Can dogs get coronavirus? A veterinarian weighs in
After a dog in Hong Kong tested "low positive" for coronavirus, a veterinarian explains what it means for your puppy.
February 28, the dog of acoronavirus patient In Hong Kong Testa "low positive" for the virus, also known as Covid-19. In a statement of the territoryAgriculture, Fishing and Conservation Department (AFCD), a government spokesman stated that the dog did not have any "relevant symptoms" and had been quarantined. Naturally, this begged a question for pet owners everywhere: Can dogs be coronavirus?
Christie long, DVM, head of veterinary medicine atModern animal In Los Angeles, pointed out that coronaviruses are a family of viruses containing strains. A strain, of course, is the current COVID-19 and another isSARS, which caused an epidemic in 2003. Although it is not clear if the dog in Hong Kong has coronavirus, said Long "There are strains of coronaviruses that affect dogs, usually puppies".
"The disease tends to be light and self-limiting, but as the coronaviruses themselves are capable of rapid mutation, we are always on the lookout for the evidence of the disease caused by new strains of this virus," said a long time .
The fact that the dog in Hong Kong has tested "low positive" for Covid-19 "places the case under great supervision", long notes. According to the government official, "the AFCD has no evidence that pets can be infected with the VIRUS COVID-19 or may be a source of infection to persons", and that additional tests will be made "for confirm if the dog has really been infected with the virus or this results from the contamination of the environment. "So, it is not clear at this stage if this dog in Hong Kong has Covid-19 and if the dogs can contract The coronavirus strain at all.
"Since the dog lives with a Covid-19 patient, the potential is important for the positive test to come after the dog who picks up the environment virus with his nose," said a long time. She stresses that the dog has no symptoms is a good sign.
Always, long recommends that "animal owners remember good hygiene practices and alwaysWash [their] hands thoroughly After interacting with domestic animals. "Complementary washbasin20 seconds of latching with soap and water-It the best way to stay safe.
