Coronavirus and your dog — relax
First, a disclaimer: I am NOT a veterinarian, epidemiologist, or virologist.
What I AM is an inveterate reader and researcher, and someone who frequently asks for advice from professionals like these.
In light of this coronavirus pandemic, many people are raising questions about interactions with their dogs. Can my dog get the virus? Can I get the virus frommy dog? How can I protect my dog from this virus?
And as many questions as people have, there are just as many answers— many of them uninformed, illegitimate, or downright false.
So, let me give you the facts from legitimate experts like the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization ( WHO), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), IDEXX Small Animal Health laboratories (the main provider of diagnostic products and laboratory systems to veterinary practices), and the American Kennel Club (AKC).
CAN MY DOG GET COVID-19?
The short answer is, not as far as we know. The CDC states that “At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can directly spread COVID-19.” The World Health Organization echoes this, saying there is no evidence to suggest that dogs or cats can be infected with COVID-19 even in hot spots like Italy, nor are they aware of any reports of infection in U. S. pets.
That being said, remember that this is an extremely fluid situation, and research reveals new information almost every day.
BUT I HEARD ABOUT DOGS IN CHINA BEING INFECTED
The fact is, TWO dogs living with an infected human in Hong Kong tested “weak positive” for COVID-19. Experts suggest that because their owner was infected, some of the virus may have shed onto the animals, eventually making it to their noses and mouths. This means that if a pet is in an environment with an infected person, he could have the virus on him without actually being infected himself.
Data from IDEXX shows no cases to date of COVID-19 in thousands of dog and cat samples tested.
BUT I HEARD THAT DOGS DO CARRY CORONAVIRUS
There are many different types of coronavirus—in fact, one of them causes our old friend, the common cold! Although COVID-19 doesn’t seem to cause disease in pets, other coronaviruses do. For instance, the canine respiratory coronavirus contributes to canine infectious respiratory disease complex (also known as “kennel cough”), and canine enteric coronaviruses can cause intestinal infection. So yes, dogs can become infected with coronaviruses, but at this time, we don’t believe they can carry COVID-19.
CAN I GET COVID-19 FROMMY DOG, OR GIVE IT TO MY DOG?
It’s highly, highly unlikely. Remember: there’s no evidence of active transmission from dogs to humans or humans to dogs, in any of the countries where COVID-19 exists. If you’re concerned, just be sure to wash your hands before and after interacting with your dog, avoid being kissed or licked, and avoid sharing food with your dog.
HOW CAN I PROTECTMY DOG?
For now, just follow basic precautions like handwashing before and after contact with your pet. If you acquire COVID-19 or have been exposed to it, experts recommend you restrict contact with your animals: not only do you want to avoid exposing the dog to the virus, you also want to prevent them from exposing humans to any virus that may be on their skin or fur.
Also make sure your pup is up-to- date on her vaccinations, particularly for respiratory ailments.
And finally, don’t panic. Just be cautious, vigilant, stay home … and enjoy this new “alone time” you have with your dog!