So, can dogs get covid? The World Health Organization said that the COVID-19 new coronavirus would be a global pandemic at the beginning of March 2020. People already worry about their health and the health of their dogs, cats, and other pets because of how fast the virus is spreading. “There is no evidence that pets help spread the virus in the United States,” say the experts. So, there is no reason to do anything to pets that could hurt them.
It’s important to clear up what we know about coronavirus and answer the big question on the minds of dog owners. Can dogs get coronavirus? If so, what can we do to help keep our dogs (and ourselves) safe?
The Dog Coronavirus
So, can dogs get covid 19? Dogs can get coronaviruses, most often the canine respiratory coronavirus, which we’ve known for decades (not COVID-19). COVID-19, a new coronavirus, is not thought to be dangerous to dogs’ health.
A canine coronavirus was found in a small number of hospitalized Malaysians in 2018. This was written up in a report in May 2021. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus that is different from this one. The report shows a link between these patients but not a cause-and-effect relationship, and at this point, the virus doesn’t seem to be a big health risk for people. These results came from a new test that is better at figuring out the changes a virus must make in order to spread to people. This new information may help in the future to find new coronavirus infections early, treat them, and keep them from happening.
Can Dogs Get COVID 19?
COVID-19 is not known to be dangerous for dogs, but dogs can test positive for it.
It was thought that Winston, a Pug in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was the first dog in the United States to test positive for COVID-19. But after more tests, it was found that the dog never got the virus. “The original oral sample had a weak detection, but it did not meet the case definition for a positive, and all other tests were negative. COVID-19 was found in the blood of three family members who lived in the house. Two of them are front-line health care workers.
So, can dogs get covid 19? Two dogs in Hong Kong were found to have COVID-19, and both dogs lived with people who also had COVID-19. The cases of the 2 pet dogs in Hong Kong were called “likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission” by local health officials, and neither dog showed any signs of being sick from the virus.
Health officials in Hong Kong have kept testing the dogs and cats of people who have the coronavirus. Officials there have said that dogs don’t seem to have many cases of infection. The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department in Hong Kong “examined 17 dogs and eight cats from houses with confirmed COVID-19 cases or humans in close contact with confirmed patients” as of March 25; however, only two dogs tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Hong Kong officials say that “these results show that dogs and cats do not get this virus easily, and there is no evidence that they help spread the virus.”
In November 2021, the U.K. reported the first case of COVID in a dog. However, there is still no proof that dogs can pass the virus to people.
More to Read: CAN DOGS HAVE CINNAMON? LEARN WHAT EXPERTS SAY!
Can Other Animals Get COVID-19?
So, can a dog get covid? In New York City, two domesticated cats have tested positive for the coronavirus. Positive results for the cat’s owner in a previous COVID-19 test are encouraging, as are the cat’s minor respiratory symptoms. The other cat also had mild signs of respiratory illness, but the CDC says that no one in the house was sick with COVID-19. This cat may have caught the virus from a mildly sick or asymptomatic family member or from a person outside the home who was infected. Two cats around the world, one in Hong Kong and one in Belgium, have been found to have COVID-19. Both of these cats lived with people who had the COVID-19 virus.
The first animal in the United States that was known to have COVID-19 was a female Malayan tiger named Nadia, who was four years old and lived at the Bronx Zoo in New York. The Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the Bronx Zoo, has confirmed that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has infected eight big cats. “All eight cats are still doing fine. WCS says, “They are acting normally, eating well, and coughing much less than before.” Nadia was given anesthesia so that samples from her nose, throat, and lungs could be taken. The other cats were tested by taking samples of their poop.
All of these big cats are thought to have been infected by a zoo worker who did not have COVID-19 symptoms or who did not yet have symptoms. At this point, there doesn’t seem to be any proof that the animals can spread the virus to people or be a source of infection in the United States.
The AVMA reports on preliminary results of “experimental infection” of cats, ferrets, hamsters, and dogs in China but advises that these results don’t reflect real-world conditions and shouldn’t be taken seriously.
Can Dogs Really Spread COVID-19?
“There is no evidence that a dog, cat, or any other pet can spread COVID-19,” says the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is mostly spread by the droplets a person makes when they cough, sneeze or talk. To keep yourself safe, clean your hands often and well.” Covering your face with a mask can also make it less likely that droplets will spread.
Even though this virus seems to have come from animals, it is now being passed from person to person. “Given how this novel coronavirus transmits, it is highly unlikely that any domesticated animals or pets in the United States are carriers.
The CDC says that pets and other animals should not be touched in houses where someone is positive for the virus.
How Can You Protect Your Dog From COVID-19?
Healthy pet owners in the United States should practice good hygiene by washing their hands with soap & water before and after handling pets. If you test positive for COVID-19 or think you may have been exposed to the virus, the CDC has suggestions for how to care for your pet:
- If you can, have someone else in your home take care of your pets when you are sick.
- Don’t touch or cuddle your pet, let it kiss or lick you, or share food or bedding with it.
- Suppose you are sick and need to take care of your pet or be around animals. Wearing a mask and washing your hands before and after is vital.
To stop the spread of all germs, you could also wipe your pet’s fur and feet with antibacterial pet wipes when they come in and out of the house or keep a microfiber mat by the door. So, can my dog get covid? COVID-19 can’t hurt dogs, so they don’t need to wear a face mask.
Use disinfectant wipes to clean up places that a lot of people go to, and use a disinfectant spray that is safe for pets to keep dog beds, mats, and other fabric surfaces free of viruses.
And the most important thing you can do to protect your dog is to never give up your dog, cat, or other pet because you are afraid of COVID-19.
Is It Safe to Pet My Dog? Can Dogs get covid?
The AVMA says that it’s not dangerous to pet a dog’s fur. We’re not too worried about people getting COVID-19 from dogs and cats.” And there’s a reason for that: “The virus is most likely to stay alive on smooth surfaces like countertops and doorknobs. Pathogens tend to get stuck in porous materials like pet fur, making it harder to get sick from touching them.
When it comes to our pets, experts recommend that we do things that make sense: “If you have kids, you won’t let them touch a puppy and put their fingers in its mouth because it could be contaminated with feces.” Normal hygiene says that we should wash our hands after touching a puppy or a dog.
Experts have also given advice on how to deal with pets, both your own and those of other people, during the pandemic:
- Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the home.
- Keep cats inside as much as possible, so they don’t get to know other animals or people.
Can I Walk My Dog?
There are also suggestions for how to walk your dog in the experts’ guidelines:
- Keep your dog on a leash and at least six feet away from other people and animals as you walk it.
- Stay away from dog parks & other places where a lot of people and dogs gather.
So can my dog get covid? Physical and mental activity is very important for dogs and those who own them. Before you go for a walk, check the rules in your area and stay home if you are told to. If your area lets you, dog owners who feel healthy and well should plan to keep walking their dogs every day, as long as they follow the CDC’s advice and keep a safe distance from other individuals and wear a mask over their nose and mouth. Follow any local laws about curfews, even if it means changing the time you walk your dog.
Practice social distance by walking your dog in places that aren’t too crowded and keeping at least 6 feet of space between other people and animals. The average length of a leash is six feet, so you already have a way to keep a safe distance from other people. While you’re walking, don’t let anyone pet or touch your dog.
If you live in a big city or a densely populated area, try taking your dog for walks on less busy streets or at less busy times of the day and night. Even if dog parks in your area are still open to the public, the new CDC guidelines say you should stay away from them.
Before and after every walk, the owner should always wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. On your walks, you might want to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer or some wipes in your pocket. You can also order quick COVID-19 tests online and take them home.
Should I Test My Dog For Coronavirus?
You don’t need to get a COVID-19 test for your dog. The United States Department of Agriculture says, “At this time, it is not recommended to test animals routinely. If other animals in the United States are found to have SARS-CoV-2, the USDA will post the results. Any tests done on animals don’t affect the number of tests that can be done on people.
Talk to your vet if you are still worried or if you notice a change in your dog or cat’s health. He or she will be able to help you.
FAQs: Can Dogs Get Covid?
Can Dogs Get COVID And Die
There is still hope if your pet falls unwell. There were several asymptomatic canines, and feline cases of COVID-19 were confirmed. When pets did go ill, it was usually something that could be treated easily at home. Fortunately, major illnesses in pets are extremely uncommon.
Can Dogs Get COVID From Humans
So, can my dog get covid from me? There is evidence that COVID-19 can be spread from person to person through intimate contact and that cats and canines have been infected with the virus around the world.
How Do You Test A Dog For COVID
Take your dog to a vet, and he/she will be able to tell whether your dog has covid or not.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.