Can My Dog Get the Coronavirus?
Editor’s Note: Late last week we read reports about a dog in Hong Kong that tested “weak positive” for the coronavirus. As the virus continues to spread among humans around the world, we wondered if it could impact dogs. For answers, we sat down with Tamara McNealy, a member of our TOC Community, who also happens to be a microbiologist focused on infectious diseases.
How does the COVID-19 coronavirus spread (e.g. air, shared water, etc.)?
The virus spreads primarily via droplets and fomites (inanimate objects – think door handles, surfaces, objects which after you touch them allow you to transfer the virus to your nose and mouth and possibly become infected). There is not currently evidence that it stays suspended in the air for long.
Can my dog get the COVID-19 coronavirus?
There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 infects dogs. The news about the dog in Hong Kong that tested weakly positive is still being looked into. Current information from the WHO suggests continuing to wash your hands after playing with you dog or cat – good information for anytime. Dogs can however be infected with certain other coronaviruses. Here’s a reference for OTHER respiratory coronaviruses that can infect dogs.
Can my dog transmit the COVID-19 coronavirus to me?
If a dog has a respiratory infection and licks your face, or hands and you then touch your face, it is technically possible for them to transmit the virus. The good thing is that many of the coronaviruses carried by dogs are what we call species specific – meaning that they only infect dogs. And vice versa – the human coronaviruses don’t typically seem to infect dogs. It’s never a bad idea to wash your hands after playing with your dog.
Can a dog be a carrier for the COVID-19 coronavirus even though he doesn't show symptoms?
Possibly – for example the Hong Kong case could be a situation where the dog – through sniffing surfaces – picked up some virus on its nose and inhaled it a bit. The virus may be present, but likely will not survive long or lead to symptoms. If the virus cannot infect dogs, the virus will not likely survive long enough for the animal to become a true carrier. But the virus could be on the dog’s nose temporarily. Wash your hands. ☺
How do I prevent my dog from getting the COVID-19 coronavirus?
There’s presently no vaccine for any coronavirus in dogs and none for dogs or humans for COVID-19. If your dog is showing signs of respiratory illness, call your vet and keep him/her away from other dogs and places where other dogs gather to limit the spread.
Here is some good advice from a recent article in the New York Times, with one additional comment from me in italics: “If you are sick with COVID-19 and have a pet, the small animal vet association suggests that you wash your hands and you (not the dog) wear a face mask around the pet, as you would around a person, and keep them inside, just to avoid any chance of spreading the virus.”
Would you recommend that dogs wear face masks?
No. Unless it’s Halloween then maybe, but probably not this Halloween.
What would my dog's symptoms for the COVID- 19 coronavirus be?
In the Hong Kong case in the news, the animal has no symptoms. Other canine coronaviruses tend to lead to typical respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
Can humans give dogs the COVID- 19 coronavirus?
Probably not, but we really don’t have the data to determine this yet.
How dangerous is it for dogs?
For COVID-19, probably not very dangerous and there’s no current evidence to show this virus infects dogs at all. Other canine coronaviruses do cause symptoms and can sometime be severe - you should talk with your vet if you’re concerned that your dog has been exposed to a coronavirus or is exhibiting respiratory infection symptoms.
Is there anything I should do to keep my dog safe? (Really, do I need to care about this?)
If your dog is just at home with you and you are not in a place where COVID-19 is actively spreading – then you probably just want to do all of the things you normally do. Keep the both of you well fed, cleaned and exercised – be happy. If you are in an area with infection concerns, take care of both you and your dog similarly – you may want to avoid large gatherings/dog parks/etc., particularly if other dogs/people are showing symptoms. If you get sick, wash your hands often, wear a mask, stay inside, eat healthy. If your dog shows respiratory symptoms – call your vet and let them know that you’re sick as well. Your vet is the expert for this situation and should be able to advise you.
