The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of humans across the globe, and naturally, concerns arose about our furry friends. Can our beloved pets, specifically German Shepherds, contract the virus? Here’s a comprehensive look at what the science says about COVID-19 in German Shepherds, including transmission, symptoms, and what you can do to protect your canine companion.
Can Dogs Get COVID-19?
While it’s not considered a major threat to dogs, they can test positive for the virus. Studies suggest that dogs have a limited susceptibility to COVID-19 infections, which is thought to be due to the relatively low levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in their respiratory tracts. ACE2 is a protein that the virus uses to enter cells, and the differences between canine and human ACE2 may reduce the binding affinity of the virus.
How Does Transmission Occur?
In the instances where dogs have tested positive, the likely cause is human-to-animal transmission. For example, two dogs in Hong Kong whose owners had COVID-19, tested positive. The viral sequences obtained from a German Shepherd and its owner were identical, confirming the hypothesis of direct contamination of the animal from its owner.
What are the Symptoms of COVID-19 in German Shepherds?
Many dogs who have tested positive for COVID-19 have not shown any clinical signs of illness. However, some infected dogs have developed mild symptoms. In one study, dogs infected with newer viral mutants, such as the British B.1.1.7 variant, showed atypical clinical manifestations, including myocarditis and severe cardiac abnormalities. Other signs include sneezing and rhinitis.
Buddy, a German Shepherd in New York, developed breathing problems and thick nasal mucus after his owner had been sick with the coronavirus. Buddy’s health declined, and he was eventually euthanized. It’s unknown if the coronavirus played a role in his death; blood tests suggested he likely had lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system.
What to Do if You Suspect Your German Shepherd Has COVID-19
If your German Shepherd is showing symptoms such as fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, eye discharge, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian. They can determine the best course of action, which may include testing for COVID-19.
Protecting Your German Shepherd
Here are some steps you can take to protect your German Shepherd from COVID-19:
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being around your dog.
- Limit contact with infected individuals: If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid close contact with your dog. Have another member of your household care for them, if possible.
- Quarantine: If you test positive for COVID-19, keep your dog quarantined.
- Monitor your dog’s health: Keep a close eye on your German Shepherd for any signs of illness. Contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.
Interesting Studies and Findings
- A 17-year-old Pomeranian, who belonged to a COVID-19-positive owner, tested positive for small amounts of viral RNA. The dog never developed symptoms and died due to kidney and heart failures.
- A 2.5-year-old German Shepherd developed neutralizing antibodies several weeks after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, indicating the dog was infected by its COVID-19-positive owner.
- In early 2020, no viral RNA was found in 12 dogs residing with people reported to be infected with COVID-19 in northern Spain.
The Role of Dogs in Spreading COVID-19
The role of dogs in spreading COVID-19 in human society is poorly understood. It is uncommon for dogs to spread the disease, and the extent to which they contribute to the epidemiology of the disease is currently unknown.
Conclusion
While German Shepherds can contract COVID-19, it appears to be infrequent, and they often don’t show symptoms. The risk of transmission from humans to dogs is higher than from dogs to humans. By taking simple precautions, you can help protect your German Shepherd from the virus and ensure their health and well-being.