“Can my dog get Coronavirus?”
“How can I protect my Dog against the unknowns of the Coronavirus?
“Can I catch Coronavirus from my pet?”
These are all valid questions you might be asking in regards to the recent Coronavirus Crisis we are having.
Up until last week, according to The World Health Organization there had not been any reported cases of coronavirus in domestic animals. But this week, Hong Kong authorities confirmed that a Pomeranian in fact tested positive for the Coronavirus, which elevated concerns for pet owners across the globe.
Can pets become coronavirus carriers or be infected?
According to experts, it’s very unlikely that dogs or cats can actually be infected with the Coronavirus. What most likely have occured in the case of the Pomeranian is that the pet owner himself was infected with Coronavirus and was being treated, he was likely shedding large quantities of Coronavirus some of which ended up on the dog. The dog is in quarantine, being examined to see if any symptoms will develop.
So what should I be doing to protect my health and my dog’s health?
When in contact with any animal, it’s best to wash your hands with soap and water.
Dogs do not need a face mask to protect themselves against the new coronavirus, in fact it may cause them breathing problems, so avoid putting masks on dogs
Although it’s highly unlikely for you to pass coronavirus to your dog, if a pet is around an infected person, they might transmit the virus for a few hours while the virus is still alive.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds!
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw it away.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Consult your veterinarian about how to and how often to wash your dog and what dog shampoo would be safe and effective for your pet.