Coronavirus: what animals are affected, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Most of the coronaviruses known today are transmitted from animal to animal, within a species. In some, it is asymptomatic, while in others it can cause unpleasant symptoms and even lead to death.

Animal susceptibility to coronavirus

Human four-legged friends can get sick, or they can simply be carriers of the virus. Coronavirus manifests itself in different ways in dogs and cats. Veterinary experts have proven that the pathogen does not infect the dog's respiratory system, but enters the stomach through the nose or mouth. The causes of infection can be contaminated dog feces or water contaminated with them, as well as toys or other objects that the sick dog has come into contact with. Symptoms are as follows:

• Weakness, loss of appetite, possible fever.
• Watery diarrhea with blood or mucus, vomiting.
• Dehydration, which can cause circulatory problems and heart rhythm disturbances.

A dog with a weak immune system, such as a puppy, may die. As for cats, the coronavirus is asymptomatic in most of them. Up to 90% of domestic cats have been sick at least once, but their owners may not have noticed it. There may be symptoms, but they are the same as those of many intestinal diseases:

• Diarrhea.
• Weakness.
• Vomiting.
• Reduced activity.
• Lack of appetite.

These symptoms are often one-time, so it is easy to conclude that the pet simply ate stale food. In many cats, the coronavirus goes away within a month, but sometimes it mutates and provokes infectious peritonitis. Seizures and fever may be added to the symptoms already mentioned. Such a disease will not go away on its own, it is deadly and requires immediate veterinary care.

Treatment of coronavirus in animals

Do not self-medicate coronavirus in animals. If you think your pet might be sick, bring it to Animal Clinic immediately. Our veterinarians will conduct the necessary tests and prescribe effective treatment based on their results.

Diagnosis of coronavirus in cats requires a PCR test, a complete blood count and biochemical analysis, and a rectal swab. In case of intestinal coronavirus, a specialist can prescribe a diet, medications, and drops that will help to cope with the virus in a few weeks.

If the coronavirus is chronic or mild, no medical treatment is provided. If the virus has mutated and developed into peritonitis, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms, but many cats with this disease and dogs with low immune status unfortunately do not survive. It is precisely because of the mortal danger that it is important to visit a veterinary clinic immediately.

Coronavirus prevention in pets

The only effective way to protect your pet from coronavirus is prevention. The disease develops faster if several animals of the same species are kept together. That is, if you have two cats, and one of them is likely to have contracted the coronavirus, it should be isolated from the others and the room should be disinfected. Make sure your cat has individual toys and a set of dishes.

You will need to examine not only the suspected patient, but also your other animals. If you let your pets outdoors, vaccinate them regularly and treat them for worms and other parasites.

It is advisable to prevent dirt and feces from entering the house from the street. To do this, you need to wash your shoes immediately or limit your pets' access to the corridor. Also, make sure that the animal does not lick your outdoor shoes or the hallway floor.

Don't ignore the need to consult a veterinarian and have your pet examined, as this can save its life. It is better to have the number of the veterinary clinic at hand. To call Animal Clinic, dial 0673339563 - we will provide qualified assistance.