[katieHaylor (OP)]

Sue says:

I am aware that there is a possibility dogs could be 'super spreaders', but that at present more scientific studies are underway to ascertain the nature of the spread from them. I do believe however that it is absolutely a fact that they can carry the virus on their fur if their owner or anyone they come into contact with is shedding it, even if the owners are unaware they themselves have it and are asymptomatic.

My main concern is that in the coming weeks/months when cafes, restaurants and shops etc begin to open up, that dog owners will bring their pets into these enclosed areas and increase the spread of the virus. Dogs do not understand social distancing, and sadly their owners appear to think it doesn't apply to them.

Anyone or any surface they come into contact with could be infected, even worse is when they shake themselves down and can send fur and virus flying around into the air.

I am already seeing worrying behaviour from dog owners, today in particular a lady put her dog in a shopping trolley and wheeled it around B&Q! Prior to this she had it on a long lead in the socially distanced queue and allowed her dog to wander up close to others in the queue, jump up and sniff around them.

I really feel that this is a real public health issue, and an unnecessary risk to people. Dogs should not be allowed these into enclosed places where they increase the risk of spread and a second wave of infection.


What do you think?

[chris]

Dogs can definitely be infected with coronavirus, and they shed infectious virus once infected.

But the risk from fur is probably minimal, and if you observe the kinds of good hygiene practices anyone who is interacting with animals should follow - hand washing especially - then it's probably a non-issue.

[Colin2B]

Cats and dogs, now mink

Coronavirus: Spain orders culling of almost 100,000 mink https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53439263

[alancalverd]

It would be surprising if any mammals were immune. Bats, being exceptionally social in their roosting, probably evolved tolerance a long time ago. It looks as though humans are the next most socially interactive mammal that lives in closely packed indoor herds, along with our dogs, whose big wet noses and slobbery jowls are just perfect for spreading the virus-loaded aerosol. 

[Petrochemicals]

Wet and warm, biological entities abound.