Can Dogs Catch Covid from Humans UK and How to Protect Them

Dogs can catch Covid-19 from humans, but the risk is relatively low. According to the UK's PHE, the risk of transmission from humans to dogs is thought to be low, but it's still possible.

The main concern is that if a dog catches Covid-19, it can become a silent carrier, spreading the virus to other animals and potentially to humans. This is why it's essential to take precautions.

You can protect your dog from Covid-19 by keeping them away from people who have the virus, washing your hands before interacting with them, and wearing a mask when around them.

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Yes, dogs can catch Covid from humans, but it's still a rare occurrence. Most of the dogs who have caught Covid-19 were associated with close contact with infected humans, says New York City veterinarian Dr. Robert Gonzalez.

The risk of your family dog catching Covid from you remains low, according to Gonzalez. Human-to-dog transmission is possible but very rare.

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If your dog does get Covid, you should isolate them from other pets and follow the same social distancing rules that apply to people in the home. You should also avoid dog parks, dog kennels, and mixing your dog with other animals and humans.

Here are some precautions to take if your dog is exposed to Covid or is showing symptoms of being ill:

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has a statement on the matter. They're working with the International Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to study the issue.

Currently, there is no evidence that pets like dogs and cats have infected humans with the Covid-19 virus.

Most of the dogs who have caught COVID-19 were associated with close contact with infected humans, says New York City veterinarian Dr. Robert Gonzalez, regional medical director for Small Door Veterinary. Human-to-dog transmission is possible but very rare.

The risk of your family dog catching COVID from you remains low, according to Gonzalez. With human contact to blame for most cases of the family dog catching COVID, it's essential to take precautions to prevent transmission.

The transfer of illnesses between animals and humans is not uncommon. The CDC estimates that 6 out of every 10 infectious diseases that make humans sick are what’s known as zoonotic diseases — essentially nasty germs that are spread by animals to humans.

COVID-19 has been labeled a zoonotic disease by the World Health Organization, and there are reports of domestic pets passing the disease to humans. In 2022, for example, scientists confirmed that a cat that had contracted COVID passed the disease to its veterinarian by sneezing on the doctor.

To minimize the risk of transmission, it's crucial to follow the same social distancing rules that apply to people in the home, as much as possible. This includes isolating your dog from other pets, practicing good hygiene, and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with a sick dog.

Here are some essential precautions to take:

Washing your hands before and after contact with your pet is crucial in reducing the chance of transmitting the virus to them. This is a simple yet effective way to keep your pet safe.

The government advises against sharing food with your pets, as this can also increase the risk of transmission. It's always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets, not just to protect them, but also to protect yourself against common bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella.

If you have Covid-19, it's best to limit contact with your pet as much as possible. This means cutting out snuggles and sleep separately from your dog while you recuperate, as well as wearing a mask when you do have to interact.

Here are some practical tips to reduce your pet's exposure to Covid-19:

Dogs can get COVID, but it's extremely rare. According to researchers at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna, there have only been 180 COVID cases reported in dogs worldwide.

Most of the dogs who have caught COVID-19 were associated with close contact with infected humans, says New York City veterinarian Dr. Robert Gonzalez. Human-to-dog transmission is possible but very rare.

The risk of your family dog catching COVID from you remains low, according to Gonzalez. You don't need to lose sleep worrying that your furry friend may be harmed by the virus.

If your dog does catch COVID, you may not know it at all. Most experience mild or no symptoms at all, Gonzalez says. In fact, 42% of dogs whose infections were tracked by the Austrian researchers were labeled “subclinical,” meaning they either had no symptoms or their symptoms could not be definitively linked to COVID.

Severe illness in dogs due to COVID-19 is extremely rare, and the overall prognosis for dogs with COVID-19 is generally very good.

Here are some common dog COVID symptoms:

If your dog is showing any of these signs, it's essential to call your veterinarian and follow their advice. Infected pets should be cared for while taking precautions to prevent transmission to humans and other animals, advises Gonzalez.

The United States Department of Agriculture does not suggest routine testing of dogs simply because they've been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. However, if your dog is showing symptoms that require a vet visit, your vet will decide if a coronavirus test is in order or not.