Dogs and Coronavirus: some general recommendations

Despite a case of low-level coronavirus being identified in a dog from Hong Kong, the World Health Organization has said that there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected with the Covid-19 coronavirus.

However, until we know more about transmission of the coronavirus between humans and animals, best practice for anyone who exhibits symptoms or has been diagnosed with Covid-19 is to limit contact with your own dog and others. So avoid patting, being kissed or licked and touching the eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible. Regularly wash and disinfect your dog’s leash, bed and any other materials that come into contact with your dog.

Keep your dog’s routine as close to normal as they are not carriers but be sure to wash your hands well both before and after giving food to your dog. Clean their food bowl regularly and ensure fresh water is put down each day. You shouldn’t share food with your dog.

The Scottish SPCA are now recommending that dogs should follow social distancing guidelines as they could carry the virus on their coat. Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said there was no evidence to suggest pets are susceptible to the coronavirus "but if someone with the virus sneezes on a dog, the virus can be on its coat the same as any other surface."

Coronavirus and veterinary clinics

The protocol with Covid-19 is new for veterinary clinics, as it is for all of us. If you do have to bring your dog to your vet for any reason, call them first to advise so that they can prepare the staff and treatment areas. Do not bring your dog straight to the clinic. Many vets are making this a mandatory requirement.

Your vet may be able to give you advice over the phone for common concerns. If you do end up making a trip, wash and disinfect your hands before leaving home and on entering the veterinary practice.

Each animal should only be accompanied by one person. In the case of more people being in the waiting room, maintain a distance of one metre between them and you. Also between you and the clinic staff.

You will possibly be asked to come outside of normal working hours so as not to come into contact with other people and dogs. Some practices are limiting entry to one dog and owner at a time.

Visits to animals that need to stay for a period of time, such as after an operation, are often being limited to short periods and again, one person only. If you have tested positive for coronavirus, under no circumstances should you bring your dog to the vet.

Can my dog get Coronavirus?

There is a group 2 coronavirus related to the bovine coronavirus that can cause coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge in dogs. This is commonly known as ‘kennel cough’ and dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to infection.

Canine Respiratory Coronavirus commonly affects dogs in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Japan and is present in the US and Canada. It is especially common amongst dogs that are in close proximity such as in a rescue centre. There is no evidence that CRCoV can infect other animal species or people.

As stated above, the WHO believe there is currently no scientific evidence that dogs can either carry or transmit Covid-19. Although a canine coronavirus does exist, it is not Covid-19.

If I test positive for coronavirus and have to self-isolate, what should I do with my dog?

If you are diagnosed with coronavirus and need to self-isolate, you will need to stay indoors. You should not take your dog for a walk. It is recommended that you wear a face mask yourself but that you do not fit your dog with one. This will only cause them stress.

The best option in this case would be to find another (healthy) family member or neighbour that can take care of your dog while you recover. Ask them to buy new food and drinking bowls, do not take the ones from your house as they may be infected.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds each time before and after touching your dog. If you have a garden, let your dog out as necessary so he can do his pees and poops. If not, check first on your local authority website to see if local parks/green areas are open and ask a friend, relative or neighbour if they will bring your dog down. Be sure to give them poop bags to bring and wash everyone’s hands before and after the trip.

Can I walk my dog if there’s a lockdown? What precautions should I take?

The short answer is yes, though coronavirus regulations vary from country to country, depending on how strict the lockdown conditions are. Most countries which are under lockdown allow a degree of physical exercise and dog walking is generally allowed, even during the strictest conditions.

However, good practice is to observe these recommendations to stop the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus and keep all of our pets safe.

Recommendations for walking your dog during a coronavirus lockdown

• Keep your dog on a leash.
• Maintain social distancing of at least two metres between yourself and other dog walkers.
• Limit any social contact - do not stop to chat, nor gather in groups.
• Try to find walks that are less frequently used by other dog walkers.
• Stay away from dog parks and other public areas.
• Walks should be mainly to meet a dogs toileting needs and as short as possible to minimize time outdoors. Don’t stop to play games or throw a ball.
• Reduce the number of walks you normally do, for example from three to two times a day.
• Take your dog for a walk either very early in the morning or late at night when there is less chance of bumping into other dog walkers.
• Take poop bags and a small bottle of water with washing up liquid to wash away any urine.
• When you arrive home, clean your dog’s paws and tail with an antibacterial gel then wash your hands thoroghly. Bear in mind that frequent use of antibacterial hand gels will dry out our dogs paws so it is recommended that a paw butter or pad oil be used also.
• Consider disinfecting your shoes or leaving them at the door. Keep a pair of shoes outside the door, just for walking.

Main photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash

What are your experiences during lockdown with your dog? Let us know below!