Can Dogs Get Covid

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives, many pet owners wonder whether their furry companions are at risk. The question "Can dogs get COVID-19?" is common among concerned pet parents. The answer is yes - covid dogs cases do exist, but there's much more to understand about how the virus affects our canine friends.

Understanding COVID-19 in Dogs

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which primarily spreads between humans. However, research has confirmed that the virus can spread from people to animals during close contact, including to dogs. The good news is that transmission from dogs to humans appears to be extremely rare, with the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people considered low by health authorities.

Studies have shown that dogs are less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to cats and some other animals. This reduced susceptibility may be related to the lower levels of ACE2 receptors (which the virus uses to enter cells) in dogs' respiratory tracts compared to humans.

How Common is COVID-19 in Dogs?

While dogs can become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, it's relatively uncommon. According to research studies, only a small percentage of dogs living with COVID-positive owners test positive for active infection. However, antibody testing has revealed higher rates of exposure, suggesting many dogs may have mild or asymptomatic infections that go undetected.

A study from Ontario, Canada found that approximately 2% of dogs from households with COVID-19 cases tested positive by PCR, while about 41% had antibodies indicating previous exposure. This suggests that while many dogs may be exposed to the virus, relatively few develop enough viral load to be detected by direct testing.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in Dogs

Most dogs infected with SARS-CoV-2 show no symptoms at all or experience only mild illness. When symptoms do occur in covid dogs, they may include:

  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Lethargy (unusual lack of energy)
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Eye discharge
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Serious illness in dogs from COVID-19 is extremely rare. Most infected dogs that show symptoms recover fully with basic supportive care at home.

How Dogs Get Infected with COVID-19

Dogs typically become infected through close contact with COVID-positive humans, particularly their owners. The most common transmission scenarios include:

  • Direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person
  • Petting, snuggling, kissing, or being licked by an infected person
  • Sharing food or sleeping in the same bed as an infected person

Research indicates that canine infections typically occur after a human in the household becomes infected. This makes sense considering dogs' close proximity to their human family members.

Protecting Your Dog from COVID-19

The best way to protect your dog from COVID-19 is to protect yourself and minimize exposure if you become infected. If you suspect or know you have COVID-19, health authorities recommend:

  • Avoid contact with your pets while sick, just as you would with people
  • If possible, have another household member care for your pets while you're sick
  • If you must care for your pet while sick, wear a mask and wash hands before and after interactions
  • Avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, sharing food, or sleeping in the same bed
  • Keep pets indoors as much as possible to prevent potential spread to other animals

It's important to note that you should never use disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, hand sanitizer, or cleaning wipes on your dog. These products can be harmful to pets. Additionally, do not put masks on pets, as they could cause harm.

What to Do If Your Dog Shows COVID-19 Symptoms

If your dog shows symptoms and you suspect COVID-19 infection, especially after known exposure to an infected person:

  1. Contact your veterinarian by phone first
  2. Inform them if there has been COVID-19 exposure in your household
  3. Follow your veterinarian's advice regarding testing and care
  4. Do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself if you are COVID-positive - ask about telemedicine options

Remember that many common canine illnesses share symptoms with COVID-19. Your veterinarian can help determine if testing is necessary and recommend appropriate care.

Caring for a COVID-Positive Dog

If your dog tests positive for SARS-CoV-2, your veterinarian will likely recommend home isolation. During this time:

  • Keep your dog at home except for necessary medical care
  • Keep cats indoors to prevent spread to wildlife or other animals
  • Monitor symptoms closely and contact your veterinarian if they worsen
  • Follow the same precautions recommended for caring for a COVID-positive person
  • Wash hands before and after caring for your pet
  • Wear a mask when in close contact with your pet if possible

Your veterinarian may recommend tracking symptoms in a written log. Home isolation can usually end when your pet has been symptom-free for at least 72 hours without medical care AND it has been at least 14 days since the last positive test, or when follow-up tests are negative.

The Role of Dogs in COVID-19 Transmission

Research indicates that dogs play a minimal role in COVID-19 transmission. Unlike some animals such as mink or hamsters, there have been no confirmed cases of dogs transmitting the virus to humans. This is reassuring for dog owners concerned about potential risks.

Scientists believe several factors contribute to the low transmission risk from covid dogs to people:

  • Dogs typically have lower viral loads than humans when infected
  • Dog fur is porous and tends to trap viruses rather than allowing easy transfer
  • Dogs are less likely to shed significant amounts of virus in respiratory secretions

While the risk is low, it's still wise to follow basic hygiene practices like handwashing before and after interacting with any animals, especially if someone in the household is sick.

COVID-19 Testing for Dogs

Testing for COVID-19 in dogs is typically performed only in specific circumstances, such as:

  • When a dog shows respiratory symptoms after exposure to a COVID-positive person
  • As part of research studies
  • In rare cases when advised by public health officials

Testing is usually conducted by veterinarians using similar PCR-based methods as human testing, though the sample collection and specific test reagents may differ. Routine testing of asymptomatic dogs is not currently recommended.

Conclusion: Should Dog Owners Be Concerned?

While the possibility of covid dogs exists, the overall risk to both dogs and their owners is considered low. Most infected dogs experience no symptoms or only mild illness, and the risk of dogs spreading the virus to humans appears minimal.

The best approach for pet owners is to:

  • Practice good hygiene around pets
  • Keep pets away from infected people when possible
  • Monitor pets for unusual symptoms
  • Consult with veterinarians about any health concerns
  • Stay informed about the latest research and recommendations

By taking these sensible precautions, dog owners can minimize risks while maintaining the important bond with their furry companions during the pandemic.

For the most current information about COVID-19 and animals, visit the CDC's Animals and COVID-19 webpage or consult with your veterinarian.

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