About a year since we first heard the word coronavirus, there are still many questions. Here are important facts about COVID-19 for dog owners to know.

Do you hope to travel with a small dog? Do you wish to remain active and want a dog that can run and hike long distances? Do you want an affectionate companion that will be safe around younger family members? 

If you’re like many pet parents, bringing your furkid along on a shopping trip would be the perfect way to spend a day. While many big-name chain stores have a "service dogs only" policy, you may be surprised to know that a number of them will in fact allow you to shop with your Shih-Tzu or browse with your bulldog. 

Because there is a risk that people with COVID-19 could spread the virus to animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pet owners limit their pet’s interaction with people outside the household. To do that, you can:

Do not put a mask on pets. Masks could harm them.Do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, hand sanitizer, counter-cleaning wipes or other industrial or surface cleaners.

While dogs can be infected, it is mainly a human-to-human transmitted disease.A small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have reportedly been infected with the virus, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19.Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

Do you hope to travel with a small dog? Do you wish to remain active and want a dog that can run and hike long distances? Do you want an affectionate companion that will be safe around younger family members? 

About a year since we first heard the word coronavirus, there are still many questions. Here are important facts about COVID-19 for dog owners to know.