Since mpox is a zoonotic disease, it can spread between animals and people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while rare, it’s possible for mpox patients to spread the virus to their pets through close contact, including petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.
Other types of orthopoxviruses have infected a wide range of species, including hamsters, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. Prior to this outbreak, mpox, specifically, was typically only identified in wild animals and rodents. But in 2003, 47 cases of mpox were reported in the United States and they all became ill after having contact with pet prairie dogs.
Researchers are still learning which animal species can get mpox, and how to tell. Not all animals have a rash when they have the virus.
“Given what we know about other orthopoxviruses, it would be wise to assume pets might catch monkeypox too, and accordingly, take appropriate measures to prevent infection or disease spread.” said Lori Teller, DVM, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
What Are the Symptoms of Mpox in Pets?
Researchers don’t know all the symptoms that infected animals may have, but you can watch out for signs such as:
LethargyLack of appetiteCoughingNasal or eye secretions or crustBloatingFeverSkin rash
“As the disease progresses, some animals may develop a pimple or blister-like rash, while others may not,” Teller said.
What Should You Do if Your Pet Is Showing Symptoms?
Call your veterinarian if your pet appears sick within 21 days of having contact with a person who may have been infected with mpox.
If your pet had close contact with a symptomatic person, you should keep the pet at home and away from other people for 21 days after the most recent contact.
Teller said minimizing contact between potentially infected pets and people is especially important for those who are “immunocompromised, pregnant, younger than 8 years old, and those who have a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema.”
How Can You Protect Your Pet If You’re Infected With Mpox?
If you’re infected with mpox, but had no close contact with your pet before symptom onset, try to ask a friend or family member to take care of your pet in a separate home until you’re fully recovered.
If that’s not an option and you have to care for your healthy pet at home, you should always wash your hands and use alcohol-based sanitizers before and after caring for them. You should also cover any skin rash with clothing and wear personal protective equipment, such as a well-fitting mask and gloves.
The CDC also recommends the following precautions:
Do not put a mask on your pet. Avoid close contact with your pet. Ensure your pet cannot inadvertently come into contact with contaminated articles in the home such as clothing, sheets, and towels used by the person with mpox. Do not let animals come into contact with rashes, bandages, and body fluids. Ensure food, toys, bedding, or other items that you provide for your animal during its isolation do not come in direct contact with skin or uncovered rash.
