Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) reported last week that 23 dogs had tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies. The state department of agriculture and the USDA have verified the results of a study which began in early 2020. The study represents a sampling of 50 households with dogs whose human parents had the virus.
These are the first reports of COVID-positive dogs in Washington state. Several cases of COVID among pets and other animals have been reported nationally.
Dr. Peter Rabinowitz, Director of the UW Center for One Health Research and principal investigator for the COVID and Pets Study said in a press release, “These results indicate that COVID-infected humans are able to transmit the virus to animals living in the same household.”
“Close contact” between pets and humans is sited as a factor in transmission. The UW study is ongoing and will monitor for any changes in household transmission as the vaccine rollout continues.
Some dog owners have noted signs of illness in their pets including fever, coughing, listless and difficulty breathing. However, the symptoms do not appear to be as pronounced as those in humans. Dr. Brian Joseph, DVM, told Seattle affiliate King 5 that dogs may not show overt signs of illness “unless they have a pre-existing serious disease.”
Hector Castor, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, told Newsweek, “It’s important to remember that these dogs showed signs of exposure to the virus, but that doesn’t mean they had the virus.”
The Washington State Department of Agriculture recommends that COVID-infected persons take steps to reduce the risk of infecting their pets. Mask wearing, frequent hand washing and, yes, social distancing are indicated. If a dog has preexisting conditions that increase susceptibility, one might consider isolating the pet with another household member, if available, or boarding the pet with a friend.
Per the CDC, the risk of pets-to-human transmission of COVID is extremely low. However, researchers highlight concerns for possible future mutations. The key is to curtail the virus. That involves mass compliance with vaccinations — at least 75 percent of the population — to achieve herd immunity against current, known strains.
Sixty seven percent of American households have at least one kind of pet. Though vaccine hesitancy has dropped in America since last December, it remains alarmingly high. Per a Kaiser Family Foundation poll published on March 30, fully 37 percent reported at least some reticence to getting the COVID vaccine. Political conservatives and white evangelical Christians were the most likely to say they will not get vaccinated, with almost 30 percent of each group saying they will “definitely not” get a shot.
There is no historical evidence to suggest that vaccine-hesitant people love their pets any less. However, these groups are now at a crossroads. If they won’t vaccinate for themselves or other humans, will they do it for those who love them most unconditionally?
We’ll see.