Covid caught in pet dog’s first case of confirmed UK Covid after it was infected with the virus by its infected owner

  • Officials suspect that the dog caught the virus from his owner.
  • The animal had only minor symptoms, and the veterinarians were able to swab it.
  • After being diagnosed on Wednesday, the animal is currently at home and making a complete recovery. 










Today’s confirmation by the UK Government of the first confirmed case of Covid infected dog was made. 

According to the company, it was discovered that the infection had been detected in the dog’s bloodstream after an examination at Weybridge Laboratory, Surrey. This test took place on November 3.

Dogs are believed to have been infected by the virus after being tested positive days prior. It is now recuperating at home.

While the dog received care for an unrelated problem, the infection was discovered.

Christine Middlemiss, Britain’s Chief Veterinarian Officer, stressed that Covid cases among animals are’very rare.

Although this case is rare in the UK it’s not uncommon for pets to become covid.

Although coronavirus was detected in the cat by the same Weybridge laboratory, it wasn’t confirmed.

Research from the Netherlands shows that this virus is easily passed between infected pets and their owners.   

Officials said the dog contracted the virus from its owner. It is now recovering at home (file image)

Officials confirmed that the virus was passed to the dog by its owner. The dog is currently recovering at home. (file photo)

Dr Middlemiss stated that tests by the Animal and Plant Health Agency confirmed the presence of the virus in Covid-19 in a UK pet dog. 

“The infected animal was being treated for a different condition. He is currently in recovery.

“It’s very uncommon for dogs to become infected. They will often only display mild signs of illness and then recover within days.

“There are no evidence that suggests pets transmitting the virus directly to people,” says Dr. This situation will be closely monitored and we will provide updated guidance for pet owners if necessary.

One of the first pets to show signs and symptoms of Covid in Hong Kong was a Pomeranian 17 years old.

On arrival, officials quarantined it. After being declared “disease-free”, the animal was allowed to go home, but it died just a few days later. 

Researchers from Marlow’s Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre (Buckinghamshire) also discovered two Covid-related infections in dogs and cats between January and February of this year.

After being swabbed, the animals were sent for an analysis to France.

During its illness, the dog was afflicted by lethargy and loss of appetite.

The virus caused a cat called sphynx to faint or pass out, but a shorthair domestic dog was reported as being lethargic.  

Advice from the UK Health Security Agency — which replaced the now-defunct Public Health England — says animals can catch the disease.

The ASPCA recommends that owners wash their hands immediately after coming in contact with pets.

They added that there was no proof to suggest regular washing of pets can prevent the spread.   

Dogs and Covid: Q&A 

How do dogs catch Coronavirus

Dogs are infected the same as humans by breathing in droplets from infected people who cough or sneeze. 

There have been a handful of cases around the world and almost all appear to have caught it off their owners. Animals are much less likely to contract the virus. 

Covid’s first victim was a Pomeranian 17-year old who had tested positive in Hong Kong. The authorities quarantined the dog. 

Are cats and other pets compatible? animals get it too?

Yes. There have been instances in pets all over the globe, including cats. Some animals are especially susceptible. 

After the outbreaks of the flu, more than 200,000 minks were killed on Spanish and Dutch farms.

Are humans able to catch Covid? Do you have pets infected?

There is no evidence that animals transmit it to humans, with research suggesting they do not ‘shed’ enough virus to be infectious. 

However, Government scientists have warned that animals could act as ‘fomites’, in the same way as surfaces such as door handles do.

For example, if an infected person  coughed on their dog, the virus could survive on its fur and be passed to another person when they stroke it. 

I have tested positive – how How can I make my pet safe?

Public Health England has advised pet owners that they wash their hands after coming in contact with any animal. British Veterinary Association recommends that infected individuals limit their contact with animals.

Cat owners who are positive for the disease should ensure that their cats remain indoors.

Do I need to put on a mask? Do you prefer a cat or a dog?

Non! Dr Jenny Stavisky, of the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine, explains: ‘They are likely to find it scary It may, however, be a good idea to try to acclimatise your pet gently to seeing people wearing masks so they don’t get frightened.’

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