Covid-19 & Corona in Dogs: Can Our Pets Get Infected with the Virus?
The pandemic poses many questions for scientists around the world. One of them, which many dog owners can't get out of their heads, is: Can dogs get infected with Covid-19? In this article, we explain whether your furry friend can get or transmit Corona and what you should do with your four-legged companion if you are infected.
Corona bei Haustieren
Alles, was du aktuell für deinen Hund oder deine Katze zum Virus wissen musst.
Can Your Dog Get Corona?
A study from China showed that dogs can get 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) states the following:
“Dogs can also become infected through close contact with infected individuals. [...] However, according to current knowledge, the virus can only replicate to a limited extent in dogs, so they do not excrete it in sufficient quantities to infect other dogs.”
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Keine Panik! Hunde gehören nicht zu den Hauptüberträgern und Empfängern vom Corona-Virus.
Reporting Requirement for Infected Animals
There is also a reporting requirement for SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals. This is justified by the fact that a reporting requirement can help 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 transmitters can potentially be better assessed, and further information on possible infection scenarios can be obtained. The reporting requirement consolidates the reported cases and provides an overview across 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, while 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, transmission from person to person is crucial for the spread."
If you are feeling well, you can continue to pamper your four-legged friend with affection without worry. Hygiene principles such as thorough handwashing after contact with animals are advisable as a general precaution.
Regelmäßiges Futter bis vor die Haustür geliefert!
What Should You Do with Your Dog If You Are Infected?
But what if you are infected? Who takes the dog out, who buys food? How should you behave towards your dog? Legitimate 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.
- Wash hands before and after contact with the animals.
- Avoid close contact with the animals.
- Recommendation to wear a mouth-nose protection by the infected pet owners.
For walking the dog, it's best to find healthy people outside your household who can take over the rounds for a while. These can be your neighbors, family members, or professional dog sitters. For walking the dog, a separate leash should be used if possible. Logically, anyone who interacts with our beloved four-legged friends should think of the general hygiene principles. This means, wash your hands thoroughly after contact! The infection risk does not fundamentally come from the dog, but from the infected individuals. You can pass the virus through touching the collar, leash, and fur to others.
Stay Strong! Hang In There! Stay Healthy!
It is important that you stay calm and try to focus on the things that bring you joy. Grab your four-legged friend, cuddle up on the couch, and enjoy the time together. We hope that you and your loved ones, whether human or animal, stay healthy.
We will, of course, reliably provide your dog with food even during Corona.
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