How to Care for your Dog in the Time of COVID-19

Note: This article contains current information as of April 7, 2020. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) are an excellent resource for new information as the COVID-19 outbreak evolves.

Americans are facing unprecedented changes to their work lives, social lives, and even family lives during the shelter-in-place response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Although this situation is challenging for everyone, pet owners are facing some unique challenges.

This article explores how our furry companions have been affected by the outbreak and how we can make sure their needs are being met during this difficult time.

Can dogs contract or spread COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization, there's no evidence that domesticated pets can spread this strain of coronavirus through animal-to-human transmission. The CDC has also stated that there's no evidence that pets can spread the virus to humans.

CDC is aware of a very small number of pets, including dogs and cats, outside the United States reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after close contact with people with COVID-19. CDC has not received any reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States. To date, there is no evidence that pets can spread the virus to people.

“There is absolutely no reason to be surrendering your pets to shelters because you think you might be at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19,” says Mathew Coulton, Managing Director and founder of Wileypup.com. Mathew stresses that many shelters are already at breaking point.

Pets may be able to contract COVID-19 from humans. The good news is that transmission rates appear to be slim, requiring a large virus load from person to pet, and pets may not be as at risk for serious symptoms or complications from the disease as their human companions.

As a precaution, the CDC warns pet owners who are showing symptoms of illness to limit interaction with their pets:

…it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the new...

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