{"id":137537,"date":"2020-10-28T16:46:06","date_gmt":"2020-10-28T16:46:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wolfdog.co.uk\/den\/?p=137537"},"modified":"2020-10-29T15:17:36","modified_gmt":"2020-10-29T15:17:36","slug":"can-dogs-get-the-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wolfdog.co.uk\/den\/can-dogs-get-the-coronavirus\/","title":{"rendered":"Can dogs get the coronavirus?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\" 🙋‍♀️ #wolfdoguk #officialwolfdog #wolf
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The current coronavirus crisis has brought countries across the world to their knees. Amidst the many questions surrounding this new illness, dog owners everywhere are wondering, is my dog at risk?<\/p>\n

While scientists are still learning about the new coronavirus, they\u2019ve made steps in figuring out how pets are affected. Keep reading for the information you need to keep your pooch safe and healthy.<\/p>\n

What is Canine Coronavirus Disease (CCoV)?<\/p>\n

Interestingly, there are several different types of coronavirus. Many of them are species-specific, meaning they only cause illness in certain kinds of animals. One of these is Canine Enteric Coronavirus or CCoV.<\/p>\n

This incredibly contagious disease only affects dogs. It spreads through contact with Fido\u2019s favorite thing to sniff: poop. Your dog could also contract CCoV from an infected canine playmate.<\/p>\n

Loose, orange, foul-smelling stool is a telltale sign of CCoV. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite.<\/p>\n

While most dogs bounce back from CCoV, some contract or develop additional ailments while having this disease. Just like humans, dogs that have to fight off multiple infections have a harder time recovering.<\/p>\n

Additionally, studies indicate that younger puppies may be less likely to overcome CCoV. To give your dog the best shot at a full recovery, call your vet right away if you suspect they\u2019ve contracted CCoV, or if you notice your doggo showing even one sign of the symptoms mentioned.<\/p>\n

Should your pet show signs of infection and you can\u2019t reach your vet, you can still take steps to ease their stomach upset:<\/p>\n

Avoid feeding your dog for 24 hours after their diarrhea ends.
\nKeep fresh water available at all times. (This is super important to combat dehydration!)
\nWhen they\u2019re ready, feed them small portions and slowly build-up to their regular amount of food.<\/p>\n

\"\"Thankfully, there is a vaccine available for CCoV. If you haven\u2019t already done so, reach out to your vet to discuss if this preventive measure is best for your pooch.<\/p>\n

Is CCoV different from other coronaviruses?<\/p>\n

CCoV is one of many common coronaviruses, and it can be easy to confuse the different types. Here are some of the more prevalent:<\/p>\n

Canine Respiratory Coronavirus (CRCoV) causes respiratory infection in dogs. CRCoV primarily spreads through the air, placing boarding facilities and kennels at risk for outbreaks. Currently, there is no vaccine available for CRCoV.<\/p>\n

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal coronavirus that affects cats. It can present with a variety of symptoms, including fever and difficulty breathing. Technically, there is a FIP vaccine, but it isn\u2019t regularly recommended.<\/p>\n

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) may sound familiar. In 2003, a SARS epidemic erupted in over 8000 cases worldwide. SARS most likely originated in bats before spreading to civet cats and, ultimately, humans.<\/p>\n

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a coronavirus that can spread from camels to humans. MERS infections can be severe. Fortunately, no cases have been reported in the US since 2014.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What is the 2019 Novel Coronavirus?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Also called COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2, the virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, in 2019.<\/p>\n

You may be surprised to learn that the coronavirus behind the current pandemic has actually been around for some time. It wasn\u2019t until the virus made the leap from its original animal host to humans that we took notice of it.<\/p>\n

The first infected patients could all be linked to the same local seafood and animal market. Soon, however, COVID-19 spread through communities, countries, and entire continents. This ultimately led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the disease a global pandemic.<\/p>\n

SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and can be deadly for some people. Because the virus was so recently discovered, scientists are still working on a vaccine.<\/p>\n

Can dogs get the coronavirus from humans?<\/p>\n

After tigers and lions at a New York City zoo tested positive for COVID-19, pet parents began wondering if their fur babies could also become infected. It\u2019s a valid concern as a total of three dogs and four cats (spread out between Hong Kong, Belgium, and the US) have since tested positive for the virus.<\/p>\n

While almost all of these pets lived with people with COVID-19, the human-to-pup transmission isn\u2019t a sure thing.<\/p>\n

By March 31, only 3 dogs tested positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Additionally, two veterinary diagnostic labs in the US tested thousands of samples from dogs and cats and didn\u2019t have any positive results.<\/p>\n

Also, in the US, a pup named Winston famously became the country\u2019s first COVID-positive dog. If you haven\u2019t seen the little guy on the news, take a second to get acquainted with his story:<\/p>\n