Can Dogs Get Coronavirus?

dogs coronavirus

Back in May, we wrote a blog about pets and coronavirus. Now we are into the warm summer months, and the pandemic appears to still be a serious problem, especially in the southern and western United States. We are revisiting this topic to share what is known about the question: Can dogs get coronavirus?

In the concern over the spread of the virus, people worry about their own health and also the health of their pet dogs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare."

Why Is the Coronavirus Disease Called COVID-19?

In February of this year, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that causes the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak. The name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, 'CO' stands for 'corona,' 'VI' for 'virus,' and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as "2019 novel coronavirus" or "2019-nCoV."

There are many types of human and animal coronaviruses, including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans or pets.

Can Dogs Get COVID-19?

This specific novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is not believed to be a health threat to dogs. However, there is one reported rare instance where an American dog tested positive for the virus. Previously, a Pug in North Carolina was thought to be the first known case of a dog testing positive for COVID-19 in the United States; however, subsequent testing concluded that the dog never contracted the virus.

Two pet dogs in Hong Kong tested positive for COVID-19. Both dogs resided in homes with COVID-19-positive owners. Health officials characterized the cases of the two dogs in Hong Kong as "likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission." However, neither dog showed any signs of illness from the virus.

Dogs can get a canine coronavirus (CCoV). CCoV is not the same virus as COVID-19, and humans cannot get CCoV. There is a vaccine for CCoV, but it only works for this type of coronavirus — it is not effective for the prevention of COVID-19. While COVID-19 is not believed to be a serious health threat to dogs, the CDC recommends avoiding contact with pets if you are sick.

Can Dogs Spread COVID-19?

The World Health Organization states, "There is no evidence that a dog 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." Covering your face with a cloth face covering can also help reduce the possibility of spreading droplets.

The CDC says that "while this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person to person." Because of this type of spread, "there is no reason to think that any animals or pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this novel coronavirus."

To be safe, in homes where a person has tested positive for the virus, the CDC recommends avoiding contact with pet dogs and other animals.

How Can We Protect Our Dogs from COVID-19?

Healthy dog owners should follow basic hygiene precautions like washing hands with soap and water before and after contact with any animals, including pet dogs. The CDC has provided guidelines on interactions with pets during the pandemic:

  • Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside of your household
  • Keep dogs on leashes or indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people
  • Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least six feet from other people and animals
  • Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather
  • Practice social distancing measures by walking your dog in uncrowded areas
  • Don't allow anyone to pet or touch your dog while you're out on your walk

About FlexPet: FlexPet is a joint supplement for dogs built around CM8® (cetyl myristoleate) — made in the USA and trusted since 1999. See what makes CM8® different →