Can My Dog Be Infected With Or Spread Covid-19?
There are more to be learned about the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, there's still so much about the pandemic we don't know yet. However, the disease causes flu, fever, cough, and difficulty breathing in humans. it has been revealed that the most vulnerable populations are the immuno-compromised, the elderly and those with underlying heart and lung diseases, But then this pandemic disease has manifested and behaved in unpredictable ways.
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Studies are ongoing and doctors are still learning how it behaves in the human body and possible vaccines to best address it.
Currently, there is no known effective means of preventing COVID-19, which spreads between people via bodily fluids like saliva or mucus projected by a cough or sneeze. The best defense against passing it along, according to experts, includes social distancing and frequent washing of your hands thoroughly.
Generally, as humans We love our pets, in fact they are our furry friends, we bond with them and they are considered as part of our family. So, we provide them with good food and the best care they need to survive and when they get sick we feel for them.
It’s natural right now for us to be concerned about the possibility of their furry, scaly or even slimy family members contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) and with news flying around the social media some pet owners might be under the impression that they need to dump their pets to prevent the spread of the virus.
You've probably read about two dogs in Hong Kong that tested positive for COVID-19. One was a 17-year-old Pomeranian that tested “weak positive” and the other was a German shepherd. The Pomeranian died two days after being released from quarantine disease-free. (Its owner wouldn’t allow an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.) The shepherd has not shown any signs of the disease since diagnosis.
In the wake of the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and many domestic and international health organizations continue to maintain the stance that there is no evidence to suggest that pets, livestock or wildlife may be a source of COVID-19 at this time.
When it comes to your pets, according to the World Health Organization and veterinary experts at press time, you likely don't have to worry about spreading it to your dog or them spreading COVID-19 to you.
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And according to Dr. Vy, he as explains.
“While there are isolated reports of humans transmitting the SARS-COVID virus to their pets, there are no reports of these pets becoming ill with COVID-19 symptoms. Many infectious disease experts and animal health organizations agree that there is no evidence that pets are becoming ill with COVID-19, or spreading COVID-19 to other animals or people,” says Dr. Vyas. She also says the majority of coronaviruses which occur in animals are different from the ones that humans can contract and have shown no crossover.
Do Dogs Have Coronavirus, Are They Similar To COVID-19?
Lets find out if dogs coronavirus strains are similar to that of COVID-19. Some group of people might be giving the impression that the kind of coronavirus that dogs can get are the same strains with that of the humans. But experts believe that they are not the same, AKC explains that dogs can contract certain types of coronaviruses, such as canine respiratory coronavirus, but COVID-19 is will not be a threat to dogs.
Dr. Vyas reveals that the dogs coronavirus vaccine would not not work for COVID-19. But researchers are working hard on a vaccine to combat COVID-19.
Why Dogs Can't Transmit COVID-19 To Humans
The WHO had earlier reported that dogs or other pets likely cannot transmit COVID-19 to humans.
“While there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.”
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Dogs Can't Get COVID-19 According To Vets
Vets believe that COVID-19 did not sicken the dogs even if it is traced in their systems.
“The dog never became clinically ill, and it remains unclear whether the dog tested positive from being kept in an environment with a COVID-19-infected human or if the dog truly became infected with COVID-19,” explains Christie Long, DVM, head of veterinary medicine at Modern Animal.
“Since the dog lives with a COVID-19 patient, the potential is significant for the positive test to have come as a result of the dog picking up the virus from the environment with its nose.”
Dogs Can Contract Other types of coronavirus.
There are some strains of coronavirus that dogs or other animals can get, especially puppies.
“The disease tends to be mild and self-limiting,” Long explains. “Puppies are the most at-risk for serious infection, and following your veterinarian's advice regarding keeping very young puppies quarantined at home until fully vaccinated (typically 16 weeks of age) is key to protecting them from the most common infectious diseases that can affect them.”
Should I Still Be Around My Dog If Infected With Coronavirus?
It has been recommended my doctors that if you are having signs of COVID-19, you should distance your self from people and your pet also. A friend or family members can fill in the gab by taking care of your dog while you are in isolation.
Where there is no one to keep your pet with then you have to take the advise of CDC to avoid contact with the dog.Do not kiss, peck, share food, pet or allow your dog lick your body at the moment untile you have fully recovered.
How To Keep Your Dog Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic
Dr. Vyas has given pet owners some necessary precautions to help them keep their pet healthy.
“Take your dog on regular walks, which will benefit both you and your pet. Wash your hands before and after touching your animal and keep pet supplies out of your kitchen.”
“Cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing. Avoid contact with people who are sick and practice social distancing. Wash your hands often and disinfect your home with approved cleaning products regularly.”
Remember To Do The Following
Wash your hands afterwards, and then frequently, with soap or sanitiser
Keep your distance from people who are coughing and sneezing (at least one metre)
Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing, with a tissue or your elbow
Put the tissue straight into a closed bin