There are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus being transmitted from dogs to people and the main source of infection is human-to-human transmission, according to Dogs Trust, the UK’s dog welfare charity, to reassure owners around after recent press coverage.
But, like human hands, it is possible for dogs to carry the virus on their fur, their collar and lead.
With more people visiting friends and families in gardens and in parks, and dogs taken to vets or dog walkers as restrictions ease, more opportunities arise for people to interact with dogs.
The charity says there is little risk of the disease being transmitted from a dog to them, but advise following simple steps to help protect themselves and others.
Wash your hands well with soap and water for 20 seconds after touching your dog or any of their belongings. As hard as it may be, avoid kissing your dog, and letting them kiss you.
Avoid contact with other people’s pets.
Ensure your dog does not come into contact with other people or dogs. If your dog is likely to go up to other people or dogs, you may need to keep them on a lead out walking.
Don’t be afraid to ask people not to pet your dog.
If you’ve tested positive for Coronavirus or have symptoms, limit physical contact with your dog as much as possible, as hard as it may be.
If your pet is sick or injured, call your vet ahead of time before going to the surgery.
If you do visit friends and family with your dog as part of a social bubble, wash your hands and avoid visiting if you are unwell.
For more information, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/advice or www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus