Can you catch coronavirus from your dog? UK facts and advice

Coronavirus has been widely discussed due to the outbreak of the novel Wuhan coronavirus strain, which has primarily affected humans. Many pet owners wonder if dogs can catch or transmit this virus. This article explains the differences between coronaviruses affecting dogs and humans, clarifies risks, and shares up-to-date UK guidance to put your mind at ease.

Can dogs catch coronavirus?

Dogs are susceptible to a specific type called canine coronavirus, which primarily causes a mild intestinal infection in dogs. This virus is different from the coronavirus affecting humans, such as the Wuhan strain (SARS-CoV-2). Most dogs with canine coronavirus show few or no symptoms, but young puppies or immune-compromised dogs may occasionally experience more severe illness.

Canine coronavirus is not zoonotic, meaning it cannot be transmitted to people, cats, or other animals. There is also no evidence that dogs can catch or carry the human coronavirus strains.

Can dogs catch Wuhan coronavirus?

UK veterinary consensus in 2025 confirms dogs cannot catch or transmit Wuhan coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in any significant way. While rare cases of dogs testing positive after close contact with infected people have occurred, these infections are mild and self-limiting. Moreover, dogs are not considered a risk for passing the virus back to humans.

The risk of dogs being exposed to Wuhan coronavirus in the UK is extremely low, and current evidence indicates dogs are epidemiological dead-end hosts for this virus.

Can dogs pass Wuhan coronavirus to people?

Since dogs cannot carry or sustain infection with Wuhan coronavirus, they cannot pass it on to people. UK official advice recommends that people infected with Covid-19 limit close contact with pets to reduce any minimal risk. If unwell, owners should consider allowing others to care for their dogs or keep them indoors as practical precautionary measures.

Can people catch coronavirus from their dogs?

People cannot catch the canine coronavirus from their dogs, as this virus is species-specific. Similarly, current scientific evidence shows SARS-CoV-2 transmission from dogs to people is negligible to nonexistent. The main source of infection remains human-to-human contact.

Can dogs be vaccinated against coronavirus?

In the UK, there is no vaccine for dogs against Wuhan coronavirus. The vaccine available specifically for canine coronavirus is not routinely recommended or included in standard vaccination schedules due to its mild nature in most cases.

UK core vaccination programmes focus on more serious illnesses such as distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. If you’d like to learn more about canine coronavirus and its vaccine, see our detailed article on coronavirus in dogs.

Current UK veterinary advice and owner precautions

• If you are sick with Covid-19, avoid close contact (kissing, cuddling, or stroking) with your dog to reduce any theoretical risk.
• Ask someone else to walk or care for your dog if possible during illness.
• If your dog shows respiratory or digestive symptoms, contact a vet promptly.
• Maintain good hygiene by washing hands before and after handling pets.

Though concerns about coronavirus and pets are natural, the UK veterinary community agrees that dogs pose an extremely low risk of infection or transmission. Responsible pet ownership includes following recommended hygiene and veterinary care practices to keep both you and your pet safe.