skip to navigation Heart LISTEN Lifestyle Pet dog tests positive for Covid in first confirmed UK case 12 November 2021, 07:30 A pet dog has tested positive for Covid. Picture: Alamy By Naomi Bartram @naomibartram The first UK coronavirus case has been confirmed in a pet dog this week. Listen to this article Loading audio... A top vet has detected the first case of a pet dog catching coronavirus in the UK. It is thought the dog caught the virus from its owner earlier this month. The pooch’s infection was found after testing on 3 November, with Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss saying there is no evidence the dog was responsible for spreading the virus. TV channel created for dogs is launching in the UK this month Should pet parents be entitled to ‘pawternity leave’ when getting a new puppy? You could be fined for setting off fireworks near dogs A dog has tested positive for Covid in the UK. Picture: Alamy Ms Middlemiss said in a statement: “Tests conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency have confirmed that the virus responsible for Covid-19 has been detected in a pet dog in the UK. The infected dog was undergoing treatment for another unrelated condition and is now recovering. “It is very rare for dogs to be infected and they will usually only show mild clinical signs and recover within a few days. “There is no clear evidence to suggest that pets directly transmit the virus to humans. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and will update our guidance to pet owners should the situation change.” This isn’t the first time a pet has tested positive for Covid, as the same laboratory found the virus in a cat last year. Other pets have previously tested positive for coronavirus. Picture: Alamy Research from scientists in the Netherlands previously found that Covid could be common in cats and dogs whose owners are suffering. Four lions, along with two keepers, also tested positive at Barcelona Zoo earlier this year. The advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is for pet owners to wash their hands regularly, including before and after contact with animals to help prevent the spread. Some experts have also advised pet owners not to kiss or cuddle their furry friends or let them sleep in your bed if they are suffering Covid symptoms. But Prof Rowland Kao, of the University of Edinburgh, said that coronavirus infections in dogs is not something to be concerned about. “In order [for these infections in dogs] to be important for transmission there has to be contact, and production of virus,” he said. “If dogs were getting seriously infected often, we probably would have seen it before now. The fact that it hasn’t happened that much yet, with so much infection and so many people at home with their pets [suggests] it’s probably not an issue.” More Lifestyle See more Your kids can get a personal message from Santa this The baby names most likely to end up on the naughty list Aunts are just as important as mums when raising girls The Queen banned the royal family from playing Monopoly Parents reveal the best places to hide Christmas presents Trending on Heart Coronation Street fan recognise Curtis’ dad as former Home Alone fans can now stay in the McCallisters' house Mum wins £300,000 after bosses sacked her for falling Ant and Dec mock I'm A Celebrity stars as they reveal Holly Willoughby's This Morning outfit today: How to get Paddy McGuinness in tears as he worries autistic children Last posting dates for Christmas delivery 2021: Royal Doctor explains why you shouldn't keep your heating on at You can now buy a hot water bottle for your feet Mum accidentally lists baby son for sale saying she Police stop motorist for driving with snow-covered Vin Diesel shares letter to Paul Walker about their Coca Cola truck tour 2021 locations: New locations and Here's what Simon Gregson’s Coronation Street brother Coleen Nolan is spending Christmas with her new boyfriend Back to top Also on Heart Listen to Global Player Sustainability Heart Bingo Heart 70s Heart Breakfast with Jamie and Amanda Heart 80s Heart Dance Heart 90s I'm a Celebrity Married at First Sight Quizzes Homes & Garden Netflix The Chase Gogglebox EastEnders Books & Culture Coronation Street Shopping Great British Bake Off Royals Peter Andre Emmerdale Pets Stacey Solomon Travel Feel Good Summer Fashion Wellness Parenting Holly Willoughby Beauty Food & Health This Morning TV & Movies Useful Links Contact Us Help How To Listen Company Details Cookies Public File Privacy Terms & Conditions Advertise Download the app Follow Us Follow Heart on Twitter Follow Heart on Facebook Follow Heart on Instagram Follow Heart on Youtube © Global 2021 30 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LA Privacy Manager