Dog can’t transmit coronavirus to humans

Q: I’ve read that a dog in Hong Kong tested positive for COVID-19. I know for a fact that there’s a coronavirus vaccine for dogs. And we know that the disease originally came from animals. So why are we still being told that pets can’t get it?

A: As of this time, two dogs have tested positive for the strain of coronavirus known as COVID-19, both of them in Hong Kong. Both lived with humans who were sick with the virus. Neither showed any signs of the illness, nor was there any evidence that they were capable of transmitting the virus to other people or other animals.

At this time, multiple international health organizations report that humans are not at risk of contracting the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus from pets. Transmission of the disease to or from our pets is currently not a concern.

The trouble, however, is that there’s a lot of confusion, conjecture and misinformation swirling around this virus. Which only makes sense given that there’s a lot about it we don’t know. Here’s what we do know:

• At this time, the overA riding concern is for human health only. The virus causes flu-like symptoms in people, including mild to severe respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever and difficulty breathing.

• A COVID- 19 is not the same as the coronaviruses that can affect dogs and cats, nor is it the same coronavirus dogs can be immunized against. (Note: This vaccine is no longer recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association and will not protect your pet from COVID-19.)

• If you’re feeling sick, A immediately follow CDC guidelines for self-quarantine and contact your local health authorities for additional guidance.

• Out of an abundance of A caution, CDC officials are recommending that those who test positive for COVID-19 should limit contact with their pets. While service animals are currently exempted from this recommendation, snuggling, kissing and other close-contact behaviors are considered inadvisable for those who are sick with the virus.

Finally, it’s important that all pet owners continue to include pets in their emergency preparedness planning. This includes having a two-week supply of food and any medications on hand. And, as always, make you have a plan for ensuring that a designated individual or boarding facility is available to care for your pets should you become seriously ill.