Many people are asking this question following the fact that a dog tested positive for the coronavirus in Hong Kong at the end of February. As a reminder, the owner of the animal was infected with the virus and weak traces were found in the nasal and oral cavities of the dog. The latter had been placed in quarantine, the time for more in-depth analyzes to be made. On Thursday March 12, the dog was tested again but this time the test was negative. David Gething, Veterinary Surgeon, told South China Morning Post, that the animal had probably been contaminated through microdroplets from the owner who was infected. The dog was therefore contaminated, as an object could have been. In addition, the infection was so weak that the animal showed no symptoms and therefore its immune system did not even react. 

 

To date, there is no evidence that animals can be infected with covid-19 or transmit it to humans, as stated by the World Health Organization. 

 

The Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA) calls for the responsibility of animal owners not to believe the false rumors circulating on the internet and not to abandon their animal. The consequences could be dire. Indeed, the number of places available in shelters is very limited and the recent closure of these prevents any new adoption. Places cannot therefore be free to accommodate new animals. The same goes for the pounds. Jacques-Charles Fombonne, president of the SPA, told Agence France Presse on March 17 that for the moment, the number of dropouts recorded is not higher than it is normal. 

 

As a reminder, the abandonment of an animal is a criminal offense punishable by a prison sentence of up to 2 years as well as a fine of 30 euros. 

 

This confinement is an opportunity to pamper your four-legged friend. It offers you great company, especially for people living alone.

 

Since the measures taken by the government to limit the movement of French people and therefore the risk of the spread of the coronavirus, a sworn certificate must be completed for each essential trip. You can continue to take your dog out near your home by completing this certificate. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs. Why not go for a jog with your dog? Fresh air and a little physical activity will do both of you a lot of good. 

 

It is important for the balance of your four-legged friend to play with him regularly. Why not try to teach him a few tricks? This will further strengthen the relationship you have with him.

To occupy yourself, you can make toys for him from string, wine stoppers, aluminum foil or even cardboard. If you have children, this is an activity that will surely make them happy.  

 

Finally, for cat owners, now is the time to reap the benefits of purring therapy. In this difficult period, your pet can bring you comfort and help you reduce your stress thanks to his purring which emits low frequencies, soothing for him as well as for us.