Dogs and Covid-19

Can coronavirus be passed on by dogs?

Current evidence suggests that humans cannot catch Covid-19 from your dog, and you cannot infect them with it either.

Dog walking

Those people who are self-isolating as a precaution (for example, working from home) or by means of protecting themselves from infection can still walk their dogs.

Obviously you need to keep away from other people, but some fresh air out in the countryside can help offset the effects of being alone indoors.

If you are self-isolating because you are showing symptoms or have tested positive, it is advised that you do not leave your house and garden. Whilst this might cause concern for dog owners owing to the inability to take their dogs for a walk, please don’t worry. There are lots of things you can do to keep your dog mentally stimulated:

• Playing retrieve games in the house and/or garden will also help keep a lot of dogs happy.
• Trick training is great fun too!  There are lots of tutorials online to guide you through the training.  Visit Woodgreen’s YouTube channel for advice, or we recommend Kikopup
• Scent games are also loved by lots of dogs. Just hide your dogs favourite toy or treats somewhere in the house or garden, and then encourage them to find it.
• Enrichment feeding is an excellent way of occupying your dogs time, and challenging their brain. How to prevent boredom in dogs

How to keep your dog happy in the home

Dogs love company, and will be delighted that they are they have your companionship for longer than usual during a time when the nation is largely working at home and self-isolating. This means they’re already happier than when they were being left home alone for short periods before. Is your dog suffering from separation anxiety?

Other things to consider

• Make sure you’re well stocked up on food and medication for your dog, in case you have to self-isolate, or check whether you can get it delivered at this time.
• Keep in touch with your veterinary practice and make sure you know their availability in case you need to use their services.
• Always remember to keep washing your hands regularly, especially after handling your dogs.

The companionship that our beloved dogs give us in troubled times is immeasurable; remember they don’t have a clue what’s going on in the big wide world, they rely on us to keep them safe and healthy, so make sure you’re looking after yourself too.

Read the latest UK government advice on pets and COVID-19