Can dogs contract or spread coronavirus COVID-19?

Dogs can contract certain types of coronaviruses, such as the canine respiratory coronavirus, but this specific novel coronavirus, aka COVID-19, is believed to not be a threat to dogs.

The World Health Organization has stated, “While there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.”

How can dog owners protect dogs from coronavirus?

For now, healthy pet owners don’t need to do anything other than follow basic hygienic precautions such as washing their hands with soap and water before and after contact with any animal, including dogs and cats. If you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, experts recommend that you should “restrict contact with [your] animals — both to avoid exposing the pets and to prevent getting the virus on their skin or fur, which might be passed on to another person who touches the animal.” To reduce the spread of all germs, you may consider wiping your pet’s paws when they come in and out of the house.

Dogs do not need a face mask to protect themselves against the novel coronavirus COVID-19. If you are still concerned or notice a change in your dog’s health, speak to a veterinarian. And the most important protection of all: Under no circumstances should owners abandon their dogs, cats, or other pets because of COVID-19 fears.

Full article by American KC HERE

From what I gather about the dog"with"the virus, the virus was found in the dog's nasal passge. This does mean the dog was actually affected or had/has the virus, only that it had inhaled the virus from it's owner(who had been tested positive). The dog has not been ill nor does it have any symptoms. The test was a"weak positive"

I just hope that this human-Coronavirus doesn't result in people abandoning their dogs..........  We knew about Coronavirus in dogs decades ago out in Canada although we didn't have our small pack vaccinated, because there were no local outbreaks.

Not the same virus as Coronavirus 19 of course. There are Coronavirus variants that affect dogs such as canine respiratory coronavirus but they are not this human variant that emerged last year.

Same with cats .fip known for decades is a  coronavirus variant totally different from this one. Just hope.that the misinformed dont start abandoning the animals as mambas commented

So can I safely look after my friend's dogs while she works? There was a report that said the virus can be transmitted on human hair. I wonder if it's the same with dogs. I'm an at risk person on two counts so obviously have to be ultra careful.  My friend is working from home at the moment but one of her dogs is a 4 month old puppy so it's a bit difficult for her to concentrate with pup around.

The truth is that no one can answer that as no one really knows or fully understands how this virus can spread.  Doing such a kind act for your friend on such a regular basis does increase the risk not only possibly from the dog but also from your friend. It's such a difficult one for you.  Is there anyone she trusts that is perhaps not in such a vulnerable position?

>So can I safely look after my friend's dogs while she works?

A dog is a pile of soft surfaces and the virus can be passed from an infected person touching a surface that you then touch, and then touch your face. I wouldn't do it.

> I wouldn't do it.

I'm afraid I wouldn't either -  how is she handing over the puppy without standing closer to you than the recommended distance?

I think not enough is really known about the virus to feel safe doing this, kind as it is, especially if you are in the at risk group.

Thank you for your replies. I feel that you are right. I appreciate your comments.