Are pets at risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus?

After a dog in Hong Kong tested a “weak positive” for the virus, questions have been raised over how pet owners can best proceed during an outbreak.

Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization say there is no evidence that pets can spread the virus.

What about the dog in Hong Kong?

Officials in Hong Kong have urged dog owners not to kiss their pets, the Guardian reports.

The dog that tested positive is a Pomeranian whose owner has the coronavirus disease, or COVID-19. Information is preliminary, but it is believed that the dog possibly contracted the virus from its owner. The dog reportedly did not show symptoms, but a second test this month confirmed the initial weak positive result after a nasal swab was taken following a quarantine period, ScienceNews reports.

What should pet owners in the United States do?

No dogs have tested positive for the coronavirus in the United States.

However, CDC guidelines say pet owners who are sick or show symptoms of the coronavirus disease should limit contact with their pets.

“People who are sick with infectious diseases are careful to avoid transmitting that disease to other people, and they use common-sense measures to do so," Dr. Gail Golab, chief veterinary officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association, told NJ Advance Media in an email. “These common-sense measures include minimizing contact, washing their hands and using hand sanitizer, and coughing or sneezing into their elbow or sleeve rather than directly at another person.

"The same precautions apply to preventing the spread of COVID-19 to people and, out of an abundance of caution, we’re recommending they take the same common sense approach when interacting with their pets.”

A man wearing a face mask carries his dog along a street in Jiujiang in China's central Jiangxi province on Friday. Masks are one measure being recommended for when pet owners have symptoms of coronavirus disease.Noel Celis | AFP via Getty Images

Not recommended: sharing food with dogs and pets as well as snuggling, petting, or other close contact, like letting dogs lick you.

“If you were to become ill with COVID-19, you should have someone else take care of walking, feeding, and playing with your pets,” Golab said. “If you must care for them, then wear a face mask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet.”

She said those who are in quarantine should stay in a room away from other people and pets and use a separate bathroom, if possible.

What else can you do for your pet to prepare for the coronavirus?

Golab recommends having an emergency kit prepared with at least two weeks’ worth of food and medication for your pet, in case pet owners must enter self-isolation or quarantine.

“If possible, you should have another member of your household care for your pet in your home in a separate area,” she says.

Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.

Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters.