It was thought that dogs could not contract the COVID-19 or the coronavirus that is plaguing people across the world, but a pet dog in Hong Kong has apparently tested positive for the coronavirus. The result, however, was weak, the government of Hong Kong said, according to Fox News.
The positive test was confirmed by the government of Hong Kong in a press release.
The dog is the pet of a patient who has coronavirus. The test resulted from “environmental contamination” of the dog’s mouth and nose. The animal is in quarantine.
It does not have any symptoms.
Officials with the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department are now saying that the pets of patients who test positive should also be in quarantine for 14 days, Fox News reported.
The country’s agriculture department doesn’t believe the pets can become infected or infect humans, Bloomberg reported.
Still, the American Kennel Club says to wash your hands with soap and water after coming in contact with any pet and you don’t need to get a muzzle mask to protect an animal from the virus. But if you do see a change of health, call your veterinarian.