A recent study out of Spain claims dog owners are at higher risk of COVID-19. Specifically, when they looked at all kinds of social and demographic variables, the researchers found that people who walk their dogs increase their risk 78 percent. Now there is no evidence that your dog will spread the virus to you. If these findings turn out to be true, and to me that’s a big if, the increased risk comes from getting very close to other people while walking your dog. I think you should still get outside and walk your dog. Just keep six feet or more away from other dog walkers.