Can Dogs Contract COVID-19?

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) made the declaration that the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is a global pandemic. Response to this news has been historic. The world has been in lockdown for weeks (or months, in some places) in the battle to end the spread of COVID-19. Businesses, schools and offices remain shut down, as people are worried about their health, their family’s health and, in some households, their pets’ health.

Pet owners in Henderson, NV and nationwide want to know if there’s a connection between dogs and COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that pets can spread the virus in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it’s important that everyone understand the facts currently known about coronaviruses. For all dog owners wanting to know if their dogs can get coronavirus, here’s what you need to know.

The question about canine COVID-19

Like other animals, dogs can contract coronaviruses. The most common coronavirus contacted by dogs is canine respiratory coronavirus. However, COVID-19 is not believed to harm dogs. While COVID-19 is likely not a health threat to dogs, dogs can test positive for the virus. In the few cases around the world where dogs have tested positive for the virus, though, humans in the home had previously tested positive for COVID-19. The dogs did not give it to their owners, furthering the evidence that dogs cannot spread the virus.

A note about dogs and spreading COVID-19

As mentioned above and clarified by the WHO, there is no evidence suggesting that dogs or any other pets in the United States can transmit COVID-19 to humans. This virus is mainly spread though droplets from the coughs and sneezes of infected humans. Cover your face and mouth, wear a mask, don’t touch your face and wash your hands frequently with antibacterial soap. If you or someone in your household has tested positive for the virus, avoid contact with other people and your pets.

Protecting dogs from COVID-19

Because dogs can test positive for the virus—again, not spread it—you should take measures to protect your dog from infection. Follow basic hygienic precautions, including washing your hands with soap and water before and after contact with any animal like dogs and cats. If an individual who’s sick with the virus pets your dog, and then you pet the same spot, you can get sick too. Be sure to wipe your pet’s fur clean if someone other than a member of your immediate household pets them.

There are some guidelines to follow if you have a dog and test positive for COVID-19 or think you’ve been exposed to the virus. First, no contact—have another person in your household care for your dog. In the event you must care for your pet while you’re sick, wear a face mask and be sure to wash your hands before and after each interaction.

At this time, The Soggy Dog in Henderson, NV is temporarily closed, but we are still offering pet food and supplies through curbside pickup or home delivery. We look forward to seeing you whenever we’re safely able to reopen.

Categorised in: Dog Health

This post was written by Writer