According to current scientific facts and knowledge, the animal species commonly kept as household pets in Hungary—including dogs and cats—do not actively spread the virus responsible for the human coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Human infections do not originate from pets, and likewise, based on current knowledge, this virus that causes illness in humans has only a very low probability of causing disease in household pets. Nevertheless, several questions may arise among pet owners, which we aim to address below.
Walking Your Pet
Regular physical activity and spending time outdoors remain important for pets, as these activities help strengthen the immune system and reduce stress. However, it is essential to pay attention to when and where we take our pets for walks.
Whenever possible, try to avoid contact with other people. Choose times when fewer people are outdoors in your area, and if feasible, opt for quieter locations such as open fields or forests.
Based on current research, the primary factors in the spread of human infections are direct human-to-human contact and droplet transmission (coughing, sneezing). Therefore, if meeting others cannot be avoided, keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters—not only between people, but also ensure that animals do not get closer than this to other animals or people.
Do not allow others to pet your dog or cat. Just as handshakes should be avoided, viruses may also adhere to an animal’s fur and be transmitted through touching. In the current situation, thorough handwashing before and after petting your own animal is especially important.
After returning from a walk, if you consider it necessary, you may gently wipe your pet’s fur and paws with a cloth dampened with soapy water.
Very important: Despite images circulating online, do NOT put a mask on your pet. Not only is it ineffective, but it can also be harmful if the animal panics and becomes distressed or uncontrollable.
Quarantine
If someone is required to remain in quarantine, walking the pet cannot be avoided. If you have a private garden, this can be easily managed. Otherwise, ask a nearby family member or acquaintance—who is healthy and not part of a high-risk group—to help.
If the person assisting is not an immediate family member, ask them not to pet the animal, and only touch the leash, which should be disinfected before and after the walk.
Visiting the Veterinarian
If it becomes necessary to take your dog or cat to the veterinarian, this should ideally be done by someone from a lower-risk age group. If possible, this person should explain the animal’s symptoms to the veterinary staff outside the clinic, hand over the pet there, and after treatment, receive the animal back outdoors before taking it home.
Once home, the pet’s fur may be wiped with soapy water before allowing them back into the living space.
Take Care of Yourself and Each Other!
We hope we have helped to dispel common concerns and uncertainties. If you have further questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
