Can your dog get Coronavirus COVID-19?
What should dog owners do if the owner contracts COVID-19?
What about the dog that tested positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong?
How can I help my dog get a healthy immune system?
CAN YOUR DOG GET CORONAVIRUS COVID-19?
“Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare,” according to the OIE Questions and Answers on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). “There is no evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of this human disease or that they become sick… While there is no evidence of a COVID-19 infection spreading from one animal to another, keeping animals that test positive for COVID-19 away from unexposed animals should be considered best practice.”
Experts from various universities in Hong Kong and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) suggest the dog in Hong Kong may have a low-level of infection with the virus. It is still at the speculative stage with human-to-animal transmission, and further testing is being conducted. The dog lived with the COVID-19 positive human, therefore the link is quite significant for the positive test, as a result of the dog picking up the virus in its environment.
COVID-19 is a new virus strain, with daily research being conducted daily for a better understanding. The current evidence is not fully conclusive that the virus can pass from dogs to people. if you are suspected of COVID-19, it is highly recommend that close contact with your dog is prohibited. This includes kissing, cuddling, nuzzling or sharing food with dogs. Additionally good hygienic practices especially hand washing must be followed to avoid any chance of transmission.
COVID-19 stands for COrona VIrus Disease 2019.
Coronaviruses are part of a large group of RNA viruses that display respiratory and intestinal symptoms. COVID-19 is a strain of the Coronavirus.
WHAT SHOULD DOG OWNERS DO IF THE OWNER CONTRACTS COVID-19?
A common-sense approach should be followed when interacting with your pets or other animals in your home, including service animals.
Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals outside of Hong Kong becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended COVID-19 positive patients limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
WHAT ABOUT THE DOG THAT TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 IN HONG KONG?
On Feb. 26, Hong Kong health officials placed a dog under quarantine after its owner tested positive for COVID-19. Veterinarians confirmed that the coronavirus had infected the dog too after taking nasal, oral and rectal swabs, along with faecal samples. The OIE published a report of the emerging disease, listing this case as the first known in dogs worldwide.
HOW CAN I HELP MY DOG GET A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM?
An inadequate functioning immune system can open the door to a host of diseases, such as infection, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and cancer. Immune system balance in dogs is influenced by the gut microbiome can help reduce these risks, and contribute to overall health.
There is also an importance of having the proper ratios of Omega 3 and Omega 6 consumed by your dog in order to reap the full health benefits. Research suggests that dogs that suffer from autoimmune, allergic, or inflammatory health conditions can benefit from increasing their dietary Omega 3 levels. CEN Oil For Dogs provides the correct Omega 3 to 6 balance to help optimise immune system function.
Written by Bryan Meggitt (BMedSc. PGCrtMedSc.)
Biochemist / Senior Scientist and Co-founder of CEN Nutrition