Can Dogs Get COVID: Important Information You Need To Know

It’s no secret that the entire world has been impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But with the majority of the focus on the impacts of coronavirus on humans, it’s easy to forget about our beloved four-legged companions. If you care for any furry friends, it’s natural to have concerns about whether or not they can contract the virus.

The good news is that, in most cases, dogs appear to be relatively safe from the virus. However, even with the information we have now, the situation is subject to change and the science is still developing. Let’s explore what we know about the spread of COVID-19 to canines.

Virus Transmission and Dogs

Before we can answer the question of can dogs get covid, let’s take a look at how this virus works and spreads.

Contrary to popular belief, the novel coronavirus that is causing the current pandemic is not a living thing. Rather, it’s a pathogen, composed of genetic material in the form of a nucleic acid code. Because of its makeup, this virus can stick to objects and surfaces for an extended period of time, making it highly infectious when touched.

The virus also spreads when bodily fluids such as saliva, sweat, and tears that contain the pathogen come into contact with another person’s eyes, nose, and mouth. People with the virus are often unaware that they are carriers and can spread it to other people—and potentially, to their dogs—without even realizing it.

Can Humans Pass The Virus To Dogs?

At this time, there is no clear evidence to suggest that humans can directly spread the coronavirus to their dogs. In a recent World Small Animal Veterinary Association study, it was concluded that the risk of human to pet transmission is extremely low.

There have also been multiple reports of pet owners with the virus whose pets remain healthy. This, of course, does not confirm that humans cannot pass the virus to their pets, but it does indicate that it’s unlikely.

Do Dogs Have Symptoms From COVID?

It is possible for dogs to develop symptoms after contracting the virus, though it’s far from common. In general, most pets that have been infected with COVID have experienced signs that have been mild and similar to those of the common cold.

Common Symptoms Dogs Might Have With the Coronavirus:

• Coughing or wheezing

• Runny nose

• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy or not having as much energy
• Fever
• Nasal discharge
• Respiratory distress
• Diarrhea

Although developing any of the above symptoms could be cause for concern, keep in mind that these symptoms could also be indicative of any number of other illnesses that are not related to the coronavirus.

Can Dogs Pass the Virus To Humans?

Similar to how it appears that humans cannot pass the virus to their dogs, it seems that the opposite is also true. In April 2020, the American Veterinary Medical Association released a report concluding that there is no known evidence to suggest that pets can pass the virus to humans.

Furthermore, there have been no reported cases of people contracting COVID from a pet. This does not mean that it’s impossible for animals to spread the virus to humans, but it does indicate that it’s unlikely.

How To Keep Your Dog Safe During the Pandemic

As a pet owner, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your pup stays healthy and virus-free:

1.Avoid contact with other dogs.

Social distancing is not just for humans—it’s important for dogs, too. As much as possible, limit contact with other canines, and make sure that if your pup has contact with a strange dog, you quickly wash his or her paws afterwards.

2.Regularly groom your pup.

If possible, keep up with regular grooming for your pup. This will help you spot any potential problems early on, as well as keeping your pet clean and healthy.

3.Keep up with vaccinations.

It’s also a good idea to keep your pup’s vaccinations current. This will help protect them from illnesses that they might otherwise be susceptible to.

4.Avoid contaminated areas.

As always, it’s smart to avoid taking your pup to any place where he or she might be exposed to other sick animals or contaminated surfaces.

At the end of the day, your dog should be relatively safe from contracting the coronavirus. As the situation continues to develop, stay up to date on the latest information and make sure to keep your pup away from any potential sources of contamination.

While the risk of your pup contracting the novel coronavirus appears to be low, it’s still smart to use caution and caution when it comes to the health and safety of your beloved pet. Follow the guidelines we have outlined and make sure to stay updated on the latest information as the situation evolves.

By keeping up with proper safety protocols and being aware of potential risks, you can ensure that your furry friend has a safe and healthy life.