major epidemic happening in China with the deadly outburst and spreading of the highly contagious Coronavirus as many throughout the country continuously panic all-while the Chinese government is accused by outside news agencies and outlets of suppressing the truth about the amount of people infected with the disease. At Pet Life it's our civic duty to let our animal loving readers learn about what's happening in China and to understand the facts about this virus and how transmission affects both Dogs and Cats and in-addition to the current state of the virus.

In China there has been misinformation of rumors that had spread to all it's residents throughout the country about the spreading of the Coronavirus disease that is sadly resulting in the massacring of Dogs and Cats tortuously being thrown off buildings and rooftops. THOUSANDS of animals today are facing death from starvation due to the current lock-down of the city of Wuhan and surrounding cities due to their absence of their owners whom have not been restricted access back into Wuhan. It's important our readers understand the truth as this is happening right now. It is estimated that up to 50,000 Pets in Wuhan alone are without parents. We haven't seen anything like this perhaps since the evacuation of residents experienced during the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. This is considered FAR worse due to the population in China and the countries increasing Dog and Cat pet ownership rates.

What's the Coronavirus?

The Coronavirus is a type of virus that primarily attacks the respiratory system with its roots stemming from the first contraction of the viral infection in December of 2019 in Wuhan, China with numerous hypotheses of it's linkage. Today, Health Officials can't trace the origination of the infection. Some say Bats, some say Snakes, others say by a nearby Seafood Market.. it's all hearsay until we know. But one thing we know for sure, prior widespread viruses in China such as SARS originated due to contamination of conditions during slaughtering and consuming of animals from both Meat and Sea-food markets.

Symptoms of the Coronavirus include Coughing, Shortness of Breath, Fever and Respiratory illnesses with a higher severity that can lead to failures of the Kidneys and ultimately death. According to the CDC this virus is contracted through respiratory droplets in the air during coughing and sneezing within an approximate range of 6 feet. Some droplets typically spread through internal surfaces within the body (Mouth, Eyes, Nose) and through touching a person whom has had internal exposure (For instance on a surface of any object that came into contact with another person internally such as sharing a pencil from an infectious person and touching ones eyes).  Contraction of the virus between people always varies, some carriers of the virus can spread quicker and more effectively than others.

Is there a such thing as a Coronavirus in Dogs and Cats?

Yes, HOWEVER What many readers may not know is that Coronaviruses in both Dogs and Cats has been around for years. In fact, there's a Coronavirus for numerous species animals, According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there's NO supporting evidence that the Human-version of the Coronavirus can be contracted by Pets at all. While both your Dogs and Cats can transmit the coronavirus their versions and symptoms are both different and far less severe with symptoms that are digestive-related, with slight fever and respiratory illnesses. Therefore many animals in China are dying for no reason, perhaps due to panicked owners whom were made unaware about the truth.

Can we do anything to help?

The simply answer is YES one way we can help amplify our messaging is through socially reading and sharing article like these to help build awareness. There's a local hero by the name of Lao Mao and an additional team of volunteers roaming the streets of Wuhan putting their own lives at risk by saving thousands of animals either trapped or on the path to starvation due to evacuation of their owners.

Many pet owners both stranded or quarantined in China have been reaching out to Lao and many others have been hash-tagging the phrase "Save the pets left behind in Wuhan" on Instagram and have initiated support groups tackling this issue or concern. We can also make a difference by collectively reaching out to Animal Advocates in China to continuously rescue nearby animals in Wuhan and reach out to the Humane Society International (HSI) Organization.

It's also important that the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the World Health Organization (WHO) shed more light on this topic.

If you would like to become a contributor or provide any comments, we would love to hear from you.

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