Ever since it was reported on Friday that the pet dog of a Hong Kong COVID-19 patient had tested a “weak positive” for the virus and was undergoing 14 days quarantine, people have been in a quandary about what to do. Local pet owners that The Macau Post Daily has spoken to are not worried at all.
Horror stories have been coming out of the mainland and Hong Kong of pets being thrown off balconies and vets being inundated with requests from pet owners to euthanise their pets.
Three local pet owners gave their views on the subject this week to The Macau Post Daily.
Isabel Che Vai Leng, who has a rescue cat, said in an email: “My darling Doremi does not wander around the street. Staying at home, I think she is clean, healthy and will not be infected with the virus. If she unfortunately gets sick, I will take her to the hospital and ask the doctor [vet] to do her [the vet] best to treat her and help her recover. I won’t have the heart to kill her”.
On Tuesday, Frosti Ho Kun Kao, who has two rescue cats – Junho and Ka Meng, said, “I am not worried, the virus cannot be transferred from animals [pets]. The news said that is on their fur, not internally so I am not at all worried.”
Yesterday, Anita Ng Sok I, who has a dog, said, “I have no feelings about the possibility that Woody could catch it [COVID-19]. Since the outbreak I only take him out once a week and then we only go to my mother’s [home].”
Vet’s advice
Local vet from Green Cross Vet Hospital Henrique Galvão told The Macau Post Daily in an email last night, “Regarding the coronavirus situation, I guess people were surprised with the news of a dog testing positive after the owner tested positive to the COVID- 19 in Hong Kong.
“We have known for decades that animals and humans get infected by the coronavirus. Nevertheless in domestic animals (cats and dogs) there has never been a reported case of a dog or cat passing the disease to a human (so-called zoonoses). What we do know is that some wild animals can transmit the virus to humans when in close contact.
“I think this is a wake-up call for people not to keep illegal wild animals for pets, eat or use them [wild animals] for traditional medicine. Wild animals are meant to be preserved and appreciated in the wild” Galvão went on to say.
He added, “Regarding the case in Hong Kong of the infected dog, so far there haven’t been any recommendations given by the Hong Kong veterinary board so we will wait and see”.
Galvão continued, “Nonetheless, it’s my opinion that people shouldn’t panic. We should continue to have dogs and cats as pets and follow a vet’s recommendations. [Your pets should] have regular health checks, [be] vaccinated and dewormed on a regular basis. Pet owners should also never forget common hygiene practices like washing and disinfecting cat litter boxes and, most importantly, always wash your hands properly specially after handling animal poo”.
Doremi relaxing at home near Avenida do Ouvidor Arriaga on Sunday.
Junho (front) and Ka Meng having dinner at home near the Barrier Gate on Tuesday. 
Woody posing in his home near the Red Market yesterday. Photos supplied by carers.
How to protect your pet
The UK’s Daily Express quoting the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 2 said, “When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick.
“If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
“If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.”
As one local pet owner said, you wouldn’t throw your grandmother out if she was sick, so why would you do that to your furbabies?
