Covid-19 & Corona in dogs: Can our pets also get the virus?
The pandemic is raising many questions for scientists around the world. One of them, which many dog owners can't stop thinking about, is: Can dogs get infected with Covid-19? In this article, we'll explain whether your furry friend can catch or transmit corona and what you should do with your four-legged companion if you are infected.
Corona in pets
Everything you currently need to know about the virus for your dog or cat.
Can your dog get corona?
A study from China showed that dogs can become infected with Covid-19 in rare cases. But don't worry! So far, there is no evidence that an infection has led to illness with symptoms or even death. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) comments as follows:
“Dogs can also become infected through close contact with infected people. [...] However, according to current knowledge, the virus can only multiply to a small extent in dogs, so they do not shed enough of it to infect other dogs.”
Don't panic! Dogs are not among the main transmitters or recipients of the coronavirus.
Mandatory reporting for infected animals
There is also a reporting requirement for SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals. This is because mandatory reporting can help to better understand the possible role of kept animals (kept animals according to §2 Animal Health Act (TierGesG) excluding trout, carp, bumblebees, and bees) in the corona pandemic.
"This way, their significance as potential transmitters can be better assessed, and further information on possible infection scenarios can be gathered. The reporting requirement collects the reported cases and provides a nationwide overview for Germany."
Can dogs transmit corona?
Even though there is a minimal risk of transmission from human to dog, the →current research situation according to FLI and the WHO is as follows:
“Dogs, cats, rabbits, golden hamsters, and ferrets are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, but guinea pigs are not. Nevertheless, there is currently no evidence that these pets play a role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. [...] In the Covid-19 pandemic, human-to-human transmission is decisive for the spread.”
So if you are in good health, you can continue to spoil your four-legged friend with cuddles without worry. Hygiene principles such as thorough hand washing after contact with animals are recommended as a general precaution.
Regular food delivered right to your doorstep!
What should you do with your dog if you are infected?
But what if you are infected? Who will walk the dog, who will buy food? How should you behave towards your dog? These are valid questions that we have also asked ourselves. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut recommends:
Pets like dogs and cats can and should remain in the household.
General hygiene rules should be observed.
Hand washing before and after contact with the animals.
Avoiding close contact with the animals.
Recommendation for wearing a mouth and nose covering by infected pet owners.
For walking the dog, it's best to find healthy people outside your household to take over the walks for the time being. These can be your neighbors, family members, or professional dog sitters. For walks, it's best to use your own leash. Of course, everyone who interacts with our beloved four-legged friends should also remember general hygiene principles. That means thoroughly washing hands after contact! The risk of infection here basically does not come from the dog, but from the infected people. You can pass on the virus to others by touching the collar, leash, and fur.
Stay strong! Hang in there! Stay healthy!
What's important is that you stay calm and try to focus on the things that bring you joy. Grab your four-legged friend, snuggle up on the couch, and enjoy your time together. We hope that you and your loved ones, whether human or animal, stay healthy.
Of course, we will continue to reliably supply your dog with food despite corona.
Have you already discovered our →trial packs?
