When the coronavirus outbreak happened in Hong Kong last month, one of the most heartbreaking news dog lovers around the world have heard was about the first dog who was tested "weak positive" of the virus. Unfortunately, after several weeks of being quarantined and isolated, authorities confirmed the 17-year-old Pomeranian had died on Monday, March 16, days after his recovery from the disease.
The dog was owned by Yvonne Chow Hau Yee, a 60-year-old businesswoman, who also became positive with COVID-19 last February. As a part of its treatment, the canine was required to take precautionary measures like going through quarantine and isolation after testing positive of the virus.
The results of the study revealed the similarity of the virus found in both the canine and Ms. Yee. "The [gene] sequence results indicate that the virus likely spread from the infected persons and subsequently infected the dog", shared by the spokesman for Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
During his treatment, the canine showed several "weak positive" at first but eventually has been free of the virus after several attempts. According to Time, after the canine went into his last two tests conducted on March 12 and 13, which both came out negative, the government facility decided to release him and let him come back home over the weekend.
Unfortunately, three days after the canine was released, the organization confirmed to South China Morning Post his death. "The owner said she was not willing to [allow] an autopsy to examine the cause of death", they added.
Meanwhile, the pup's human, after her treatment, has finally recovered and eventually allowed to go home. Now, she is back to her normal life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the said Pomeranian was the only dog who has acquired the killer virus, as of the writing. The authorities also claim that based on the studies conducted regarding the dog, there is still no evidence that shows pets can inflict others with the virus.
To protect your fur babies during the coronavirus outbreak, experts still advise to always wash your hands before and after touching your companions. Also make sure to quarantine yourself, even away from your fur friends, if you feel unwell. It can also be better to keep them healthier by providing them nutritious foods and vitamins during these times too.
Meanwhile, the coronavirus has now inflicted about 220,193 people from 176 territories and countries worldwide. Deaths and recoveries due to the virus, on the other hand, are over 8,982 and 85,769 respectively.
