The Truth About Dogs And The Coronavirus: Getting Advice From Dr. Pol
With growing concern regarding the coronavirus, there can be a spread of misinformation. Not only can this negatively affect you, it actually can put your precious pup at risk. On February 28th, it was announced by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department that a male Pomeranian tested positive for the virus. The dog, however, appeared to be in good health but could not be removed from quarantine until samples from “its nose and mouth” read negative.
Photo by Clarke Sanders on Unsplash
Woof Republic consulted with Dr. Pol, expert veterinarian featured on Nat Geo Wild, about the realities of Coronavirus and Dogs. Dr. Pol and I discussed how much misinformation and fear-mongering is taking place. It is imperative for pet owners to know what’s real so that they can protect their fur-families.
Dr. Pol explained:
"With the pomeranian in China, we will not know the whole story there. That dog was tested for Corona particles and its blood was not tested. I think that a pomeranian is a lapdog and if his owner was sick and he was coughing so those particles would be all over the dog, could be tested as positive.”
Dr. Pol explains to Woof Republic,
“There is not much that we know about Coronavirus COVID-19. We are learning more every day. Corona has been around a long time in different strains. This COVID-19 is causing so much fear because there are no known anti-bodies and this lack of immunity leads to more sick.”
Household pets likely can't transmit COVID-19.
To validate Dr. Pol, the World Health Organization’s technical lead of the World Health Organization’s emergency programs stated at a press conference that there is a lack of data to indicate that humans can give COVID-19 to their furry friends or vice versa.
The news of the Pomeranian carrying the virus has caused some alarm, with many worrying that the potentially fatal infection can be transferred from humans to their canine counterparts and vice versa. Unfortunately, this means that some owners may be inclined to abandon their dogs out of fear of catching the coronavirus. However, there is no reason to take such drastic measures.
The World Organisation for Animal Health shared similar sentiments and assured in a statement that “there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.”
If you become infected with COVID-19 ask a friend or loved one to care for your pooch
Dr. Pol recommended the following:
“Ensure that you are making a plan for your pets and buying enough supplies for about a month and do not leave them behind.”
And while it may be tempting to purchase itty-bitty face masks made for dogs, it's just not effective. However, it’s always a good idea to be hygienic when hanging out with furry friends. That means, to remember to wash your hands thoroughly after petting your pooch. Further, you should refrain from allowing your dog to kiss you. (Now, coming from a dog-owner whose canine companion is absolutely obsessed with licking people’s faces, I realize this is much easier said than done.)
With a national quarantine looking likely, ensure that you have pet food and supplies for a couple of weeks
What Woof Republic would advise as a national quarantine is looking more and more likely you need to ensure that you have all of the necessary supplies for your best friend for at least a couple of weeks. I’ve personally purchased enough food for Pixie, Duke, and Gus for about 6 weeks
When you are walking your dog, I recommend that you bring hand sanitizer. I find that I sanitize a couple of times throughout the course of the walk, once when I get out of my apartment and then before I’m about to re-enter my enter. I want to ensure that no foreign germs are entering my home.
For entertainment while you are quarantined, Woof Republic recommends streaming The Incredible Dr. Pol on Disney Plus and watching two new special episodes on Saturday, March 21 and 28 on Nat Geo WILD.
Consider fostering a dog while you are in quarantine!!