When the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 novel coronavirus as a global pandemic, there was panic worldwide. The concern was not just limited to how it will affect humans but also about pets’ health.

Fortunately, only a few pet causes of COVID-19 have been reported. And most of the dogs that were infected only experienced mild symptoms. So far, no pet death due to COVID-19 has been reported. Moreover, there is no evidence that dogs can transmit the virus to other humans.

With that said, the world is still learning about the coronavirus. And now that we already know that dogs can contract COVID-19, the next most important question is “how to tell if your dog has COVID?”

6 Signs to Watch For If You Think Your Dog Has COVID-19

Just like the COVID-19 virus primarily affects the respiratory tract among humans, it does the same in pets such as dogs. Some of the common signs to watch for if you think your dog has COVID-19 are

Fever

A dog’s normal body temperature is between 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). In case your dog gets a fever (with a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit and above), it may be a possible indication of the infection. However, it is not the only sign, and you don’t have to panic. Dogs can get fever due to several other infections, and COVID-19 is one of them.

If you think your dog has a fever, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

Cough

Another common symptom that your dog may experience as a result of a COVID-19 infection is coughing. While coughing alone is often not a cause of concern, when combined with other symptoms on the list, it could be a possible indication of COVID-19. If your dog has coughing that has lasted for more than 5-7 days, it is best to consult your vet.

Difficulty Breathing/Shortness Of Breath

As soon as you notice that your dog has difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, immediately call your vet. While it may not be safe to take your pet to the clinic, most vets are now offering telehealth facilities, so make sure you schedule an appointment right away.

Other Common Cold Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 are very similar to the common cold, but given the circumstance, if you find your pet sneezing, having a runny nose, or watery eyes, it is best to consult your pet’s vet.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Often gastrointestinal symptoms may also appear as a result of the coronavirus infection. If your dog gets diarrhea or vomiting along with any of the other symptoms highlighted above, it could be a possible indication of COVID-19 infection.

Fatigue

If you notice your pet is unusually lazy or sluggish, it could be a possible indication of COVID-19.

While these are some of the common symptoms that most dogs infected by the virus have experienced, some pets did not show any signs of illness. In case you notice these conditions with your dog, it is best to consult your vet as soon as possible.