Given the dire global situation surrounding the spread of the coronavirus, people have begun to wonder about the potential for their pets to become infected. Scientists from around the world, having studied this issue for decades, have concluded:just like cats,Dogs are at risk of contracting Covid. Can dogs get coronavirus? Let's find out.
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Can a dog get coronavirus?
Our pets, like all living creatures, live in an environment teeming with various microorganisms, including coronavirus. Any dog can become infected if its immune system is compromised. Older and younger dogs are more susceptible. Experience shows that adult animals with strong immune systems survive the infection without any obvious symptoms and feel fine within seven days, which is not the case for young puppies.
- When the virus enters the dog's body, it begins to develop.
- The pathogen multiplies within 10 days.
- Due to the penetration of infection in an infected animal, the epithelial connections in the nasopharynx disintegrate, followed by movement into the small intestine.
- Once inside a cell, the virus enters a phase of accelerated reproduction, damaging the dog's blood vessels. This causes the gastrointestinal tract to stop functioning effectively, leading to inflammation in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Over time, entire colonies of pathogenic microbes can settle in this area, contributing to the development of serious and dangerous diseases.
Can a dog carry coronavirus?
It has now been established that an animal carrying the coronavirus infection can pose a danger to others even before symptoms appear. Laboratory blood tests can detect the disease as early as two days after the virus enters the body. It's important to note that this insidious disease is also transmitted through sputum, and during the incubation period, pets can be a source of infection for other pets.
Can a dog become infected with coronavirus from a human?
Global coronavirus researchers deny the possibility of dogs contracting COVID-19 from humans, and vice versa. However, they also caution against close contact with animals during unfavorable conditions, as this issue has not been fully studied.
An animal can become infected with COVID-19 through contact with a sick dog or its biological secretions.
Symptoms of coronavirus in dogs
How can you diagnose the disease and understand that your dog is not just feeling unwell, but is seriously ill? Experts distinguish two types of coronavirus infection: intestinal and respiratory. Neither type is fatal for dogs until inflammation occurs. The incubation period for the virus is 1 to 6 days. The duration of illness in dogs is 15-18 days.
As a rule, the presence of a dangerous infection in an animal is represented by three forms:
- Hidden – common in adult dogs. The pet loses interest in food and becomes inactive.
- The dominant factor is bowel disorder.
- Hyperacute – occurs in young animals up to 3 months of age. Puppies suffer from high fever, vomiting, and loose stools. All of this leads to dehydration, and in most cases, the pup dies within 48 hours.
- Acute – also affects young animals. Puppies defecate liquid, yellowish-orange or greenish stools, mixed with blood and mucus, which emit an extremely unpleasant odor.
During illness, the animal becomes lethargic, indifferent to previously normal activities, and loses weight. Loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea are the main symptoms. With a respiratory infection, the dog sneezes, coughs, and is prone to nasal discharge. The most serious complication is pneumonia.
Treatment of coronavirus in dogs
If any of the above symptoms appear, your dog should be taken to a veterinary clinic. A laboratory test is the only way to determine whether your dog has COVID-19. No veterinary specialist can diagnose coronavirus infection visually. The laboratory must conduct immunographic, serological, and fluorescent tests, the results of which provide a complete picture of the disease.
Currently, a cure for coronavirus infection has not yet been developed; all treatment for animals is aimed at increasing the body's resistance to the coronavirus.
For dogs, veterinarians have developed the following rescue algorithm:
- quarantine (protect the infected animal from contact with others);
- use of immunoglobulin serum (Globcan-5);
- to prevent dehydration, physiological solutions are administered (via IV drips), for example, 0.9% sodium chloride;
- taking antispasmodic drugs (Rimadyl, Trocoxil, Cimalgex);
- To combat intoxication, adsorbent substances are given (Polysorb).
In addition, specialists prescribe the following medications for pets:
- Vitamins.
- Immunomodulators (Gamavit, Fosprenil, Ligfol).
- Antimicrobial drugs (Gentam).
- Antibiotics (ampicillin, azithromycin, etc.).
In addition, the dog is shown dietary food and no physical activity.
Generally, COVID-19 isn't a dangerous disease for dogs, but a weakened immune system can contribute to the development of strains that can cause fatal diseases. Evidence shows that the risk of parvovirus enteritis increases significantly, leading to death in weak carriers of COVID-19 and young dogs (under three months). In some cases, coronavirus infection can lead to pneumonia. Not all dogs can survive this illness without serious consequences.
Read also about diabetes mellitus in dogs.
Brief conclusions
If your dog has been diagnosed with coronavirus, there's no reason to panic. Remembering the most important aspects of viral infections and how to treat them will always make treatment easier and more effective.
An animal that has recovered from the disease is infected for life. A carrier of the infection can contract COVID-19 again at any time if their immune system is weakened.
Veterinarians recommend taking preventative measures to prevent the dangerous virus, which can kill a pet, from entering the animal's body.
First and foremost, vaccination will help the dog. A vaccinated dog may have a milder course of the disease caused by this insidious infection. However, a coronavirus vaccine is not yet available. Experts say that all puppies, regardless of breed, are recommended to receive a combination vaccine. This will protect the animal from various diseases, including intestinal ones. The downside to preventing respiratory infections is that vaccinations are ineffective. Immunity to this virus develops only after exposure to it.
Do not allow your dog to come into contact with the waste of other animals.
Experts recommend improving your pet's health and boosting its immunity. This is possible with a proper diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. Long walks are essential, allowing your dog to not only breathe fresh air but also develop physical fitness. During warmer months, swimming in open water is also beneficial for your dog's health.
If coronavirus symptoms appear, immediately isolate your pet from contact with others. Take your dog to a veterinary clinic, taking all precautions.
Breeders often worry about viral infection spread between cats and dogs, as well as other animals. There have been isolated cases reported in the global fight against coronavirus, but this has not been officially confirmed. Dog and cat viruses differ, but some experts believe it is best to keep infected and healthy animals apart. Since the disease is not fully understood and constantly mutates, no one can guarantee its survival.
Take care of your pets and remember that most modern ailments are treatable. Don't assume every symptom is coronavirus—in fact, this disease is not very common in dogs.
Read also O causes of coughing in dogs.
