Is It Possible For Our Dog To Somehow Pass The Virus Along To My In Laws And Do You Feel There Is Any Risk To Them If They Watch Our Dog?

Posted on Sun, 31 May 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 31 May 2020 Answered on

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello! This question pertains to COVID 19. My family and I have been healthY and have not been exposed to the virus. We live in the western New York area (not New York City). We are planning on going on vacation and my in-laws usually dog sit our dog for ten days. Our dog is a small ten pound chihuahua and is healthy. My in laws have been staying in their house throughout the pandemic. They are 87 and 88 and healthy with no major underlying conditions. No one in my family has been around them for weeks. Is it possible for our dog to somehow pass the virus along to my in laws and do you feel there is any risk to them if they watch our dog? Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
If they keep the safe distance of 1.5- 2 meters with others than no worries

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome in Ask the Doctor

I can understand your concern

You explain that your in-laws and the dog are in good health and they have not had contact with suspected covid persons.

You should suggest them to continue to be away of groups of people and to avoid going frequently in large markets. When they will send out the dog they should try to be around the house or in their neighbourhood .

In my knowledge there aren't cases of infected people from infected dogs.

If they follow the instructions for avoiding social and physical contacts with others than no worries. I don't think it might be a risk for both parts ,just to be careful as they are .

Hope to have been helpful

Regards

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad