Can Dogs Spread Coronavirus?

During this COVID-19 pandemic year, all of us passing a hard time with our lifestyle. We are giving so much priority to our health because of the rapid spread of this deadly virus. Not only the virus is spreading alone, but also it takes some fake news that creates chaos among people. Truth is, people are not only worried about their own health but also concerned about the health of their pet animals like dogs. You may hear already about this rumor that dogs can spread coronavirus to humans. But this statement has no proof.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs and cats can be infected with a virus that belongs to the same family of viruses that cause COVID-19. This canine coronavirus can cause some respiratory problems in your dog. Under proper medication, your dog will get a prompt recovery from this virus. But the crucial question is whether your dog can play a significant role to spread this coronavirus in humans?

The answer is “NO” ¹.

Dogs can’t transmit coronavirus to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is no evidence that pets (dogs, cats, etc.) can transmit coronavirus to humans. That’s why taking measures without justification against those companion animals like dogs, cats clearly violate their welfare. It’s reported that dogs can be infected with coronavirus when they get close contact with a COVID-19 infected owner. But there is no supporting evidence that coronavirus spreads from animal to human. This virus doesn’t spread to people by your pet’s skin, fur, hair, or any discharge ².

To protect your dog from coronavirus, avoid the interaction of your dog with the people or animals outside of your household. You can avoid public gatherings like parks, shopping malls, etc. If you are COVID-19 positive, take some preventive measures to protect your dog. Isolate yourselves from everyone and avoid petting, kissing, or hugging your pet until recovery. And if both you and your dog become sick, contact your veterinarian rather than visit him. Try to follow his advice virtually about the proper care of your dog. For any kind of query, always contact your physician for yourselves and your veterinarian for your dog’s well-being.

References

1. Leroy EM, Ar Gouilh M, Brugère-Picoux J. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to pets and other wild and domestic animals strongly mandates a one-health strategy to control the COVID-19 pandemic. One Health. 2020;10(April):4–7. doi:10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100133
2. Sit THC, Brackman CJ, Ip SM, Tam KWS, Law PYT, To EMW, Yu VYT, Sims LD, Tsang DNC, Chu DKW, et al. Infection of dogs with SARS-CoV-2. Nature. 2020;586(March). http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2334-5. doi:10.1038/s41586-020-2334-5