For almost a year now, we have been facing an international epidemic “CORONAVIRUS” or “Covid-19” and suffice to say that it is not only making us sick but a little paranoid at the same time. And for good reason, we still don’t know much about its therapeutics as well as its methods of transmission.
All we know at the moment is: it’s dangerous, it’s unpredictable and we need to protect ourselves from it., and if we were able to decode certain hygienic barrier gestures concerning us: recurring hand washing with soapy water or hydroalcoholic gel or even distancing between people… We, owners of small pets, we worry for them as much as for our children or even for ourselves as they contribute to our daily happiness and well-being.
Can my dog catch Covid-19?
Covid-19 is a virus that affects dogs and other members of the canine family. If it is mainly known to affect humans and we are talking about a global pandemic, animals can also be contaminated. If your dog has caught Covid-19, you should be concerned about the state he will be in over the next few weeks. In most cases, it can lead to vision problems, difficulty breathing, and ultimately death.
Therefore, if you suspect your dog has been infected, be sure to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment options. The virus has a very high case fatality rate in animals – it kills them quickly – so early intervention is essential.
In rare cases, dogs can catch Covid-19 from humans. If your companion sneezes or has the flu, take precautions to avoid exposure. Do not pet him or let him come near you.
How can my dog get Covid-19?
Covid-19 is transmitted through the air by droplets produced when coughing, sneezing or even speaking. Which means that in the same way that you could transmit this coronavirus to someone, you can transmit it to your dog and vice versa.
If you yourself have been infected with this virus and you have a dog, or other animal companionship, it is best to isolate yourself or them. The ideal is to reserve a space outside for the entire period when you are ill/
There is no known treatment for Covid-19 in animals. Treatment therefore involves ensuring that your dog’s immune system can combat the effects of the disease.
How can I protect my dog against coronavirus?
When we know that in its chain of transmission, there were the bat and the pangolin, how can I not wonder if my dog can’t get it or, even worse, pass it on?
Recent studies have been carried out on this subject to reassure all owners of domestic animals, dogs, cats, chickens, mice and hamsters, without real success. However, we were able to agree on the fact that a dog is rarely affected by the coronavirus and even less likely to transmit it to an animal of the same species.
That being said, you will still need to take precautions if you yourself are infected with the virus. covid-19 by presenting some of the symptoms characterizing it or that you have been in contact with a sick person and that you live with a dog under the same roof. In these cases, and even if it can be difficult to live with, you will have to forbid your little doggie from coming to lick you, cuddle you or kiss you or even sleep in the same bed as you.
Also, remember to adopt good hygienic practices by washing your hands as often as possible with hard or liquid soap, favoring antibacterial soaps. Avoid sneezing or coughing on your animals and if possible, try to avoid taking care of them during your contagion period or convalescence period by entrusting them to your neighbor, companion or a member of your family., all this for a period of up to 14 days, while the virus leaves the premises.
And if you decide to take them out, remember to keep them on a leash, close to you or in a limited and well-fenced area so that they are not in contact with symptomatic or non-symptomatic people and minimize links with strangers, new animals coming from such different environments than unknown.
Finally, if you live alone and are hospitalized, consider calling a shelter, a clinic or a new temporary family until you recover.
*Updated 23 July 2024
