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COVID-19 Tips

Care Tips Regarding Your Yorkie and Issues Relating to the COVID-19 Coronavirus

This article is updated as new information is released.

We also encourage our readers to visit CDC's website for information regarding COVID-19 and pets.

Originally published: March 12, 2020

Latest update: February 19, 2024

Overview

People around the globe were (or still are) affected in one way or another by the coronavirus that is causing the COVID-19 disease. And for pet parents, it can be especially difficult since questions and concerns involving dogs, cats, and other pets are not covered in the news as much as other aspects.

For those of you that have a Yorkshire Terrier and are worried about the COVID-19 coronavirus or want to double-check that you’re fully prepared, this article answers the most common questions you may have and covers a 7-step list of how to prepare for your Yorkie’s health and well-being during a pandemic.

FAQ Regarding Yorkies and COVID-19

Aren’t dogs vaccinated against a coronavirus?

You may recognize 'coronavirus' as one of the diseases that is sometimes included in puppy vaccinations (it is a non-core vaccine, meaning that it is only given if a dog is deemed to be at high-risk of contracting the disease). However, there are many types of coronaviruses and that is just one of them.

Puppy vaccinations actually protect a dog from canine enteric coronavirus (CCV), which causes canine coronavirus disease (CCoV). CCoV is an intestinal infection that causes diarrhea and is not the same as the new coronavirus (technically named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2 for short) which causes the disease known as COVID-19.

To summarize and simplify, the current coronavirus vaccine for dogs is completely unrelated to the new coronavirus; they are two entirely different things.

What is the difference between canine colds, the canine flu, and the coronavirus?

Canine colds. One of the most common viruses that cause colds with dogs is the canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) which was first identified in 2003 in the UK. It is considered to be very contagious between dogs, but cannot spread from dogs to humans. Studies have shown that about 50% of adult dogs already have antibodies for this, meaning that they were previously infected at some point. Symptoms generally run mild to moderate and include a cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and watery eyes. Severe cases can lead to kennel cough (officially known as canine infectious respiratory disease or CIRD).Canine colds, including those caused by CRCoV, are not the same thing as the coronavirus and COVID-19.

The canine flu. There are two strains of influenza that can cause illness with dogs. H3N8 was first identified in 2004 among greyhound dogs in Florida. And H3N2 was first identified in 2006 in S. Korea, Thailand, and China and then years later in 2015 in the US (Chicago area). Both strains of canine flu are considered to be extraordinarily contagious; in fact, just about every dog that is exposed catches it; but, this cannot spread from dogs to humans. Symptoms are similar to colds and include a dry or wet cough, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, lethargy, decreased appetite, and/or fever. Severe cases can lead to bronchitis and other lung infections. The canine flu is not the same thing as the coronavirus and COVID-19.

COVID-19, which is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is an entirely new health issue that was just identified in late 2019 in China, after which it quickly spread to many other countries. There is very little known about it right now, but it is believed dogs can catch the virus but do not become symptomatic (sick). And as of now, there is no evidence that it can spread from dogs to humans or other pets. More details about this are next.

Could my Yorkshire Terrier catch the COVID-19 coronavirus?

It’s first important to note that testing positive for (being infected with) the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is different than becoming sick with COVID-19 (the respiratory disease that it can cause). When positive for the virus, it can be an asymptomatic case (no signs of illness) or a symptomatic case (there are clinical signs of illness).

Keeping that in mind, at this time there have been some canines and some felines that have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

In regard to dogs, there was a Pomeranian and a German Shepherd in Hong Kong that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus but both were asymptomatic (not sick). And in the US, a Pug tested positive; in this case, the dog reportedly had a cough that lasted for several days, through it is not known if it was due to the COVID-19 disease.

In regard to felines, there have been several house cats in various countries and several lions and tigers from one zoo in the US that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and some of them were symptomatic (they did show signs of being sick with COVID-19).

There is no evidence that animals can transmit the disease to humans and all cases appear to be human-to-animal transmission, not the other way around.

Is there routine COVID-19 testing for dogs?

In the US and as of right now, there is not. However, some companies are working on this. For example, Idexx Labs which is headquartered in Maine, USA has performed testing to validate a COVID-19 test kit for pets. They ran thousands of specimens from dogs and cats. The good news is that while those pets were not necessarily suspected of having the disease, all tests so far came back negative.

What are some steps to keep my Yorkie safe?

Since it is very rare for pets to become ill with COVID-19, the following list is here out of an abundance of caution. These are tips to help prevent the spread of germs in general and is good overall advice to promote good hygiene.

#1. Keep your Yorkie clean, as is recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association. We at Y.I.C. recommend doing this by giving your Yorkie baths on a regular basis. During a pandemic or event that causes concern about pets catching a virus, the every-3-week 'rule' can be temporarily dismissed. Give your Yorkie a bath as often as you wish, as long as you are using quality bathing products including a good shampoo and wash-out conditioner that supports skin and coat health. A good approach could be more frequent routine baths, once a week.

You can also help keep your little guy or gal clean by routinely wiping down their coat, face, underbelly, and other parts of their body with sturdy grooming wipes like Earthbath All Natural Grooming Wipes.

#2. Wash your Yorkie's paws after they have been outside, as is recommended by the AKC. Though there is no evidence so far that the coronavirus can be brought in from walking outside, the AKC suggests washing a dog's paws as a method of reducing the amount of germs that come into the house, in general.

Though a sink or tub can be used for this, or an outside hose (weather permitting), along with some of your Yorkie's shampoo, a good way to keep dirt and germs contained is to use a portable paw wash device like the Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner.

#3. Routinely clean your Yorkie's possessions. This includes their food and water bowls, dog toys, bedding (dog bed cover, etc.), any doggie clothes, leash, harnesses, and any other items that can be washed or wiped.

#4. Have your Yorkie practice social distancing. During a health crisis, as long as it's allowed by your local, state, and federal authorities, continue to take your Yorkie outside for walks and other physical activity, fresh air, and sun. If social distancing is recommended by authorities, follow those rules by remaining at least 6 feet from people outside your household (or the distance recommended). More tips are ahead in regard to exercise (and boredom-busters).

#5. It is not advised to place a face mask on your Yorkie. Despite some videos and photos of pet owners having done this during the COVID pandemic, there is no evidence that this would have any benefit to canines.

#6. If you are ill with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, there are additional steps to take such as keeping separated from your pets during that time; details are ahead.

Is it safe to take my Yorkie for walks? Am I allowed to?

During a pandemic or health crisis event, check with your town or city officials for detailed, real-time information regarding taking walks in your exact area. Most cities have public websites that list out this sort of information.

Generally speaking, even in towns and cities that are under 'stay at home' orders, it is considered safe to walk dogs in your own neighborhood and not only is it normally allowed, it may be encouraged, as long as social distancing is practiced.

However, if you are thinking of taking your Yorkie to visit a dog park, do note that dog parks may be temporarily closed. Even if your local dog park remains open, you may want to consider taking a pause from going these since it may be difficult to practice social distancing.

What should I do if my Yorkie becomes sick with cold or flu symptoms?

If your Yorkie starts to have symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, and/or fever, chances are that it is due to a different respiratory issue (possibly linked to a canine cold or the canine flu) or even something common such as contact, airborne, or food allergies (which can spring up at any age and season; though, this does not usually cause a fever).

Officials recommend that in such an instance of sickness developing, and especially if a pet has recently had contact with someone that tested positive for COVID-19, that information should be relayed to the veterinarian. And, of course, you will want to call the vet if your Yorkie's symptoms seem severe or if there is no improvement while home remedies are being applied. Note that most colds and flus with dogs last 2 to 3 weeks.

At-home remedies for the canine cold or flu include making sure your Yorkie gets lots of rest, and hydration. If they don't have much of an appetite, you can offer a bland diet such as plain chicken with rice, oatmeal, or sweet potato. If there is nasal or eye discharge, use a warm washcloth or grooming wipes to keep their face clean. If there is lots of nasal or chest congestion, set up a cool-mist humidifier like the Homasy Cool Mist Humidifier near their resting area.

What are the guidelines for 'home care and isolation' if you have a dog?

If a pet owner is instructed to stay home and self-isolate due to suspected or confirmed COVID-19, the CDC has recommendations that should be followed. Below is our summary of these guidelines (tips 1-3), in our own format along with our own advice (tip 4).

1. Be sure that you have informed your doctor or health care provider that you have a Yorkshire Terrier (and any other pets that you may have). If you are in the U.S., that information may then be relayed to your state's public health veterinarian.

2. Guidelines to stay separated from other people also applies to pets So, while a person is ill, someone else should be feeding, bathing, walking, and otherwise taking care of their pets. And, of course, this means no pets, kisses, or cuddles.

3. If you live alone with your Yorkshire Terrier and must directly provide their care, wash your hands (for 20 seconds with hot water and soap) both before and after any care tasks. And if you have a face mask, it is recommended to wear it during close contact.

4. Though it is not currently part of the CDC’s recommendations in regard to pet care, if you must directly care for your Yorkie while sick, we recommend also implementing the safety protocols of coughing/sneezing into the crook of your elbow and routinely washing/sanitizing common surfaces in your home.

Are pet supply stores open during a lockdown?

For detailed, real-time information regarding closures in your area, please check with your city officials. Most cities have public websites that list out this sort of information.

Generally speaking, pet supply stores that sell pet food and pet care items are considered to be essential businesses that are allowed to stay open during 'lock down' or 'stay at home' orders. However, to help practice social distancing, some pet supply stores may ask customers to call ahead to place orders and then pick up those supplies via curb-side pickup or otherwise make some changes to how they manage customers. And, to allow workers to restock the shelves, some pet supply stores may adjust their hours. So, it's best to call ahead.

And in regard to online shopping for pet supplies, Amazon, which is the largest online retailer, considers pet supplies to be essential items and may prioritize these during a countrywide health crisis.

Will my veterinarian be open during a 'stay at home' or 'social distancing' order?

For detailed, real-time information regarding closures of veterinary offices in your area, please telephone your vet, check their website, or check with your city officials regarding what is and is not considered essential services and businesses.

In general, veterinarians are considered to be essential services; though they may set new guidelines during a pandemic. For example, some vets have an assistant outside to greet pets and bring them inside while owners wait outside (or come back later to pick them up). Hours may be adjusted. Wellness checks may be temporarily postponed.

Top 7 Tips to Maintain Your Yorkie’s Health and Well-being During a Pandemic

When there is a national health emergency, daily life will undoubtedly change and this will affect your Yorkie as well. The CDC has full guidelines for preparing your entire household. But, specifically in regard to your Yorkshire Terrier, here are our top 7 tips to maintain your Yorkie’s health and well-being during such a time.

#1. On the chance that you are temporarily under 'home care and isolation', meaning that you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19, create a back-up plan for your Yorkie’s care, if at all possible. If there are other people in your household, but you are the main caregiver, hold a family meeting to talk about splitting up responsibilities starting now. This will allow you to show others how you go about doing things and allow your Yorkie to get used to others being involved. Rotate tasks every few days.

#2. Have adequate supplies of dog food, snacks, and training treats. The bare minimum would be for 2 weeks; however, many pet parents are stocking up for a bit longer, up to 2 months as an extra precaution. If you buy bulk bags or boxes of dry kibble, snacks, or treats, a storage bin like the Vittles Vault Airtight Pet Food Container can prevent it from getting stale.

#3. Have a plan regarding your Yorkie’s drinking water. If you normally give your Yorkie bottled water but you're dealing with your local supermarket being low on cases or gallons of water, you’re not alone. But we still recommend not giving a Yorkie unfiltered tap water, unless absolutely necessary, due to the slew of toxins and carcinogens found in many municipal drinking water supplies in the U.S. and other countries.

An alternative, that you may find useful for yourself and other family members, is to have a filtering pitcher, like the Levoit Water Filter Pitcher, that cleans out common contaminates as water is being poured out. Other options include tap filters and whole sink filtration systems (but these can be quite costly, in the hundreds of dollars).

#4. If your Yorkie has any prescribed oral or topical medications, speak to the veterinarian about obtaining an extra one to two-month supply.

#5. Have adequate supplies of all your Yorkie’s care items. Plan to have one to two months’ worth of shampoo and other coat products for your Yorkie, dental care items like chews and sprays, supplements, dental chews, pee pads, or any other needed items that are used in your Yorkie’s routine care.

#6. Have a plan in place for exercise. Exercise helps boost both the immune system and mood, among other benefits, and should be maintained when at all possible. If your Yorkie's main exercise is daily walks and you believe these may be scaled back, or stopped altogether, have a plan in place for alternative ways to offer your Yorkie bouts of physical activity.

A great way to get a Yorkie moving is to play timed games of fetch (15 to 20 minutes with breaks as needed). This can be done outdoors in the yard or indoors down a hallway or even across a large room (with breakables stashed away). For small breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, colorful Zanies Mini Tennis Balls for Dogs can make fetch really entertaining. And remember that your level of enthusiasm will play a big role.

#7. Have a plan in place to defeat boredom. Staying home can be nice, but after a while it can become monotonous. Dogs that laze around and get bored can start to display restless behavior like barking or can become sulky and depressed. So, just like a parent may stock up on coloring books and crafts to keep their kids busy, also plan on ways to keep your Yorkie busy and content.

If you’d like your Yorkie to do some independent play, a snuffle mat like the AWOOF Snuffle Mat can work really well (this one is great for dogs of all sizes, and even cats). Snuffle mats are cloth mats that have lots of flaps. You hide treats throughout it and your Yorkie uses their foraging skills to sniff them out. Most dogs love this sort of ‘work’ and it’s self-rewarding as they find the treats.

Tip: Over time, your Yorkie will improve their foraging skills, so to keep this interesting, hide fewer tasty yet strongly-scented treats like Zuke's Natural Treats Wild Rabbit so that it stays challenging.

Another fun toy for independent play and to keep a dog busy is the Pet Qwerks Blinky Babble Ball. This is an orb that lights up and makes noises when it's nosed or pawed. There's a doorbell, banjo music, a puppy barking, and more. Note that this comes in 3 different sizes and it is the 'small' that is best for more Yorkshire Terriers.

And treat-dispensing toys can be a great way to pass the time. We like the PetSafe Busy Buddy Barnacle Toy; this is a cute toy with 3 connected chambers and it allows you to adjust the difficultly level to make it just challenging enough to keep your Yorkie interested. Best of all, it's available in both 'extra small' and 'small' which makes it ideal for Yorkshire Terriers.

A Final Thought

No doubt, there is some level of anxiety and tension when there is a new virus circulating and especially once a pandemic has been declared. However, it is at times like this that’s it’s important to remain calm. And, keep in mind that canines are incredibly adept at reading non-verbal cues and their human’s emotions, so your worry can easily become your Yorkie’s stress.

The best way to take care of your loved ones, including your Yorkie, is to prepare as much as you can, stay aware of new developments (without being glued to the TV or your phone 24/7), and then carry on with things as normally as possible.

When there are national health events, we work to keep this article updated. We also send out newsletters for major updates and we encourage you to check back here often. If you are not yet a YorkieInfoCenter member, you can sign up here (it is 100% free) so that you can receive our newsletters.

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