Dogs can get COVID-19 but it’s rare. They usually don’t show symptoms or only mild ones like coughing and sneezing. There’s no evidence they can spread it to humans. Humans likely infected their pets.
If your dog gets sick after contact with a COVID-19 positive person, call your vet. Let them know about the exposure. Limit contact with your pet like you would a family member if you get infected. Don’t make your dog wear a mask or sanitize it.
Puppies can get coronavirus strains that cause mild, self-limiting illness. Following your veterinarian’s advice on vaccination and quarantine protects them.
While scared, don’t abandon your dog. They’re at very low risk for serious illness and aren’t superspreaders. Look out for them without going overboard.
UK Health Security Agency Guidance
Yes dogs can catch the virus, but again it is rare. The UK reported its first case of a dog catching Covid in November last year. The Government said that the evidence suggested the animal got it from its owners who had previously tested positive. The advice from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is for people to wash their hands regularly, including before and after contact with animals.
Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “It is very rare for dogs to be infected and they will usually only show mild clinical signs and recover within a few days. There is no clear evidence to suggest that pets directly transmit the virus to humans. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and will update our guidance to pet owners should the situation change.”
CDC Recommendations
If a dog shows any symptoms of illness, they should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. In conclusion, while it is possible for dogs to get COVID-19, the risk is generally low and taking proper precautions can help reduce the likelihood of transmission.
Dogs can get COVID-19,
If you or a household member becomes infected with COVID-19, the CDC recommends that the infected person should isolate from other humans and pets. The transmission rate may be low, but it is best practice to keep your pets as safe as possible.
Based upon the currently available evidence, the majority of pets who have become infected with COVID-19 display mild or no symptoms and can be managed at home. As the risk of pets playing a role in the spreading of the disease is low, testing of pets is only recommended when an animal develops symptoms and has been in contact with an infected human.