Most of us love and treasure our pets like friends and family. For some of us, they ARE our family. The last thing we'd ever want is to pass the herpes virus to them. But is this even possible? Can pets contract HSV?
Cats
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a feline-specific infectious herpes virus disease that causes infections only in domestic and wild cats. It doesn't cause illness in humans. But, like humans, herpes can reactivate in cats when they are overly stressed. For example, being introduced to a new pet in the family, moving to another home, a hostile environment, an unhealthy or unstable diet, or flea infestations can trigger FVR. And, yes, your cat can pass feline herpes to other cats it comes into contact with through saliva (hissing, spitting, and licking).
Should your cat contract FVR, L-lysine supplements and nasal decongestants are available over the counter. Expect the worst symptoms, such as a runny nose and sneezing, to last 7 to 10 days. However, your cat may still show signs of sneezing or fatigue for another week or two.
Cats have incredibly sensitive systems. For example, running a humidifier can help when your cat struggles with feline herpes, as it helps break up mucus in the tiny nasal passages. However, cats lack the systemic and dietary enzymes needed to break down essential oils, and your cat could die if you use them in a humidifier. So one of the best things you can do for your cat is fill the bathroom with steam and let your cat breathe in this warm, moist air two to three times daily.
Cats don't eat or drink because they lose their sense of taste and smell. To coax your cat into eating and drinking while ill, supply "stinky" wet food, tuna juice, or flavorful broth. If your cat still refuses to eat or drink after 24 hours, please visit your veterinarian so that your cat can receive fluids. Dehydration can quickly become life-threatening.
If your cat has irritated or runny eyes, or develops an eye infection from the herpes virus, please listen to Veterinary Secrets for natural remedies for feline eye infections. If an eye is stuck closed, use a warm, damp compress to gently wipe the outer eye(s). You may also wipe your cat's nose, as mucus can become sticky in the nasal passages. Feline herpes can also cause a condition of the eyes called Conjunctivitis ("- itis" means inflammation). If your cat's eyes show no improvement after a few days, please consult your veterinarian, especially if a yellow or green discharge (indicating pus) develops, which signals a severe infection.
If your cat has a fever (characterized by hot ears and nose), please consult a veterinarian for antibiotics to reduce the risk of secondary infections, such as pneumonia. In this case, using antibiotics is the best option.
Note: DO NOT treat your cat with essential oils, regardless of what you see online. It could kill your beloved pet. Your feline doesn't have the systemic or dietary enzymes necessary to break down essential oils in its body. Oils can poison cats and cause toxicity quickly (minutes, hours, or days, depending on the dose). Always keep your pet away from essential oils and out of spaces with essential oil diffusers, including wall-socket diffusers. Cats are sensitive to smells, and incense, perfumes, deodorants, and air fresheners can trigger allergies.
Dogs
Canine Herpes Virus (CHV) is a systemic disease of puppies that is often fatal and commonly seen in coyotes, dogs, and wolves in Asia and Europe. It doesn't cause infection in humans. Like felines, dogs can benefit from L-lysine supplements and canine nasal decongestants. Never use human medications to treat animals.
Unlike cats, dogs can metabolize the active ingredients in flea treatments and similar products. However, buy a product designed for dogs or consult a veterinarian who specializes in essential oil treatments for canines.
You can treat your dog's eye infection with Terramycin, an antibiotic ointment mentioned above for cats. While cats may experience adverse side effects, dogs seem to tolerate it reasonably well. Still, do your research and always exercise caution when administering your pet's medications.
Fish
Even fish get herpes. However, the Koi Herpes Virus (KHV), which causes Koi and Carp herpes virus infections, doesn't cause human illness. Can you treat fish with essential oils? The answer is dubious. Because many fish medications can be toxic, adding essential oils to your tank water may seem tempting. Don't! Like many medications, essential oils can also poison your fish and kill them. Some are even used to euthanize them. So what to do? Buy only products designed specifically for fish, and read reviews carefully before you buy.
Macaque Monkeys
Herpes B Virus (also known as Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1, herpes virus simiae, and Macacine herpes virus 1) is infectious to humans. Herpes B virus infection is extremely rare but can lead to severe brain damage or death if you do not get treatment immediately. People typically contract the B virus if they are bitten or scratched by an infected macaque monkey or come into contact with the monkey's bodily fluids, such as its eyes, nose, or mouth. Only one documented case has shown an infected person transmitting the B virus to another person (https://www.cdc.gov/herpesbvirus/index.html).
"Herpes viruses are highly host-specific and share a long synchronous evolution with their hosts. In rare cases, species barriers fall and allow animal-to-human or human-to-animal transmission. Among zoonotic herpes viruses, Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 is the most significant and can be transmitted from macaques to humans. Conversely, human herpes virus 1 can cause severe disease in primates. Beyond these two examples, several herpes viruses have a limited or only suspected ability to cross species barriers. Those include Saimiriine herpes virus 2, Phocid herpes virus 2, Equid herpes virus 1, Epstein-Barr Virus, Marek's disease virus, and pseudorabies virus. Concerning xenotransplantations, porcine gamma herpes viruses must be considered a zoonotic threat ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2815145/)."
Birds
Yes. Birds can contract herpes viruses from other birds through direct contact (for example, from parent birds), the air (due to respiratory secretions), shared food, contaminated drinking water, and contaminated environments. Pigeons, chickens, and owls come to mind, but many other species can carry herpes viruses. It's unlikely that a human would contract herpes from a bird. However, birds can transmit several other diseases to humans (called zoonotic diseases), such as Campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water. You can also develop a respiratory infection by inhaling bird dander.
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