Your Dog and the Coronavirus
Hey guys thanks for stopping by to read this article! In this article, you’ll get some info on how to deal with your dog and the Coronavirus. This is an interesting and somewhat unsettling time in our world right now with the COVID-19 outbreak. Many questions have come up for dog owners and I’m going to try to give you the answers and resources so you can be the best pet owner you can be! So let’s jump right in.
I’ve done multiple hours of research on the Coronavirus and dogs. Between online articles, YouTube videos, asking veterinarians, and much more I’ve put together the top 5 questions people are asking about their dogs and the Coronavirus.
NUMBER 1: WHAT SHOULD WE AS DOG OWNERS KNOW ABOUT OUR DOGS AND CORONAVIRUS?
The first thing you should know about Coronavirus is that dogs can get Coronavirus. Dogs cannot get COVID-19 but they can get a version of Coronavirus called Canine Coronavirus (CCoV). CCoV is species-specific and does not transfer to or from humans. CCoV is very mild and typically does not need veterinary attention. If you think your dog has a form of Coronavirus you should contact your veterinarian concerning your dog’s symptoms.
NUMBER 2: WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF MY DOG GETTING CANINE CORONAVIRUS?
There has only been one case of a dog getting COVID-19. In this case, the dog’s owner was suffering from COVID-19 and the dog was carrying the virus on its coat. So the dog was swabbed and was tested weak positive. Not for being infected with the COVID-19 virus but that it was carrying the virus. Similar to one who would suffer from the flu. Their clothes would carry the flu virus but the clothes themselves would not be infected. You should not be concerned about your dog getting and suffering from COVID-19. CCoV is not common at all in dogs. Get more info about the differences between COVID-19 and CCoV here.
WATCH VIDEO HERE
NUMBER 3: WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF MY DOG DID GET CANINE CORONAVIRUS?
Dogs do have a vaccine to protect them from CCoV, but even if they do get it the virus is not typically a huge problem. The vaccine does not protect against the dog carrying COVID-19. If you are still concerned about your dog and the Coronavirus just reach out to your local veterinarian and see what they have to say. Symptoms of CCoV include the sudden onset of diarrhea, lack of desire to eat, lethargic, etc. If your dog is struggling with any of these you need to contact your veterinarian quickly.
NUMBER 4: CAN WE TRANSFER CORONAVIRUS TO OUR DOG OR CAN THE DOG TRANSFER IT TO US?
Our dogs cannot get COVID-19. If your dog does get CCoV they cannot transfer that virus to you as both the COVID-19 virus and CCoV are species-specific. So you are safe to cuddle up with your dog and give them some love.
NUMBER 5: SHOULD I QUARANTINE MY DOG?
This is a question you will have to decide for yourself and your dog. If you currently do not have COVID-19 and your dog has not come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 then you are safe to let your dog out and about. I would suggest the same precautions that have been recommended by the CDC concerning social distancing. Although your dog cannot become ill from COVID-19 they can carry it and give it to you.
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB RECENTLY PUT OUT SOME GREAT CONTENT ON THIS SUBJECT AND YOU CAN FIND THAT HERE.
In light of this information, you can see that there is no reason to abandon your dog! Unfortunately, many across the globe have done this with no evidence that their dog is harmful or will cause them to get COVID-19. So take advantage of this extra time at home and love your pet.
The COVID-19 epidemic has a lot of downsides: people are out of work, many sit-down restaurants are closed, businesses are closing, schools are closed, etc.
So let’s make the most out of it. Find the good! There is at least one good thing that can come out of you having to spend more time at home. Your dog, who loves you more than anything on this planet, will get to spend some extra time with you! Your dog doesn’t know why you’re home so much more, but gee are they glad you are!
Helpful links
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/coronavirus-disease-in-dogs
https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/dp/4
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/can-dogs-get-coronavirus/
