Can Dogs Get Monkeypox? An In-Depth Look for Dog Lovers

As a devoted dog lover, the news of the 2022-2023 global monkeypox outbreak was alarming not just for human health, but for the wellbeing of our cherished canine companions. The confirmation of the first dog testing positive for monkeypox raised urgent questions: How easily can dogs contract this virus? Can they spread it to humans? And what steps can we take to keep our furry friends safe?

The 2022-2023 Monkeypox Outbreak by the Numbers

To understand the context of the canine monkeypox case, let‘s review the scale of the recent outbreak:

• From January 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023, 87,324 confirmed monkeypox cases were reported worldwide, across 111 countries (World Health Organization, 2023).
• The outbreak disproportionately affected men who have sex with men, but cases were also reported in women and children (Thornhill et al., 2022).
• The countries with the highest case counts were the United States (30,189), Brazil (10,905), Spain (7,551), France (4,145), and the United Kingdom (3,779) (WHO, 2023).

While these numbers are concerning, it‘s important to note that over 99.9% of these cases were in humans. The risk to dogs remains extremely low, but not zero.

The Canine Monkeypox Case: A Closer Look

In June 2022, a 4-year-old Italian Greyhound tested positive for monkeypox 12 days after its owners had onset of monkeypox symptoms (Seang et al., 2022). This was the first confirmed case of monkeypox in a dog.

The dog developed an anal ulceration and pustules on its abdomen. Researchers detected monkeypox virus DNA in the dog‘s skin and oral and rectal swabs. Notably, genomic sequencing revealed 100% homology between viral DNA in the dog and one of its owners (Seang et al., 2022).

This genetic match strongly suggests the dog acquired the infection from close contact with its infected owners. As a fellow dog lover, this underscores the importance of taking precautions to protect our pets if we ourselves fall ill.

Understanding Monkeypox Infection at the Cellular Level

What exactly happens when the monkeypox virus enters a host cell? The virus binds to cell surface receptors and is brought into the cell. It then moves to the cell nucleus, where it releases its genetic material and hijacks the cell‘s machinery to produce new virus particles (Gigante et al., 2022).

These new viruses leave the infected cell and spread to other cells, leading to systemic infection. In the skin, the virus infects cells called keratinocytes, causing the characteristic pox lesions (Gigante et al., 2022).

While this process is similar in dogs and humans, more research is needed to understand if there are any dog-specific factors that influence monkeypox infection and progression.

Can Dogs Spread Monkeypox to Humans?

This is perhaps the most pressing question for dog lovers. While human-to-dog transmission has been documented, there are currently no confirmed instances of dog-to-human monkeypox transmission.

However, experts caution that the possibility cannot be ruled out. "A infected dog with active skin lesions could potentially spread the virus to a person through close contact," advises Dr. John Howe, former President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "The risk is low, but not zero. More research is needed to fully understand the potential for dogs as an intermediate host species."

As a dog lover, the thought of our beloved companions potentially spreading a serious illness is distressing. But it‘s important to keep the risk in perspective. "The vast majority of monkeypox cases are transmitted between humans," Dr. Howe emphasizes. "There‘s no need to fear our dogs, but we should be mindful and take sensible precautions."

Monkeypox and Dog Fur: Does It Matter?

One aspect that sets dogs apart from humans in terms of potential monkeypox transmission is their fur. Could a dog‘s coat influence how the virus spreads?

"In theory, a dog‘s fur could potentially trap virus particles and facilitate indirect transmission, similar to how the virus can spread via contaminated linens or clothing," notes Dr. Lori Teller, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "But there‘s no evidence suggesting dog fur significantly increases transmission risk. Regular hand hygiene and cleaning and disinfection of pet bedding and other items remain important."

Dr. Teller advises that if you have monkeypox, it‘s best to minimize contact with your dog‘s fur and have another household member brush and bathe them until you‘ve recovered.

The Role of Animal Reservoirs

While the 2022-2023 outbreak was driven by human-to-human transmission, monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can pass between animals and humans. Rodents in Africa, particularly squirrels and dormice, are believed to be the main animal reservoir (Reynolds & McCollum, 2022).

"An infected animal reservoir allows a virus to keep circulating and potentially mutating even when human case numbers are low," explains Dr. Teller. "Monitoring for monkeypox in wild and domestic animal populations is crucial for understanding and controlling the disease."

If monkeypox were to become established in animal populations outside of Africa, it could lead to repeated human outbreaks. While there‘s no evidence of this happening with dogs or cats, veterinary and public health experts are keeping a close eye on the situation.

Monkeypox Precautions for Dog Facilities and Events

For facilities and events that bring dogs together, such as boarding kennels, daycares, dog parks, and dog shows, the monkeypox outbreak raises some unique considerations.

"While the risk of dogs contracting or spreading monkeypox in these settings is very low, facilities should have protocols in place for managing a potentially exposed or infected dog," advises Dr. Howe. This could include:

• Requiring proof of recent health exam for dogs
• Isolating any dog with skin lesions or signs of illness pending veterinary evaluation
• Regularly disinfecting shared spaces and equipment
• Having a plan for safely handling and isolating a dog if a client reports monkeypox diagnosis in their household

"Communication and collaboration between facility managers, clients, and veterinarians is key," says Dr. Howe. "By working together, we can ensure these spaces remain safe and enjoyable for dogs and humans alike."

Caring for Your Dog if You Have Monkeypox

If you‘re diagnosed with monkeypox, taking steps to protect your dog is an act of love for both your pet and your community. "Temporarily separating from your dog is hard, but it‘s the best way to keep them safe," counsels Dr. Teller.

She recommends:

• Isolating from your dog in a separate room
• Having another household member take over dog care duties
• If you must interact with your dog, wearing a well-fitted mask and gloves and washing hands thoroughly afterward
• Regularly disinfecting your dog‘s living spaces, bedding, and toys
• Monitoring your dog daily for any signs of illness
• Contacting your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows any symptoms

"Your veterinarian is your best resource and ally in keeping your dog healthy," Dr. Teller emphasizes. "Don‘t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns."

Long-Term Monkeypox Impacts for Dogs

For the Italian Greyhound that contracted monkeypox from its owners, the infection fortunately resolved without complications after supportive care and isolation (Seang et al., 2022). But could there be any lasting health effects for dogs that recover from monkeypox?

"There‘s still a lot we don‘t know about the long-term impacts of monkeypox on dogs," acknowledges Dr. Teller. "In humans, some patients report ongoing issues like fatigue, muscle pain, or scarring after acute illness. We‘ll need more research to see if dogs may face similar challenges."

Any dog that has recovered from monkeypox should have regular check-ups with a veterinarian to monitor for any lingering symptoms or health concerns.

Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The monkeypox outbreak arrives on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, another zoonotic disease that highlighted the close links between human and animal health. Are there lessons we can apply?

"One key takeaway is the importance of a One Health approach that recognizes human, animal, and environmental health are inextricably interconnected," reflects Dr. Howe. "No species exists in a vacuum. What affects one affects all."

This means investing in robust disease surveillance in both human and animal populations, improving communication and data-sharing across human and animal health sectors, and supporting research into zoonotic disease ecology and prevention.

"We also saw the power of community action and individual choices in curbing disease spread," Dr. Howe notes. "Each of us, as dog lovers and responsible citizens, has a part to play in protecting the health of both the humans and animals in our lives."

The Future of Monkeypox and Our Canine Companions

As the monkeypox outbreak continues to evolve, ongoing vigilance and research will be critical to safeguarding our dogs and ourselves.

"There‘s still much we‘re learning about monkeypox and its implications for dogs," acknowledges Dr. Teller. "But by staying informed, working closely with our veterinarians, and making smart, science-based decisions, we can navigate this challenge together."

The bond between humans and dogs has endured through countless trials across millennia. With knowledge, compassion, and a commitment to One Health, we can ensure monkeypox does not pose a barrier to the love and companionship we share with our canine friends.

As dog lovers, our dogs‘ wellbeing is intertwined with our own. In nurturing that connection and taking steps to protect them, we not only uphold our special covenant of care, but create a healthier world for all.

References

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Reynolds, M. G., & McCollum, A. M. (2022). Monkeypox — Reconsidering Public Health Recommendations for a Zoonotic Virus. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(6), 495–497. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmp2210535

Seang, S., Burrel, S., Todesco, E., Leducq, V., Monsel, G., Le Pluart, D., Cordevant, C., Pourcher, V., Palich, R., Dechatre, M., Mariet, A.-S., Dehais, C., Chosidow, O., Bourhy, H., Duffy, D., & Fourn, E. (2022). Evidence of human-to-dog transmission of monkeypox virus. The Lancet, 400(10353), 658–659. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01487-8

Thornhill, J. P., Barkati, S., Walmsley, S., Rockstroh, J., Antinori, A., Harrison, L. B., Palich, R., Nori, A., Reeves, I., Habibi, M. S., Apea, V., Boesecke, C., Vandekerckhove, L., Yakubovsky, M., Sendagorta, E., Blanco, J. L., Florence, E., Moschese, D., Maltez, F., . . . SHARE-net Clinical Group. (2022). Monkeypox Virus Infection in Humans across 16 Countries — April–June 2022. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(8), 679–691. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2207323

World Health Organization (2023). 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak: Global Trends. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/