A new study by researchers in Spain found that owning a dog increases your risk of contracting COVID-19. Researchers from the University of Granada and the Andalusian School of Public Health in Spain questioned over 2,000 people and found that 4.7% had tested positive for the coronavirus.
The study participants were also asked about their recent behaviors so that researchers could identify any activities that may be linked to an increased likelihood of getting COVID-19.
The researchers said that one of the biggest risk factors was owning a dog, with dog owners having a 78% higher risk of catching COVID-19. They have not determined why dog owners are at an increased risk, but they did offer some suggestions.
While some dogs have tested positive for COVID-19, there is little evidence that dogs transmit the virus to humans directly. The researchers believe the dogs could pick up the virus from surfaces while they are being taken for a walk outside. When they get back inside, it is possible the virus can spread to their owners.
"The results of our research warn of increased contagion among dog-owners," said Professor Cristina Sánchez González. "The reason for this higher prevalence has yet to be elucidated. Taking into account the current scarcity of resources to carry out the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, the possibility of diagnosis in dogs is extremely unlikely."
The researchers said they must do more studies to determine precisely why owning a dog increases your risk of getting COVID-19. For now, they suggested practicing good hygiene, especially after playing with or walking your dog.
"In the midst of a pandemic and in the absence of an effective treatment or vaccine, preventive hygiene measures are the only salvation, and these measures should also be applied to dogs, which, according to our study, appear to directly or indirectly increase the risk of contracting the virus," González said.
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