In the times of Corona (COVID-19), many people sought refuge in their own four walls. Our four-legged friends and household members in particular donate comfort and distraction. The question arises: Can people infect their dogs? And does the virus spread from pets to humans?
The spread of the Corona virus leads to uncertainty among many pet owners. The rules between people are clear: a safety distance of 1.5 meters, wearing a face mask, do not touch your face and wash your hands. But what about pets? Can you keep snuggling your best friend on four paws? Can you stroke him? Have your hand licked?
Humans can infect dogs, but the probability is low
In May 2020, scientists confirmed in the journal Nature that transmission of the virus from human to dog is possible.
The study examined 15 dogs in Hong Kong, the owners of which COVID-19 were ill. The virus was found in two of the animals, a dwarf spitz and a German shepherd. An analysis of the genetic composition of the viruses in the dog and owner led to the result that the viruses are identical. The scientists conclude that the animals must have been infected by their owners.
At the same time, the study confirms that the likelihood of transmission of the coronavirus from human to dog has so far been classified as low. In the 15 four-legged friends examined, the virus was found in only two animals, although all 15 animals come from households whose people were infected with the virus.
Another study, in which samples were taken from over 4,000 dogs, cats and horses who lived in places where many people were infected with the virus, are said not to have tested a single test. For this reason, the scientists assume that transmission from humans to dogs and other animals is rather rare.
Are infected four-legged friends sick?
To what extent, it is unclear, according to the Hong Kong study COVID-19 lead to health complications in pets and how the clinical picture can express itself.
The infected German Shepherd Dog in Hong Kong was about two years old when examined and appeared to show no symptoms. The pomeranian also appeared to be healthy, but died a few days after the quarantine expired. However, the scientists point out in the study that the pygmy peak was over 15 years old and had serious previous illnesses, such as heart and kidney problems. It cannot therefore be said whether he died of the virus or another illness.
According to a Spiegel report, an American bulldog is on in the Netherlands SARS-CoV-2 fell ill and had to be put to sleep because of respiratory problems. Here too it is unclear to what extent other illnesses could not have been responsible for the health problems. There have been no other reports of pets who have died from a corona infection.
Can pets pass COVID-19 on to humans?
There are many theories about the origin of the pandemic. One assumption is that the virus was transmitted to humans via an animal, possibly the bat, at a wildlife market in Wuhan, China. For this reason, the question is examined whether, for example, pets could infect their people.
Infection of people via pets has not yet been discovered and has not been confirmed, which is why science is currently assuming that such a route of infection does not occur or is extremely unlikely at all.
Research also deals with the question of whether pets can infect each other. While there was evidence of cross-infection between cats, transmission from dog to dog has not yet been established.
What needs to be considered with pets?
Because of the lack of knowledge about the impact and Transfer of COVID-19 to pets, the scientists in the study in Nature Magazine called for owners who tested positive for the virus to exercise caution with their pets.
For example, they should wear masks when they take care of their animals and initially limit direct contact for the duration of the illness. Cuddling, hugging or sharing food should be avoided and the feeding and drinking bowl should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Hands should also be washed thoroughly before and after each contact with the dog.
Overall, however, healthy masters and mistresses can breathe a sigh of relief and there is nothing standing in the way of a cuddle. According to the Hong Kong researchers, the likelihood of infecting your own pet with the coronavirus is very low. Even if so, the health effects on animals appear to have been mild or nonexistent so far.
The precautionary measures that also apply between people should only be observed in the event that you have tested yourself.
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