Update 2025 – January – Covid in Dogs / Dog Infection Symptoms
COVID‑19 & Dogs: Key Insights from 2024
1. Human-to-Dog Transmission and Seroprevalence
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A U.S. multi-year surveillance of 1,000 pets from households with COVID-19 found that 33% of dogs and 27% of cats developed antibodies (IgG/IgM), indicating past exposure.
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A subset of naturally exposed dogs (about 17%) demonstrated a measurable antibody (IgM) immune response, Wiley Online Library.
2. Severe Lung Pathology from SARS‑CoV‑2
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Pathological studies on infected dogs revealed significant lung damage—such as diffuse alveolar injury, pulmonary fibrosis, and syncytia formation—demonstrating that natural infection can result in severe respiratory pathology. BioMed Central
3. Neurological Consequences
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Research suggests COVID‑19 may damage the brain in dogs, disrupting the blood-brain barrier and leading to neuroinflammatory changes akin to small vessel disease—raising concerns about potential long-term neurological impacts, CIDRAP.
4. Endemic Spread and Continual Shedding
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A study in Nigeria found 100% positivity in dogs tested across 2024, compared to much lower rates in previous years. Most dogs remained asymptomatic, indicating that the virus may now be endemic in specific canine populations, according to BioMed Central.
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In southern Italy, both hunting and stray dogs showed exposure to SARS‑CoV‑2, with the virus detected in blood and fecal samples—highlighting environmental spread and diverse exposure scenarios. SpringerLink.
5. CDC Guidance and Risk Assessment
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According to the CDC, pets—including dogs—can be infected by SARS‑CoV‑2, typically from infected humans. However, the risk of dogs transmitting the virus back to people is very low, according to the CDC.
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Only rare cases of pet illness are recorded, and when symptoms do occur, they are mostly mild and manageable at home, according to cdc.gov.
Expanded Summary: What 2024 Research Tells Us About COVID in Dogs
Recent studies from 2024 continue to deepen our understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) affects dogs. While the risk to public health from infected dogs remains very low, the following findings highlight essential aspects of canine exposure, immune response, and best practices for pet owners.
1. Dogs Can Contract SARS-CoV-2 from Humans
Research confirms that dogs can become infected with COVID-19, particularly through close and prolonged contact with infected humans, such as household members or individuals with whom they have frequent interactions. Dogs are not primary carriers, but they are susceptible—especially in environments where human infection rates are high.
2. Some Dogs Develop Antibodies
Several surveillance studies show that a significant percentage of dogs develop antibodies (IgG and IgM), indicating previous exposure to the virus. This confirms that dogs can mount an immune response, although symptoms are often absent or very mild.
3. Signs of Endemic Spread in Certain Regions
In areas such as Nigeria and parts of Europe, researchers have repeatedly detected the virus in domestic and stray dog populations, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 may be becoming endemic in some canine groups. However, most affected dogs remain asymptomatic.
4. Rare but Severe Pathological and Neurological Cases
Although uncommon, some dogs have experienced serious health impacts from COVID-19. These include lung damage, neurological inflammation, and damage to the blood-brain barrier. These cases remain exceptions, not the rule, but they emphasize the importance of monitoring.
5. Transmission to Humans Is Extremely Rare
Current evidence strongly indicates that dogs are not a significant source of human COVID-19 transmission. Still, if a pet owner tests positive, it’s wise to minimize contact with pets, maintain hygiene, and follow basic risk mitigation practices.
COVID Variant Tied to Heart Inflammation in Cats, Dogs
The study was small but found that dogs and cats can be infected with the Alpha variant of COVID-19 (dog infection symptoms). Many of the owners of these pets had respiratory symptoms several weeks before their pets became ill and tested positive for COVID-19.
The researchers detailed the investigation into the cases of four cats and two dogs who had severe myocarditis. Two of the cats plus one dog tested positive for the coronavirus on a PCR test. In contrast, two other cats and a second dog tested positive for antibodies two to six weeks after they developed signs of cardiac disease.
First Covid UK case in pet dog confirmed by a top vet
In November 2021, officials confirmed that A dog tested positive for COVID-19 – the first documented case of its kind in the UK.
They believe the pet, recovering at home, caught it from its owner.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states that cases like this are sporadic, and there is no substantial evidence to suggest that dogs, cats, or other pets are transmitting the virus to humans.
However, owners and people who work with animals should wash their hands regularly for good hygiene.
The advice states that animal fur can act as a carrier for the COVID-19 virus for short periods, in the same way as other surfaces, such as door handles.
Do not share food, food bowls, or utensils with your pet.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said: “The infected dog was undergoing treatment for another unrelated condition and is now recovering.
“It is sporadic for dogs to be infected, and they will usually only show mild clinical signs and recover within a few days.
“No clear evidence suggests that pets directly transmit the virus to humans. We will continue monitoring this situation closely and update our guidance to pet owners should the situation change.”
Can animals be infected with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)?
Several animal species have demonstrated susceptibility to the virus through experimental infection and in natural settings when in contact with infected humans. There is also evidence that infected animals can transmit the virus to other animals in natural settings through contact, such as mink-to-mink transmission and mink-to-cat transmission. Infection of animals with SARS-CoV-2 has implications for animal and human health, animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and biomedical research.
However, not all species appear to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. To date, findings from experimental infection studies show that poultry and cattle are not vulnerable to infection.
What are the implications of animal infections with COVID-19?
Although several animal species have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, these infections are not the primary driver of the current COVID-19 pandemic, which is primarily driven by human-to-human transmission.
However, there are valid concerns about establishing SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs in wild or domestic animals, which could pose a continued public health risk and lead to future spillover events to humans. Consequently, susceptible animal populations in close contact with humans should be closely monitored.
The introduction of the virus to a new animal species might accelerate its evolution, potentially impacting surveillance and control strategies. Additionally, the introduction of the virus to susceptible endangered animal populations might undermine conservation efforts, leading to biodiversity loss.
Further investigation is necessary to fully understand these risks.
Covid in Dogs – infection symptoms ( canine coronavirus symptoms)
- Fever.
- Coughing.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Runny nose.
- Eye discharge.
- Vomiting.
What COVID-19 Vaccines Have Been Tested on Animals: Updated 2024–2025 Insights
Animal testing has consistently formed the foundation of COVID-19 vaccine development, ensuring safety and immune response validation long before human trials began. Here’s an overview of how leading vaccine candidates continue to rely on animal data—even as updates emerge in 2024 and 2025:
Ongoing Importance of Animal Trials
Early in the pandemic, all major COVID-19 vaccines—including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, as well as AstraZeneca and Novavax—underwent standard preclinical testing in two animal species (e.g., mice, non-human primates) to meet safety and immunogenicity benchmarks. These trials were essential before advancing to human trials Understanding Animal Research.
Fact-checking by reputable outlets confirms that none of these vaccines skipped animal testing. Instead, animal trials were conducted concurrently with human Phase 1 trials to expedite development timelines during the global emergency AP News+1.
Expanded Animal Data for Updated Vaccines
As we approach fall 2025, both Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech have progressed toward dual-target vaccines—formulated to protect against both SARS-CoV‑2 and influenza. These candidates, Moderna’s mRNA-1083 and Pfizer’s mRNA-1020/1030, have undergone rigorous animal testing, demonstrating promising safety and immunogenicity in rodent and non-human primate models PMC+1.
Continued Support for Animal Models in Vaccine Evolution
In parallel, global regulatory bodies, such as the WHO, emphasize the ongoing evaluation of animal immune response data to inform updates to vaccine antigens, including the monovalent JN.1 and KP.2 formulations introduced during 2024–2025.
Summary
| Vaccine Type | Animal Testing Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original mRNA Vaccines | Animal trials completed pre-human trials | Validated in standard models (mice, primates) |
| Dual-Target (COVID + Influenza) | Preclinical testing in animals confirmed | Encouraging immune response and safety |
| Updated Variant-Specific Vaccines | Animal immunogenicity data used for antigen updates | Supports evolving formulations (e.g., JN.1, KP.2) |
In conclusion, animal testing remains crucial for evaluating novel vaccines, refining antigen designs, and ensuring their safety. From the earliest COVID-19 responses to the advanced candidate vaccines currently under study, animal models continue to inform and support our evolving immunization strategies.
Important to know! Thank you!
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The CDC recommends avoiding close contact with your pets and other animals if you are COVID-19 positive
The World Health Organization states that there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19.
I had no idea that dogs could be affected by COVID-19. This highlights the importance of taking precautions and keeping our pets safe.
The virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals during close contact. The risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is low. So, Protect pets if you are sick