Coronavirus and dog

Dog owners need not worry. So far there is no scientifically serious evidence that our pets could be infected or carry the pathogen. This is also confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) on its Q&A website with special reference to dogs and cats

Although virologists suspect that the virus only made the leap from bats or pangolin to humans a few weeks ago. However, this does not mean that the pathogen can switch to other animals in the short term. Virological research even assumes that it is almost impossible for a corona virus to jump over several species in such a short time.

False alarm in Hong Kong?

According to experts at the Friedrich Löffler Institute (FLI), the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, the dog that was allegedly tested positive for Covid-19 in Hong Kong must be a passive sample contamination. The dog itself did not show any symptoms of disease and was still being monitored in an isolation ward. However, his owner was clearly infected and a carrier of the virus. Only small traces of the pathogen were found in her dog, presumably due to close contact with its owner.

No danger - even vice versa?

Anyone who is now worried about the reverse route of infection can be reassured for the time being. There is also no scientifically verifiable evidence that we humans can infect our pets with the virus. Dogs will probably not become ill with the corona virus.

According to information from the FLI experts, even corona infected dogs in quarantine do not need to separate or isolate themselves from their pets. However, they should not have their face licked off by their four-legged friends and ask neighbours or friends for help in caring for the animals. For example, when taking a walk or shopping for food. This is the only way they can successfully avoid contact with other people during the quarantine period and prevent the transmission of the pathogen to other people.

So if you like to cuddle your dog, you can continue to do so without worrying if you observe the principles of hygiene that are recommended anyway. This means that anyone who has contact with animals should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap afterwards. This is advisable during the Covid-19 pandemic anyway. Apart from affection, nothing else will probably be exchanged between you and your dog.