Coronavirus or COVID-19 has rapidly infected thousands of people worldwide. In China alone, there were almost 70,000 positive cases of the contagion. While the coronavirus affects humans, the big question is, “is there any truth in coronavirus among dogs?”. Here are the answers to some of these questions:
Can dogs get and spread coronavirus?
Companion animals such as dogs and cats cannot get and spread coronavirus. There are very fewer chances of having coronavirus among dogs. World Health Organization (WHO) revealed zero cases and no evidence of coronavirus among dogs and cats.
However, China’s National Health Commission (CNHC) reminds everyone to be extra careful with everyone’s health, especially with the contagion of COVID-19. Not only shall they take care of themselves, but they should also see to it that even their companion animals are well-taken care of. Owners have to make sure that their pets are clean and fed properly with healthy food. You have to make sure that their kennels are clean and their water bowls have clean water, too.
Myth vs. Reality
Coronavirus among dogs is a myth. It is not true that animals, especially dogs and cats, COVID-19 tend to have an infection with a coronavirus. It is also not true that the virus has the ability to transmission from animals to people.
The reality is that these animals cannot spread and infect the virus to humans. There are also no pieces of evidence that support the claim of many on these animals’ ability to spread coronavirus.
Can dogs get infected from a different type of coronavirus?
Dogs have their own “canine coronavirus.” It is a type of canine disease among dogs that affect their intestinal area. Coronaviridae causes infection. Experts see the crown-like structure of the virus from a microscopic view. Coronaviruses among dogs DO NOT affect people. Coronavirus among dogs is short-live and is very much curable. The confusion happens between parvovirus, which is a common type of virus among dogs. The primary reason is that they may both occur at the same time. The following sections will help you to have a clear idea of this:
What is the process of coronavirus transmission in dogs?
Oral transmission. There is transmission if dogs play together or in contact through saliva. If this happens, transmission between and among dogs happen.
What are the signs of canine coronavirus?
The most common sign of canine coronavirus is diarrhea. Infected dogs usually have diarrhea and severe vomiting. It is a great suggestion that the owners see a veterinarian immediately if this happens.
Are there available vaccinations for canine coronavirus?
Yes. Canine coronavirus vaccination is very much available. On the other hand, this vaccination is not a requirement for all types of dog breeds. Coronavirus dogs vaccine is available with the prescription and approval of the veterinarian.
How did a dog test “positive” in Hong Kong?
To be clear, the dog was tested “low positive” with coronavirus. The poor pup got its infection from its owner, who was COVID-a9 positive. This may mean that dogs may get infected by the virus, but its level is too low. The dog showed no signs and symptoms of the infection. Experts are still studying up to this time to gather more pieces of evidence on this issue.
What to do if my dog has a positive symptom?
The Pomeranian dog tested positive in Hong Kong showed no signs and symptoms at all. The pup was still its natural self – running and playing. Experts have ruled out the idea that dogs can spread the virus to humans since there are no well-founded pieces of evidence to support the claim. However, as a pet owner, here are a few tips that you can do to protect your dog:
- Feed healthy food
- Keep their water bowl clean
- Give vitamins to your dog to boost the immune system
- Keep them moving – exercise with them (healthy for the two of you!)
- Groom and bathe your dog regularly
- Make sure that the dog’s kennel is clean and sanitized at all times
- Keep them away from unhealthy and sick dogs
- Regularly visit the veterinarian and update their vaccines
- Love them like family!
How to behave with a dog if I have the infection?
If, in case you got positive with COVID-19, it is wise that you isolate yourself. Self-quarantine is the best method to keep yourself from spreading the virus to others, even to your pets. If you have no one to take care of your dog, call the nearest shelter in your area, and ask for help. Your dog will be in good hands with them. It is of great advice that you stay isolated during the entire remission process.
A few other frequently asked questions
With the wild spread of coronavirus in all other the world, we inevitably get so worried for ourselves and our loved ones. As members of the family, our pets might be in danger, too. So, it is understandable that we know what to do if in case any of you get infected. Here are a few of the answers to your frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Does the transmission of COVID-19 happen from humans to pets?
Yes. This is because the dog that got “positive” in Hong Kong result in coronavirus was likely to have been infected by its owner.
Does the transmission of COVID-19 happen from pets to humans?
No. The Pomeranian dog in Hong Kong, although it was exposed to some people at the onset, was not able to transmit the COVID-19 to other humans.
Is there a COVID-19 vaccine for dogs?
No. There is also no COVID-19 vaccine for humans yet. Although coronavirus dogs vaccine is available only for canine coronavirus. There is no advice for the vaccination to all dogs. A thorough assessment is a requirement before the administration of the vaccine.
Can veterinarians test for COVID-19 in pets?
Yes. Experts get oral and nasal samples to obtain and study the results. The COVID-19 kit tester is also effective for dogs. The reason for this is because they are testing for the same viral infection.
Why is the college offering a COVID-19 test for pets if they cannot get it?
The test is to gather more data and explanation to verify the issue further. There is no harm in doing a safe and simple test if it could be a great contribution to solving a great puzzle.
Should my pet wear a face mask in public?
No. The face mask that human beings are wearing is not for dogs or any animal. Putting on the mask on the dog may cause them difficulty in breathing and disturbance. Because of this, it is not good to walk around with annoyed and disturbed dogs. The best thing you can do is to keep your dog at home where everything is safe for you and your pet.
Is there any confirmed coronavirus-related death among dogs recorded?
None. The Pomeranian dog that tested “low positive” in COVID-19 was immediately quarantined after knowing the result. As a result, there was the prevention of the spread of the disease from the dog. All in all, the dog got better after it was released from its isolation.
Should I buy pets now or should wait until Covid-19 is gone?
It is not as ideal as of now. It is not good that you put more lives in your responsibility. Remember that getting a pet is a lifetime commitment, and getting a new one amidst this virus outbreak is not an ideal time.
Conclusion
There are so many confirmed cases of coronavirus in the world. In this connection, many people are in a state of shock and panic with its sudden outbreak. It would even be sadder if our pets could get the infection, too! Dogs are family! We do not want anything bad happening to our families. The best thing we could to show our love is to protect them. Being well-informed and educated is what we need today amidst this adversity.
