With the recent pandemic of COVID-19 across the world, there has been a lot of concern about whether or not our pets can contract coronavirus, and specifically dogs. The facts are that dogs are able to attract some forms of coronavirus, but not novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19.
From the World Health Organization,“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. 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.”
It is still important that precautions being taken around animals just as you would in any case, to be careful with the virus spreading from surfaces such as pet hair. Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, was clear that, “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 – the general practice of washing our hands after touching a puppy or a dog—that’s normal hygiene.”
