Corona Virus (Covid19) and Dogs: What to Know Now

Is your Shih Tzu at risk of Corona Virus?

A new virus called SARS-CoV-2, a corona virus that causes COVID-19 disease is making headlines around the world. People have been infected in multiple countries, and many areas are taking action to try and stop the spread of this contagious virus. But what about our furry companions? Can dogs develop COVID-19? Can they pass on the infection?

Just about everyone is affected by COVID-19, a disease caused by the new coronavirus, in one way or another. As a concerned pet parent, you may have a ton of questions.

Can Shih Tzus Get Infected by Corona Virus?

There are several different forms of coronaviruses that may be contracted by the canines.
The one protected by the vaccine is for canine enteric coronavirus (CCV); it is a non-core vaccine, meaning it is only given if the puppy is found at risk of getting it (dogs in multi-dog kennels, etc.). CCV leads to canine corona virus disease (CCoV), which is the key symptom of intestinal diarrhea infection and is not the same disease as the current coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) caused by COVID-19.

To sum up, the coronavirus vaccine that puppies can get is in no way associated with the current coronavirus. They are totally different.

What is the Distinction Between a Regular Cold or Canine Flu and COVID-19?

Dogs may catch common canine colds from viruses such as CRCoV (Canine Respiratory Corona Virus). It's a relatively new illness that was discovered in 2003. There is no treatment for this, but usually, the effects are mild to moderate. More serious cases also have to do with canine kennel cough.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs typically include runny nose, congestion in the nasal or lungs, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, headache and/or body aches. Canine colds are species-specific and are not communicable to humans. The CRCoV virus, which triggers many canine colds, isn't the same as the current coronavirus COVID-19.

The new corona virus is different in so many ways, including that it was discovered at the end of 2019 and that, to date, dogs tested positive have not been symptomatic.

What Should I Do if My Shih Tzu is Sick with Cold or Flu Symptoms?

Bear in mind that canines can catch common species-specific colds (from viruses like canine respiratory corona virus) as mentioned earlier. They may be super-contagious between dogs (but they are not transmitted to humans). Symptoms may mimic the ones we've seen with humans that have COVID-19, but they are not the same.

So far, there has not been a dog that has been ill with COVID-19.

So, if your Shih Tzu has a cold, it's probably due to one of the known viruses that canines are struggling with. There are also other issues such as seasonal or other allergies and other respiratory diseases that could be at play.

That said, although there are no recorded incidents of dogs becoming ill with COVID-19 as yet, if your Shih Tzu has cold symptoms and especially if they have recently been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, call the veterinarian to notify them of the contact (if applicable) and relay their symptoms. The vet is going to guide you from there.

How Should I Care for My Sick Shih Tzu?

You will also need to seek veterinary care if your Shih Tzu has difficulty breathing, has serious or worsening symptoms, or does not react to or improve with home care (see below). Note that most colds and flu cases with dogs last 2 to 3 weeks.

Ways to help treat common canine colds at home include trying to encourage a dog to rest, drink enough, and eat enough (soft food such as plain cooked chicken along with plain rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes may be given), wiping down the face with a warm, damp washcloth if there is a nasal or eye discharge, and running a cool-mist humidifier, next to resting and hydrating.

Are Vets Performing Corona Virus Tests on Dogs?

The reaction to this always is no. Most vets are not currently being screened, and it is not clear if routine corona virus dog testing will become popular for cats, and other household pets.
It should be noted that the dogs and cats who were suspected of having COVID-19 - all the results were negative.

Are There Any Health Tips for This?

Although no dogs have been reported as having been so far infected with COVID-19, and there is no proof to date that ‘positive’ tested dogs could be transmitted, it is certainly common for pet parents to want to take precautions to keep their Shih Tzu safe and healthy.

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) says that “while this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person.” The CDC recommends that people travelling to China avoid animals both alive and dead, “but there is no reason to think that any animals or pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this novel coronavirus.”