Veterinarians have been noticing an uptick in the number of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) cases in pet dogs and cats, which has been making news recently.
Investigation into these cases has shown that in many instances, this heart condition in pets developed after contact with owners who tested positive for Covid infection.
A study published in the journal Veterinary Record studied cats and dogs in the UK that were diagnosed with myocarditis. Testing found that several of these pets were infected with the B.1.1.7 variant of the virus.
Many of the owners had developed respiratory symptoms and were diagnosed with Covid around 3 to 6 weeks before their pets became ill.
The researchers also found that many of the pets experienced “acute onset of cardiac disease” without showing respiratory symptoms.
This research, combined with recent news of several big cats in zoos dying from Covid, can be worrying for pet owners.
The CDC recommends that if you test positive for Covid, you should limit contact with your pets, just as you would do with people:
They advise:
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you should avoid contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would with people. Contact includes petting, snuggling, kissing, licking, sharing food, and sleeping in the same bed.
Since pets (cats in particular) are susceptible to coronavirus infection, prevention measures are important to keep them safe and healthy.
FACE Foundation Blog 
Oh dear =(
I know, right?
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Yes, of course!
Oh no 🥺
I know… 😦
Wow, that’s terrifying. Here in Denver, there has been an outbreak at the zoo among the lions and now hyenas recently. Wild!
So sad that some people are passing this disease on to vulnerable endangered species.
That’s exactly what I thought! But given the rise in cases since September, not all that surprising. Between the lack of masks and people flipping out about vaccines, it’s not a wonder more haven’t been infected. I’m staying away from venues where people are in attendance. 😬
Yes, same here. With zoos, you would think (hope) that the people who come into contact with at-risk animals would be cautious.