According to the CDC, there are nearly 3,000 cases of monkeypox, also known as the orthopoxvirus, in the United States. Those with the illness will exhibit symptoms like a high fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, and a rash that resembles blisters or acne. Those with monkeypox should call their doctor and quarantine themselves, as the disease can be spread through contact, like kissing and cuddling or handling bedding or clothing of the infected person.

As someone who often cuddles my dog, I find this alarming. Unfortunately, the disease can theoretically be spread to pets, including dogs and cats. While speaking to The Dodo in June 2022, Dr. Ruth MacPete, DMV, explained that there was a relatively small outbreak of monkeypox in the United States 19 years ago.

“In 2003, monkeypox was found in several midwestern states after 47 people became infected after having contact with pet prairie dogs, an animal closely related to squirrels. The prairie dogs were thought to have become infected when they were housed near infected small mammals from Ghana,” said MacPete.

Currently, there seems to be minimal risk of spreading monkeypox to your furry friend. However, it is always wise to take precautions when it comes to your canine companion’s health. According to Dr. Hilary Jones, who also spoke to The Dodo, “the most common form of transmission is from animals to people through direct contact or a bite.”

For this reason, if you believe you have monkeypox, it’s best to isolate away from your furry friend for a few weeks if there’s no chance that you have infected them. If you are unable to do so, you should interact with your furry friend in a sterilized manner. However, this does not mean making your dog wear a mask or putting any type of disinfectant on them.

According to the CDC, you should keep your distance from your furry friend. As sad as it is, do not let them lick you, and refrain from petting them unless you wear gloves and a mask. Make sure your canine companion stays away from your clothing, towels, bedding, and bandages.

Dogs infected with monkeypox will likely have decreased energy, a loss of appetite, lesions, a rash, a cough, and conjunctivitis. If you believe your pet has the illness, contact your vet immediately. Depending on the veterinarian's instructions, you will probably have to quarantine your dog for about three weeks.

Thumbnail Photo Credit: Alice Cullen on Unsplash

Can Dogs Get Monkeypox?

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