Can My Dog Contract the Coronavirus or get Allergies? Spring Newsletter 2020

CAN DOGS CONTRACT THE CORONAVIRUS?

According to veterinary experts, the answer is NO. HOWEVER, there is a case in Hong Kong where a Pomeranian tested positive for COVID-19.  In addition, the question remains, can your dog serve as a reservoir of the virus and pass it back to you? There is still so much that we don’t know about this deadly virus. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, if a dog can become infected with the virus, then yes, it can also serve as a reservoir for spreading it back to you.

The AAAS recommends treating your pets in the same way you’d treat a human who has potentially been exposed to this virus and quarantine it.
For more on this: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/quarantine-cat-disinfect-dog-latest-advice-about-coronavirus-and-your-pets

On another note, dogs can contract a separate but somewhat related illness called Canine Respiratory Coronavirus.
The American Veterinary Medical Association explains more: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/canine-respiratory-coronavirus-faq

Read the following for more information on this topic by the American Kennel Club:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/can-dogs-get-coronavirus/

CAN DOGS GET SEASONAL ALLERGIES?

In a word, YES! Typical symptoms for seasonal allergies are scratchy, runny nose and eyes, coughing, sneezing and hot spots.

Maya, my yellow Labrador retriever, has started her morning scratching fits and there is mucous around her eyes.  This happened to her last spring as well (she just turned 2 years old).  The white of the dog's eyes can look pink - which is the reason why this Canine Conjunctivitis it is often referred to as 'pink eye'. The eyelid and the front of the eyes become inflamed and can affect one or both eyes. This may be the result of a virus, bacteria, parasites or, as in my pup, allergies!

Other symptoms include that runny discharge.  If the infection is severe, the discharge may become so thick that your dog's eyelids will stick together and need to be washed gently with a saline solution. It is best to pay a visit to your veterinarian who can determine the severity of the infection and may prescribe medicated eye drops or an antibiotic ointment.

I, too, suffer from seasonal allergies and take Flonase and Zyrtec every day to combat the symptoms. Your dog can also find relief in simple natural remedies! Here are a few options:

1. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar can be used as a spray directly onto itchy area and to rinse pollen from paws.
2. Coconut Oil especially when combined with fish oil has natural anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce skin irritation.
3. Quercetin has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and aids in suppressing a histamine response.
4. Bromelain and Papain builds absorption of Quercetin to make it even more effective. All three can be ordered online at sites such as Chewy.com

As much as I love this season, I don’t love the pollen and other airborne irritants that come with it!