First Dog to Test Positive for Coronavirus in US Dies

A dog in New York that was the first to test positive for the coronavirus in the United States has died, leaving health officials uncertain about the virus’ impact on dogs and other animals, National Geographic reports.

Buddy, a seven-year-old German shepherd, tested positive for the coronavirus last month, after suffering from breathing problems and other symptoms for over a month, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and was likely infected by his owner, who also tested positive. 

Although Buddy had been expected to make a full recovery, he was eventually euthanized after throwing up blood.

“It looked like it was his insides coming out,” said Allison Mahoney, whose family owned Buddy. “He had it all over. It was coming from his nose and mouth. We knew there was nothing that could be done for him from there. What are you going to do for a dog with this? But he had the will to live. He didn’t want to go.”

The dog’s medical records, which were reviewed by National Geographic, indicate that he likely had lymphoma, which could explain some of his symptoms and may have contributed to his death.

“It’s unclear whether cancer made him more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus, or if the virus made him ill, or if it was just a case of coincidental timing,” National Geographic notes.

“You tell people that your dog was positive, and they look at you [as if you have] ten heads,” Mahoney said, adding that he “was the love of our lives. … He brought joy to everybody. I can’t wrap my head around it."

She said that her husband, Robert Mahoney, asked health officials in New York City if they wanted to do more tests on Buddy following his initial diagnosis, but they never requested any further examinations or tests. The city Department of Health said that the dog’s anemia ruled out collecting any more blood, and that the results they already had indicated that Buddy was no longer contagious.

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