Dr. Ernie Ward

A two-year old pug in Chapel Hill is the first US dog to test positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes human COVID-19. If you’re a regular reader of this column, this is no surprise. Over a month ago we discussed the fact that dogs and other companion animals could test positive for coronavirus and yet pose no known threat of spreading the disease to humans. That’s still true today.

The pug’s owners, Dr. Heather McLean, a Duke Health pediatrician, and Dr. Samuel McLean, an ER anesthesiologist at UNC Chapel Hill, along with their son, Ben, were diagnosed with COVID-19 last month. As part of an ongoing Duke University study, the McLean family underwent additional testing and surveillance.

During the study period, Dr. Heather McLean noticed her pug acting sluggish, sneezing, and breathing heavily. All of these symptoms may be normal for brachycephalic or “smushed-face” breeds such as pugs, further complicated by pollens and seasonal allergies this time of year. One morning, Winston refused his food. Dr. McLean alerted the researchers who suggested testing the family’s pets for SARS-CoV-2.

The McLean’s have two other pets, 13-year-old pug Otis, and a 12-year-old cat, Mr. Nibs, both of which tested negative for the human coronavirus. In addition, their son has a lizard which was not tested. The test results are currently undergoing validation by the USDA. 

Winston was reported to be the most “cuddly” of the pets, sleeping in the bed with Heather and Samuel. The family told the researchers they had not practiced social distancing with their pets after contracting the virus. All of the family, including Winston, are now back to normal and fully recovered.

Based on earlier studies from Hong Kong and China, dogs and cats have not been shown to transmit the human coronavirus to people. Winston most likely encountered SARS-CoV-2 in the environment (bedding, licking food plates, or physical contact). The test used only identifies if viral particles are present in the sample, not active infection or if the virus is alive. As we discussed her before, these potential “accidental positives” do not demonstrate that our pets can spread COVID-19 to humans, only that the virus is present in saliva or tissue samples. To prove a dog or cat had an active infection, we need antibody tests, which are currently in development.  

Based on early research studies and our experiences with SARS in 2003, cats and ferrets may be able to contract a mild form of COVID-19, but have not been shown to be infectious to people. This is likely due to these companion animals having relatively low viral loads, meaning they don’t shed enough virus to effectively infect humans.

The CDC, USDA, and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) do not recommend testing your pets for SARS-CoV-2 at this time.   

At this time, there is little reason to worry that your dog or cat might spread COVID-19 to you or anyone else. To keep both you and your pets as safe as possible, here a few guidelines:

• If anyone in your family tests positive for COVID-19, keep all pets away from them.

• Practice social distancing with your pets when walking or during outdoor activities. 

• Keep your dogs on a leash and discourage petting by strangers or physical contact with other dogs. Avoid crowded areas with your pets. 

• Keep cats indoors. There is limited evidence that infected cats can spread SARS-CoV-2 to other cats.  

• Bathing your pet frequently is recommended if anyone in your home contracts COVID-19, after public outings, or if you suspect contact with anyone ill. 

• DO NOT use bleach or other disinfectant wipes or solutions on your pets. Licking these residues can cause toxicity.  

** I’m so sorry for mixing up Winston and Otis (names of the two pugs) in the video. 🙏