Dogs and the Coronavirus – Can My Dog Get the Coronavirus? By: Kamryn Nicole Batts

The coronavirus is a viral illness that seems to be rapidly spreading, but can it affect your furry family member?

Canine coronavirus is a disease that is highly infectious for dogs and can be spread due to crowded and or unhygienic living conditions. Dogs can experience symptoms such as lethargy, a decrease in appetite and irregular bowel movements. The symptoms for dogs typically last two to ten days but dogs can carry canine coronavirus symptoms for up to six months.

The CDC and the World Organization for Animal Health have issued statements saying that there is no evidence to support that pets can spread coronavirus. The craze over canines and coronavirus first started after a patient in Hong Kong was diagnosed with coronavirus and their dog showed a “weak positive” results. However, the Hong Kong government notes that those affected with coronavirus should maintain practicing good hygiene as you would with other humans.

Apart from maintaining good hygiene practices, pet owners need not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets,” the government of Hong Kong said. It did suggest that if members of a family were sick with the virus, they might want to consider quarantining their pets.

So, the chances are slim, but maintain good hygiene practices for your furry friend.