The chance of your dog catching the COVID-19 strain is very slim according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
There has only been one known case of a dog becoming infected with COVID-19 – although they are susceptible to other forms of coronavirus.
A woman with her pet dog, both wearing face masks, walks on street amid novel coronavirus spread
‘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,’ the WHO states.
The one dog in Hong Kong with a confirmed case of COVID-19 had a very ‘low-level infection’, according to WHO.
The 17-year-old Pomeranian, whose owner had COVID-19, was quarantined until tests showed it was disease free.
It died at home with its owner soon after returning.
In that instance it was ‘likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission,’ health officials in China said. But no other cases have been reported.
They added: ‘There is currently no evidence that pet animals can be a source of infection of COVID-19 or that they become sick.’
If that changes the guidelines suggested for humans on self-isolation and social distancing would also apply to pets.
In fact, if you are sick with COVID-19 the CDC recommends you restrict contact with your dog and see if other people can look after them.
‘It is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
‘This can help ensure both you and your animals stay healthy,’ the CDC said.
A man wearing a face mask, amid fears over the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, holds his dog at Ueno park in Tokyo
If you have COVID-19 they recommend avoiding petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.
The American Kennel Club says pet owners don’t need to do anything other than follow basic hygiene precautions.
How to you stay safe around your pet:
- Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies
- Practise good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly
- Take pets to the vet regularly and talk to them if you have questions about your pet’s health
Dr Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club said just do what you’d normally do.
‘If you have children, you wouldn’t have them touch a puppy and put their fingers in their mouth, because they can have fecal contamination,’ he says.
‘The general practice of washing our hands after touching a puppy or a dog—that’s normal hygiene.’
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 experts recommend restricting contact with your dog to prevent the virus getting on their skin or fur – which could lead to it passing on to another human.
‘Dogs do not need a face mask to protect themselves against the novel coronavirus COVID-19,’ said the American Kennel Club.