The coronavirus pandemic brought significant worry for many pet parents in the United States about whether their dogs could catch or spread the virus. This article offers clarity by distinguishing between the common canine coronavirus and the human COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2), reviewing the latest American veterinary recommendations as of 2025, and providing practical advice for dog owners.
Are dogs susceptible to coronavirus?
Dogs can contract a type of virus called canine coronavirus, which mainly causes mild gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea. It is important to note this virus is completely different from the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 in humans. Typically, dogs infected with canine coronavirus exhibit few signs, though puppies or immune-compromised dogs may sometimes become more seriously ill.
Crucially, canine coronavirus is not zoonotic, so it cannot be passed from dogs to humans, cats, or other species. Similarly, there’s no confirmed evidence that dogs can contract or carry the human coronavirus strains that cause COVID-19.
Can dogs get infected with the COVID-19 virus?
Leading U.S. veterinary authorities, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and CDC, confirm that dogs have a very low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Sporadic cases of dogs testing positive after close exposure to infected humans have been documented, but these infections are generally mild and resolve without intervention.
Dogs are not known to effectively transmit COVID-19 back to people and are considered dead-end hosts epidemiologically. The probability of a dog contracting the virus in the U.S. is extremely low given current evidence.
Is there a risk of dogs transmitting COVID-19 to people?
Since dogs do not maintain or spread SARS-CoV-2 infections, they cannot infect humans. U.S. public health guidelines advise people diagnosed with COVID-19 to limit close contact with pets, including avoiding kissing or cuddling. When possible, having another household member care for the dog during illness is recommended to minimize any theoretical risk.
Can people catch coronavirus from their dogs?
Humans cannot contract the canine coronavirus from their dogs because it is species-specific. Additionally, scientific studies confirm that transmission of COVID-19 from dogs to humans is negligible or virtually nonexistent. Human-to-human transmission remains the primary source of virus spread.
Are vaccines available for dogs against coronavirus?
In the U.S., there is no vaccine for dogs against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Vaccines for the canine coronavirus do exist but are not commonly used or included in routine vaccination schedules due to the mild nature of the disease in dogs.
Core canine vaccination protocols in the U.S. emphasize protection against more severe ailments like distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. For more detailed information about canine coronavirus and its vaccine, you can explore the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation resources.
Current US veterinary advice and precautions for pet owners
- If you test positive for COVID-19, avoid close physical contact such as petting, kissing, or snuggling with your dog to lower any minor risks.
- Consider having someone else in your household or a trusted person walk and care for your dog while you are ill.
- If your dog shows symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, or coughing, promptly reach out to your veterinarian for evaluation.
- Practicing routine hygiene such as thorough handwashing before and after handling your dog helps prevent most infections.
While it is natural to worry about coronavirus and pets, the consensus from U.S. veterinary experts is that dogs present a negligible risk of infection or virus transmission. Responsible dog ownership involves following standard health recommendations and veterinary care to ensure the wellbeing of both you and your pet.
For example, during recent years many dog owners in New York City and San Francisco have gained reassurance from veterinarians that their pets are safe and not vectors of COVID-19, aligning with national CDC and AVMA guidance.
Overall, continuing collaboration between veterinarians, public health authorities, and pet owners is key to managing any potential health concerns while enjoying the companionship of dogs.