Coronavirus and Dogs – Things Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

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As the coronavirus pandemic develops and the whole world is dealing with prevention of the infection, one question has for sure went through the head of every dog owner – can my dog get the coronavirus (COVID-19)? If not, can my dog transmit the virus?

As we all know by now, the World Health Organization and World Organization for Animal Health both stated that SARS-CoV-2 (most probably) cannot infect pets. The World Dog Finder already wrote about that subject in an article published in February 2020. - Can dogs get the coronavirus?

There is no evidence proving that pets are in danger of getting sick from coronavirus (COVID-19) or that dogs and/or cats can spread the virus. However, infected people can spread the virus through saliva and mucus droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. If we know that you can get sick by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching your eyes, mouth or nose it is easy to conclude that touching the dog's fur that contains particles of the virus can get you sick also. However, experts say that CVID-19 survives longer on hard, inanimate surfaces and the dog's fur is soft and porous surface so it is very unlikely that you would contract coronavirus by petting a dog. Still, for your own protection it is a good idea to clean your hands frequently and also to groom your pet more often and clean their water and food bowls.

Another important measure is to wipe your pet's paws after coming from a walk. Clean the paws with warm water or paw wipes. It is important not to use aggressive products that can harm your pet’s paws.

Although it is believed that household pets cannot get the virus and cannot transmit the virus, if you get sick with COVID-19 avoid contact with your pet, just as you are going to avoid contact with the rest of your family, at least until more is known about the virus. If you must interact with your pet, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after petting your pet, and always wear a face mask.

World Dog Finder team