Coronavirus in dogs: Is it safe to put dogs in kennels?

Britain now has 87 confirmed cases of coronavirus, as Boris Johnson begins to implement stage two of his four-step plan. While people are now being more thoughtful about their personal hygiene after using trains or the tube, there are also fears for their canine companions.

Last week, a dog in Hong Kong tested positive for coronavirus – the first case on record.

The dog, which tested positive for low levels of COVID-19, will be repeatedly tested before being released.

However, the announcement sparked major panic over the health of our furry friends.

So what does this mean for your dog?

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Is it safe to put dogs in kennels?

Caroline Reay, Head of Veterinary Services at Blue Cross, told Express.co.uk dog owners shouldn’t worry if their dog is booked in to a kennel in the coming weeks.

However, she also warned of the importance of hygiene for pets 

She said: “Although Coronavirus has been detected in one dog in Hong Kong, there is no current evidence that pets or companion animals can be infected with the new coronavirus or be carriers of the virus.

“Kennels should make sure their kennels are always kept clean and hygienic and dogs cleaned regularly.

“Normal handwashing precautions should always be observed”

Can your dog get coronavirus?

Cats and dogs cannot pass the new coronavirus on to humans.

However, they can test positive for low levels of the pathogen if they catch it from their owners.

A spokesman from Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said: “There is currently no evidence that pet animals can be a source of infection of COVID-19 or that they can become sick.

“Apart from maintaining good hygiene practices, pet owners need not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.”

Dogs and cats do get coronaviruses, Hong Kong SPCA’s chief veterinary surgeon said.

However, they are usually not the same viruses associated with this outbreak.

The strains dogs and cats typically get don’t cause respiratory problems, so shouldn’t cause your pet any harm.

The AFCD advises pet owners to maintain good hygiene, including washing hands before and after handling animals, their food and supplies and no kissing them.

People who are sick should avoid contact with their pets.

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