Concerned about your pet’s risk from the COVID-19 pandemic? The virus is primarily spread among people, and that time of fear and uncertainty around pets has created a lot of confusion. In this short blog post, we will eliminate myths, outline potential symptoms in cats and dogs and provide useful tips to keep your pets safe and healthy. Let’s take the fact from the fiction and make sure you and your pets are healthy and protected!
Table of Contents
Know about the Virus COVID In Dogs and Cats
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. It mainly affects the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. People who have the virus can spread it when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Tiny droplets with the virus go into the air. It spreads easily from one person to another and caused a worldwide outbreak.
COVID-19 mostly affects people, but sometimes pets like cats or dogs can get it too, usually from their owners. However, it’s very rare for people to catch the virus from pets. Most pets that get the virus either have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
You know, some studies suggest cats might catch COVID a bit easier than dogs; plus a few have shown breathing troubles. Looks like dogs maybe don’t catch that virus so much. Should they catch it, typically their symptoms are mild, even nonexistent.
While risk seems small it’s wise to do some simple safety checks for pet wellbeing.
Effects and affinity Of COVID (SARS-CoV-2) In Dogs and Cats:
Covid in dogs and cats virus has different structure, physical and chemical characteristics along with its affinity to them-
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Virus Name | SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) |
| Virus Type | Enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus (ssRNA) |
| Family | Coronaviridae |
| Shape & Size | Spherical or pleomorphic; 60–140 nanometers in diameter |
| Genome Size | Approximately 30,000 nucleotides (large for an RNA virus) |
| Structural Proteins | – Spike (S) protein (binds to ACE2 receptor) – Membrane (M) protein – Envelope (E) protein – Nucleocapsid (N) protein |
| Envelope | Lipid bilayer from host cell membrane; sensitive to heat and detergents |
| Spike Protein Function | Attaches to ACE2 receptors on host cells to allow viral entry |
| Stability on Surfaces | Can survive from a few hours to several days, depending on material and conditions |
| Heat Sensitivity | Deactivated at 56°C (133°F) within 30 minutes |
| Chemical Sensitivity | Destroyed by alcohol-based sanitizers, bleach, detergents |
| Affinity to Cats | Moderate to high: Cats have ACE2 receptors similar to humans; can get infected and show mild respiratory symptoms |
| Affinity to Dogs | Low: Dogs have less compatible ACE2 receptors; rarely infected, usually asymptomatic |
| Risk of Pet-to-Human Spread | Very low: No strong evidence of pets transmitting the virus back to humans |
Why Covid Virus Is less Dangerous To Dogs AND Cats-
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Species-specific ACE2 Receptors | SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 receptors to enter cells. Cats have receptors more similar to humans than dogs, but both are less compatible overall compared to humans. |
| Low Viral Load in Pets | Infected dogs and cats tend to carry a much lower amount of virus, reducing symptoms and transmission potential. |
| Mild or No Symptoms | Most infected pets—especially dogs—show no symptoms or only mild ones like sneezing or coughing. |
| Limited Viral Replication | The virus doesn’t multiply efficiently in dogs’ or cats’ cells, which limits infection severity. |
| Weak Transmission Among Pets | There’s no significant evidence of sustained pet-to-pet or pet-to-human transmission in household settings. |
| Strong Immune Response in Pets | Some pets may naturally clear the virus quickly due to an effective innate immune response. |
| Rare Cases of Severe Illness | Very few global cases of severe illness or death in pets due to COVID-19 have been reported. |
From 2019 To 2025 (yet) Impact Of Covid In Dogs and Cats-
Comparative study of Covid in dogs and cats from year 2019-2025 ( june 25)
| Year | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | No reported cases | No reported cases |
| 2020 | Infections: Initial cases reported; low prevalence. – Morbidity: Mostly asymptomatic or mild symptoms. – Mortality: Rare to none. | – Infections: Higher susceptibility noted. – Morbidity: Mild respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. – Mortality: Rare; some severe cases reported. |
| 2021 | – Infections: Sporadic cases; seroprevalence studies indicate low exposure. – Morbidity: Predominantly asymptomatic. – Mortality: Very rare. | – Infections: Increased reports; seroprevalence up to 23% in some studies. – Morbidity: Mild to moderate symptoms; some cases with respiratory distress. – Mortality: Few severe cases; overall low mortality. |
| 2022 | – Infections: Continued low incidence; some seropositive cases. – Morbidity: Mostly asymptomatic. – Mortality: No significant reports. | – Infections: Ongoing cases; some regions report up to 5.6% seroprevalence. – Morbidity: Mild symptoms; occasional severe cases. – Mortality: Rare fatalities reported. |
| 2023 | – Infections: Low prevalence; isolated cases. – Morbidity: Minimal clinical signs. – Mortality: No significant reports. | – Infections: Decreasing trend; few new cases. – Morbidity: Mostly asymptomatic or mild symptoms. – Mortality: Very rare. |
| 2024 | – Infections: Rare cases; continued surveillance. – Morbidity: No notable clinical signs. – Mortality: None reported. | – Infections: Isolated reports; low incidence. – Morbidity: Predominantly asymptomatic. – Mortality: No significant reports. |
| 2025 | – Infections: No new cases reported; monitoring ongoing. – Morbidity: None observed. – Mortality: None reported. | – Infections: No new cases reported; continued surveillance. – Morbidity: None observed. – Mortality: None reported. |
Key Observations:
- Transmission: Infected humans, especially within households are primary mode of transmission of covid in dogs and cats.
- Susceptibility: Compared to dogs ,Cats have shown higher susceptibility to covid virus, with more frequent reports of infection and clinical signs.
- Clinical Signs: Infected pets often showed no signs or just mild things like maybe tummy or breathing trouble. PMC
- Mortality: COVID deaths seem very rare for dogs and cats, but a few serious cat cases did happen.
- Public Health Impact: There is no significant evidence to suggest that pets play a significant role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans. Wiley Online Library
Sign And Symptoms Of Covid In Dogs And Cats-
| Symptom | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Coughing | Occasional | Common |
| Sneezing | Rare | Common |
| Nasal discharge | Mild | Mild to moderate |
| Eye discharge | Occasional | Occasional |
| Lethargy | Mild to moderate | Common |
| Fever | Rare | Possible in some cases |
| Difficulty breathing | Rare (severe cases only) | Can occur in moderate cases |
| Labored breathing | Rare | Occasional in severe cases |
| Gastrointestinal issues | rare (vomiting, diarrhea) | rare (vomiting, diarrhea) |
| Loss of appetite | Mild | Common |
| Weight loss | Rare | Rare |
| Increased heart rate | Uncommon | Rare |
| Depression or withdrawal | Occasional | Common |
| Wheezing | Rare | Possible |
Remember-
- Cats tend to show more respiratory symptoms than dogs.
- Most cases in both animals are mild or asymptomatic.
- Serious signs of illness are uncommon and mostly seen in pets with other health problems or high exposure to the virus.
- Best way is to consult a veterinarian if your pet shows unusual symptoms, especially after close contact with a COVID-positive person.
Vaccination of Covid in Dogs and Cats
Till now, there are no approved vaccines specifically for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in dogs or cats. The vaccines developed for humans are not suitable or authorized for use in pets. To get more information about vaccination, read our article regarding dog vaccination.
Know About Other Coronavirus Vaccines for Pets?
- Dogs: There are vaccines for a different type of coronavirus that affects dogs called Canine Coronavirus (CCoV), which mainly causes gastrointestinal illness. This vaccine does not protect against COVID-19.
- Cats: There is no widely used vaccine for feline coronaviruses like Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) that also protects against SARS-CoV-2.
Current Recommendations:
- If any person in your household is COVID-positive, restrict/minimize close contact with pets as a precaution.
- Adopt good hygiene around pets,wash hands before and after touching/interacting with them.
- Watch your pets for any symptoms if they have been exposed to infected humans.
- Consult your veterinarian for the best care advice.
Research and Development:
- Some experimental vaccines for animals against SARS-CoV-2 are in development or limited use in certain countries (e.g., Russia and China have developed COVID-19 vaccines for minks and some pets), but these are not widely available or approved globally.
Summary:
- No standard COVID-19 vaccines for dogs or cats yet.
- Existing pet coronavirus vaccines do not protect against COVID-19.
- Preventive care and hygiene remain the best approach for now.
Human-to-Pet Transmission & Pet-to-Human Transmission-
Human-to-Pet Transmission
SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19,during close contact can spread from humans to animals. Pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the virus, mostly after close contact chance of infection of covid in dogs and cats increases. CDC+4CDC+4CDC Stacks+4
Notable Cases:
- United States (2020): Two domestic cats tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 after exposure to owners with COVID-19. Both cats showed mild respiratory symptoms and recovered. CDC
- United Kingdom (2021): A pet dog contracted COVID-19, likely from its owners. The dog showed mild symptoms and recovered. The Guardian
- South Korea (2021): A study found SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates of 24.0% for dogs and 35.6% for cats in households with confirmed human COVID-19 cases. CDC Stacks
Pet-to-Human Transmission
There is low chances of spreading spreading COVID-19 to people. Most animals became infected after contact with humans with COVID-19, and there is no proof that covid in dogs and cats play a significant role in spreading the virus to people.
Tests Used To Confirm Covid In Dogs And Cats-
Similar types of tests are used to diagnose COVID-19 in humans, dogs, and cats, though the procedures and settings may vary slightly. Here’s a comparison in tabular form:
| Test Type | Used in Humans | Used in Dogs & Cats | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| RT-PCR (Swab Test) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Detects active infection by identifying viral RNA. Most accurate. |
| Antigen Test | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (limited use) | Detects proteins of the virus for quick results. Less accurate than PCR. |
| Antibody Test (Serology) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Detects antibodies indicating past infection. Not used for current diagnosis. |
| Viral Culture | ✅ Rarely used | ✅ Rarely used | Grows live virus in a lab for research. Not common in routine diagnosis. |
Main Similarities:
- RT-PCR and antigen tests are used to diagnose active infections in both humans and animals.
- Antibody tests are used in both for research and retrospective analysis.
🐾 Key Differences:
- Testing in humans is more routine and widely available.
- Testing in animals is only recommended when necessary, usually when pets show symptoms after close contact with a COVID-positive person.
- Veterinary labs handle pet samples, while human tests are processed in clinical labs or hospitals.
Prevention & Care Guidelines for COVID-Positive Pets
| What to Do | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Isolate the pet from people and animals | Prevents possible spread, especially to other pets. |
| Limit contact with the infected pet | Avoid petting, snuggling, kissing, or sharing food. |
| Use gloves and wash hands after contact | Reduces your risk of indirect transmission. |
| Avoid walking your dog in public areas | Keeps other animals and people safe. Use a private yard if possible. |
| Keep your pet indoors | Prevents spreading the virus to outdoor animals or people. |
| Do not put a mask on your pet | Masks can make it hard for pets to breathe and may stress them. |
| Monitor for symptoms (like cough, lethargy, appetite loss) | Contact your vet if symptoms worsen. |
| Clean bedding, bowls, and toys regularly | Helps reduce contamination in your home. |
| Follow your vet’s advice carefully | Vets will guide you on testing, medication (if needed), and recovery. |
✅ When Can Your Pet Be Considered “Recovered”?
- After 14 days with no symptoms, and no contact with COVID-positive people.
- Regarding all information of covid in dogs and cats adopt all practices, as advised by your veterinarian.
Reinfection in Pets – What We Know
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Can pets get reinfected? | Yes, but it’s very uncommon. |
| Why is reinfection rare? | Most dogs and cats build short-term immunity after infection, just like humans. |
| What increases reinfection risk? | Close contact with an infected person again, especially if the pet has low immunity or health issues. |
| Is reinfection more severe? | No. Most reinfections are mild or asymptomatic, just like the first infection. |
| Is there long-term immunity? | Not fully known, but evidence suggests pets may retain some antibodies for a few months. |
🐾 Key Points:
- Reinfection of covid in dogs and cats is not a major concern in them.
- Practicing good hygiene and isolation if you’re sick helps prevent repeated exposure.
- Regular vet checkups can help monitor your pet’s health post-infection.
Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) Transmission to Dogs and Cats?
Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) is not the same as COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a different virus that affects mainly dogs and causes gastrointestinal illness, not respiratory disease.
Routes/Modes of Transmission – Canine Coronavirus (CCoV)
| Transmission Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Fecal-Oral Route | The main transmission method. Dogs become infected by licking or eating contaminated feces or surfaces. |
| Contaminated Environments | Virus can survive on surfaces like food bowls, cages, kennels, or soil, especially in crowded areas. |
| Close Contact with Infected Dogs | Direct nose-to-nose interaction or sniffing feces from an infected dog spreads the virus. |
| Shared food/water bowls | If an infected dog shares bowls, toys, or bedding, the virus can be passed on. |
| Human Hands or Clothing (Indirect) | Not common, but people can unknowingly carry virus particles on hands or clothes. |
Cats Get Canine Coronavirus?
- Very rare: Cats can be infected by their own version of coronavirus (Feline Coronavirus, FCoV), which is different from CCoV.
- No strong evidence that cats get sick from Canine Coronavirus.
🚫 Can Humans Get CCoV?
- No. Canine Coronavirus does not infect humans.
🐾 Prevention Tips:
- Keep your dog away from feces in public spaces.
- Clean food and water bowls daily.
- Avoid overcrowded kennels or dog parks with poor hygiene.
- Practice good handwashing after handling dogs or cleaning up after them.
Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
| Feature | Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) | COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) |
|---|---|---|
| Virus Type | Alphacoronavirus | Betacoronavirus |
| Species Affected | Primarily dogs | Dogs, cats, ferrets, and some other mammals |
| Transmission Route | Fecal-oral (through contaminated feces or surfaces) | Respiratory droplets, close contact with infected humans |
| Organs Affected | Gastrointestinal tract | Primarily respiratory system (lungs, airways) |
| Main Symptoms | Diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy | Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, mild fever, fatigue |
| Severity | Usually mild, short-term illness | Mild to asymptomatic in pets; severe cases are very rare |
| Zoonotic Risk (spread to humans) | None | Rare and limited (mostly human-to-animal, not vice versa) |
| Treatment | Supportive care (hydration, rest) | Supportive care; no specific antiviral for pets |
| Vaccines Available for Pets | ✅ Yes (for dogs only) | ❌ No approved COVID-19 vaccine for pets |
| Cross-Species Infection | No – does not affect cats or humans | Yes – can infect multiple animal species |
✅ Summary:
- CCoV affects the gut and spreads via feces — common in puppies and crowded kennels.
- COVID-19 affects the lungs and spreads via air/contact — rare and usually mild in pets.
Conclusion-
COVID in dogs and cats is rare and usually mild when it does occur. Most pets recover quickly with proper care and monitoring. It’s important for pet owners to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact if they are sick. Overall, pets are unlikely to spread the virus to humans.
Myths Regarding Covid In Dogs And Cats-
- Can dogs and cats spread COVID-19 to humans?
No, there is no strong evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 to humans. - Do pets need to wear masks to prevent COVID?
No, pets should never wear masks—they can cause breathing difficulties. - Can pets get seriously ill from COVID like humans?
Most infected pets show mild symptoms or none at all. - Should I abandon my pet if someone in the house has COVID?
Absolutely not—basic hygiene is enough to keep your pet and family safe. - Can COVID be transmitted to pets through human contact?
Yes, in rare cases, pets can get infected from close contact with COVID-positive humans. - Do pets need the COVID-19 vaccine?
Currently, routine COVID vaccines are not recommended or available for pets. - Is it true that pets are a major cause of the pandemic spread?
No, pets have not played any significant role in spreading COVID-19. - Should I disinfect my pet regularly to kill the virus?
No, using disinfectants on pets is harmful and unnecessary. - Can my pet catch COVID from other animals during walks?
The risk is extremely low—normal outdoor walks are safe with proper precautions. - Are stray animals responsible for spreading COVID in neighborhoods?
There’s no evidence to support this—COVID mainly spreads human to human.