There’s not enough evidence that dogs and cats can get Monkeypox from humans.
However, dogs and cats can contract orthopoxviruses similar to smallpox or Monkeypox.
So far, pets like gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters can get Monkeypox.
Monkeypox is not a circulating disease in the United States.
According to scientific information, Monkeypox is transmitted mostly by rodents.
People in Africa contract Monkeypox when mice bite, scratch or interact with humans.
Today, there’s no evidence of people transmitting Monkeypox to animals. Nevertheless, you might take crucial steps to avoid transmission.
Can Dogs and Cats get Monkeypox?
The last documented example of a dog or a cat contracting monkeypox in the United States happened in 2003.
Buzzfeed news illustrated information regarding domesticated prairie dogs getting 70 people sick in the Midwestern of the US.
According to the CDC, people with Monkeypox “should avoid contact with animals.”
If a doctor diagnoses you with Monkeypox, avoid petting your dog or cat, or any animal in the wildlife to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Infected animals can spread the Monkeypox virus to people,” and people who are infected could spread the Monkeypox virus to animals through close contact, the CDC mentioned.
If you are diagnosed with Monkeypox avoid:
-Petting
-Cuddling
-Hugging
-Kissing
-Licking
-Sharing sleeping areas
-Sharing food
What if my pet is exposed to Monkeypox?
According to the CDC, owners with pets exposed to Monkeypox must:
-Do not surrender, euthanize, or abandon pets just because of potential exposure to the Monkeypox virus.
-Do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other products, such as hand sanitizer, counter-cleaning wipes, or other industrial or surface cleaners.
-Ask friends or family members who live in a separate home to be the animal’s caretaker until the person with monkeypox fully recovers.
-Pets that had close contact with a symptomatic person with monkeypox should be kept at home and away from other animals and people for 21 days.
