If you’re like us, since COVID-19 started spreading you’ve wondered at some point: 1) can my dog transfer the Coronavirus disease to me; and 2) can my dog contract COVID-19?
Because this is a new strain recently discovered that hadn’t been previously identified, information has changed rapidly. But we’ve compiled the facts of what we do know, and will update this page responsibly as studies evolve.
Based on what national and international health organizations have reported [as of March 22, 2020], here are two things that are clear regarding COVID-19 and dogs at this time:
Bottomline: According to the Center For Disease Control & Protection and the World Health Organization, no.
CDC says the disease is spread to humans through person-to person contact. Here’s what they say:
“In the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time.”
– CDC [as of Sunday, March 22, 2020]
“To date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19.”
– WHO [as of Sunday, March 22, 2020]
The CDC and WHO both follow up on this with cautionary advice, which we should all be heeding: “However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.” – CDC [as of Sunday, March 22, 2020]
According to the CDC this primarily means cleaning up after your dog properly and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds after interacting with any dog when possible –especially if your dog has been in high-traffic public spaces.
Bottomline: According to the Center For Disease Control & Protection: highly unlikely.
There have been no reported cases of pets in the U.S. contracting COVID-19. Here’s what they say:
“You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.”
– CDC [as of Sunday, March 22, 2020]
Basically, if you are infected with COVID-19 or feel sick: wash your hands before and after you interact with your pets and ensure there is no sharing of towels, utensils and/or bedding between pets and the infected person (or other people in the home).
Bottomline: According to the World Health Organization website [as of March 22, 2020], there has been one confirmed case in Hong Kong.
“While there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19.”
– WHO [as of Sunday, March 22, 2020]
CDC is not reporting this case on their website (that we can find).
Even given this news, both WHO and CDC are united in the belief that 1) we should not be concerned that our pets are transmitting the virus; 2) we should continue to practice good hygiene around our pets. Here’s what Psychology Today reported on this particular situation (we think it offers good context):
“In February 2020, the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department reported on a case of a pet dog testing “weak positive” to the COVID-19 virus. The dog was owned by a 60-year-old woman who had contracted the viral disease, but who ultimately recovered. The animal was quite elderly, specifically a 17-year-old Pomeranian, who was suffering from other underlying illnesses as well. The dog showed none of the overt symptoms of this influenza, and after a two-week quarantine, which ended after two successive tests showed no evidence of the virus, it was released back to its owner. Because there was no evidence that the dog had actually developed antibodies to COVID-19, some experts have questioned whether there is enough evidence to say that the dog actually had contracted the disease. Several veterinary experts contended that the test used in Hong Kong would be unable to detect whether the dog had the virus or if it had simply licked contaminated surfaces in the home.” – Psychology Today [posted March 19, 2020]
We’re all in this together, and again we’ll reiterate that small silver lining here…
We may be spending a lot more quality time with loved ones in the coming days, including with Man’s Best Friend.
Article published March 20, 2020.
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