Can dogs get covid-19?

The news about animals getting infected with covid-19 shocked the world. There have been a few confirmed cases of covid-19 in dogs. So it is now a fact that dogs can contract the disease. All of these dogs had been in close contact with people who had covid-19. Fortunately, only some of the infected dogs showed mild symptoms and others showed no symptoms at all. And the best part is that all of the dogs recovered within few days. rnAccording to the center for disease control (CDC), there is no such evidence that proves that dogs can play a significant role in the transmission of covid-19. But the fact that covid-19 can affect dogs rings the alarm bells for dog owners. The precautionary measures against the covid-19 in dogs are just like those recommended for humans. rnYou should not let your dog interact with other people or animals. A walk in the park is a healthy activity but it should be ensured that you and your dog do not go too close to other people or animals. Maintain a distance of at least two meters from others. Except for walking, keep your dog indoors. rnIf you have tested positive or are experiencing covid-19 symptoms, you should not go near your dog. Do not share the bed or any utensils like plates and bowls. Ask someone else to feed and walk your dog. If that’s not possible and you have to look after your dog by yourself, always wear a mask while going near him and wash your hands before and after feeding him. If your dog gets sick, do not go to your veterinarian. Ask someone else to do it and if that’s not possible, call your vet and seek virtual consultancy. rnIf your dog is showing signs of infection from covid-19 and has been in contact with someone who tested positive, you can get your four-legged friend tested for covid-19. If your dog tests covid-19 positive, follow the same precautionary measures as you'd follow if a family member tests positive. It's better to confine your dog in a separate room. Unlike humans, there's no need to cover the face of your dog with a face mask. If you think the condition of your dog is getting worse, contact your veterinarian. Most importantly, stay hopeful of your dog's recovery as all the infected dogs have recovered till now. rnWhy do dogs lick you?rnLicking is a common behavioral trait of dogs but not many people know why their furry friends do so. Let’s take a look at some of the major reasons that are the basis of this licking behavior. rnYour dog can use licking as a method to show his affection and loyalty to you. This is the first treatment that your dog receives from his mother after birth. Mother dog licks her babies to clear their nostrils and help them breathe. Licking also improves the mutual bond of the pack. So licking is an intrinsic behavior of your dog and by licking you or other dogs, he just wants to show his love for you. rnApart from showing affection, licking can also be used for communication by dogs. Being a responsible owner, you should be able to understand the message your dog is trying to convey. If your dog starts licking you, that means he wants your attention. He might be hungry or his food bowl might be missing. Dogs cannot communicate the way humans do because they have limited communication skills. So this is the responsibility of humans to understand and fulfill dogs' needs. rnWe know that dogs have a sharp sense of smell and taste. They can feel things that humans can't. Your dog may be trying to have a taste of the last meal you had by licking your face and hands. Moreover, your skin tastes salty to them because human sweat has a minute amount of salt and minerals in it. rnLicking may seem a pleasant and cute activity but it must be noted that it can transmit different microbes present in the dog’s saliva. Kids and older people having weak immunity are vulnerable in particular and should avoid licks and kisses from dogs. rnThe following paragraph is one of the reasons dogs lick themselves. It seems irrelevant to the question I was answering but if you feel like including it, you can. p.s. The following paragraph is not included in the number of words I have to write according to project requirements. (One of the major reasons for licking behavior can be an injury or a wound. The saliva of dogs has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties so it can be helpful in the healing process. But the intensity of the licking decides if licking is going to do good or bad for healing. Excessive licking can interrupt the normal healing process of a wound thus resulting in delayed healing. Sometimes, a condition named "lick granuloma" may arise due to excessive licking.)