Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some of them cause people to develop cold-like illnesses, while others infect animals, including domestic dogs and cats. The one that causes the disease known as COVID-19 is exceptionally aggressive. The effects of its activity are well known. Research has shown that this virus is spread mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking. On the other hand, the analysis of thousands of samples taken from dogs and cats did not give a single positive result for coronavirus. It has led to different exciting conclusions.
| 17th of April 2020 |
Resistance to coronavirus and pet ownership
During the analysis of human cases of COVID-19, Dr Sabina Olex-Condor from Spain noted that contact with pets allows humans to become more resistant to coronavirus. These conclusions were supported by an analysis of over 100 cases. On this basis, she concluded that the owners of dogs or cats did not show any symptoms of the disease, and if they did, it was very mild.
At the same time, Dr Sabina Olex-Condor emphasizes that her observations require further studies. However, it can already be assumed at this stage that the tested persons had higher immunity due to contact with pet-specific coronaviruses. As a result, their immune system reacted better during contact with the pathogen, causing COVID-19.
As Olex-Condor explains, for example, cats may have a form of coronavirus that is not infectious to humans. However, through daily close contact with cats, cat owners can have antibodies to the pathogen and destroy the human coronavirus in the process.
Coronavirus and animals
Until we find out more about how this virus affects animals, we have to watch over the health of our pets. Let's also keep the basic principles of healthy habits in contact with them. The most important of these are:
- Remember to wash your hands after playing or taking care of your animals,
- Let's keep their bowls or beds clean,
- Remember to vaccinate animals,
- Let's visit the vet regularly,
- Keep common sense when dealing with strangers animals.