It’s a question on many pet owner’s minds: Can our beloved dogs contract COVID-19? The short answer is yes, dogs can get COVID-19, but it’s important to understand the nuances of this virus and how it affects our canine companions. While the thought of your furry friend falling ill can be concerning, the good news is that in most cases, COVID-19 in dogs is mild, and serious illness is rare.
Just like humans, dogs can become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. However, it’s crucial to remember that the illness typically presents differently in pets compared to humans. Many dogs infected with COVID-19 may not even show any signs of being sick at all. For those that do develop symptoms, the illness is usually mild and dogs make a full recovery. Severe cases in dogs are exceedingly uncommon.
If your dog does happen to contract COVID-19 and becomes symptomatic, the signs are generally similar to a mild respiratory illness. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Fever: An elevated temperature could indicate your dog is fighting off an infection.
- Coughing: This might sound similar to kennel cough or a general upper respiratory issue.
- Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath: Labored breathing or panting excessively when at rest is a serious sign.
- Lethargy: A noticeable decrease in energy levels, where your dog seems unusually tired or sluggish.
- Sneezing: Occasional sneezing can be normal, but frequent sneezing could be a symptom.
- Runny Nose: Discharge from the nose that is not typical for your dog.
- Eye Discharge: Similar to a runny nose, unusual discharge from the eyes.
- Vomiting: Occasional vomiting might not be alarming, but persistent vomiting should be monitored.
- Diarrhea: Loose stools or diarrhea that lasts for more than a day.
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms and you are concerned about COVID-19, the first step is to contact your veterinarian. It’s especially important to alert your vet if you yourself are sick with COVID-19 and your dog has become unwell. Do not take your potentially sick pet to the veterinary clinic without calling ahead. Inform them of your COVID-19 status. Many veterinary practices now offer telemedicine consultations, allowing you to discuss your dog’s symptoms and receive guidance from the safety of your home. Your vet can advise on the best course of action, which might include home isolation for your pet.
If your veterinarian recommends home isolation for your dog, it’s essential to follow their instructions carefully. This might involve keeping your dog separate from other pets and people in the household, if possible. When caring for your dog, take similar precautions as you would when caring for an infected person at home. This includes practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing.
For cats, it’s specifically advised that if they test positive for COVID-19, they should be kept indoors and not allowed to roam outside to prevent potential spread. While this advice is specifically for cats in the original text, it’s a generally good practice for any pet isolating due to illness.
During home isolation, closely monitor your dog’s symptoms. Keep track of any changes or worsening of their condition. If you notice new symptoms or if your dog seems to be getting sicker, contact your veterinarian immediately. They may want to adjust the care plan or have you bring your dog in for a check-up while taking appropriate safety measures. Following your vet’s guidance is crucial for your pet’s well-being and for preventing further spread, although dog-to-human transmission is considered very low.
Knowing when it’s safe to end home isolation for your dog is also important. Always follow your veterinarian’s specific advice. Generally, dogs can return to their normal routines when:
- They have not shown any symptoms for at least 72 hours (3 full days) without any medication to manage those symptoms.
AND
- It has been at least 14 days since your dog’s last positive COVID-19 test, if a test was performed.
OR
- If your veterinarian recommends follow-up testing, and all subsequent tests for active infection come back negative.
In conclusion, while pet dogs can contract COVID-19, it’s typically a mild illness. By being informed about the symptoms, knowing when to contact your vet, and following recommended home care and isolation guidelines, you can ensure the health and safety of your canine companion during these times. Always consult with your veterinarian for the best course of action for your individual pet.
