Can Dogs Get Coronavirus and Die?
The novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has caused a global pandemic, spreading rapidly around the world, infecting millions and causing significant health impacts and even death. A major concern is that if humans can contract the virus and suffer severe consequences, can other animals also contract it, and can dogs get Coronavirus and die?
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a type of virus, part of a family of viruses known as Coronavirus. They are insidious, meaning that they enter the body and cause illness without causing any obvious signs or symptoms.
COVID-19 is a novel strain of Coronavirus that emerged in 2020, and is believed to have originated in China. It is highly contagious, and is spread mainly through person-to-person contact, but can also be spread from contact with surfaces and objects infected with the virus.
Can Dogs Get Coronavirus?
Though Coronavirus can affect human and other animal species, it is still unclear whether or not domestic dogs and cats can get COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
At the moment, there is limited research that has been done to establish definitively whether or not dogs can get coronavirus and die, but a few cases of COVID-19 in pets have been reported across the world.
Dog Coronavirus Symptoms
The symptoms of Coronavirus in pets may vary depending on the type of virus and the individual pet. But generally, dogs may experience a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, such as:
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Increased respiratory rate
• Labored breathing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Inactivity
• Loss of appetite
• Poor coat condition
It is important to take your pet to the vet if they are showing any of these signs, so that they can be tested for Coronavirus, and be properly treated.
Can Dogs Die from Coronavirus?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as sadly, there is still limited research into the effects of Coronavirus in dogs. However, there have been cases of severe illness in some pets, which is why it is important that pet-owners take the necessary precautions to protect their pet.
It is important to remember that any kind of virus can be deadly, and this is especially true of Coronavirus, which is highly contagious and can cause serious complications if left untreated. If your dog is showing symptoms of Coronavirus, it is best to take them to the vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Preventing Coronavirus in Dogs
The same health and safety precautions that we take to protect ourselves from Coronavirus can also be applied to our pets to help prevent them from becoming infected. Some of these include:
• Keeping your dog away from areas where there has been a confirmed case of Coronavirus.
• Practicing good hygiene when handling your dog and other pets.
• Washing your hands before and after handling your pet.
• Disinfecting pet toys, bedding and other items regularly.
• Limiting contact with other animals, and avoiding contact with sick or infected animals.
• Limiting any unnecessary travel with your pet.
At the moment, there is limited research into the effects of Coronavirus on dogs, and it is still uncertain whether they can contract the virus and die. However, there have been a few reported cases of COVID-19 in pets, and pet-owners should take the necessary precautions to protect their pets by following the health and safety guidelines outlined above.
