A crippling and life-threatening disease
In many places around the world, pet owners consider their dogs to be family members. However, did you know you can get sick from your dog? While rare, illnesses can spread through close contact, contaminated feces or urine, or by sleeping in the same bed as your pooch. So what can you do to ensure you stay healthy?
This gallery covers the illnesses to watch out for and simple tips to prevent you from getting sick. Simply click to discover more.
Research has shown that owning a dog has positive effects on the mental health of their owners. However, there is a risk that dogs may spread harmful germs and illnesses to their caregivers.
People can get sick from dogs. Illnesses that pass between animals and humans are known as zootonic diseases.
Household pets can spread germs easily, from stomach bugs and minor skin infections to more serious health conditions.
According to a 2012 study based in Finland, noroviruses are one of the leading causes of diarrheal diseases that can survive in dogs and be passed to humans.
Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that causes a flu-like sickness in humans, with symptoms like appetite loss, chills, fever, and back or abdomen pain. While rare, it can be spread through contact with dogs carrying the bacteria.
You could have brucellosis even if your contact with a dog carrying the bacteria happened months ago. It can take anywhere from one week to two months for symptoms to appear.
Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection spread to humans via contact with dog or cat feces that contain the bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramping, and fever.
Symptoms of campylobacteriosis can appear two to five days after exposure.
Leptospirosis is a type of bacterial infection spread through dog urine. Symptoms include fever, digestive discomfort, and aches and pains. The condition is rare in the US, and most symptoms are mild.
Rabies, a viral disease, is rare in the US due to pet vaccinations. Rabies spreads from dogs to humans through bites or scratches.
Symptoms of rabies include fever, muscle weakness, and tingling. Once symptoms appear, it's often too late for treatment.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be passed from dogs and cats to humans through direct contact or by touching a surface or object that came into contact with the fungus, including bedding and food bowls.
Symptoms of ringworm include a scaly, circular, itchy rash on the skin. Topical medications can clear ringworm in two to four weeks.
Salmonella can be spread to humans through contact with a dog's feces or saliva. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In 2019, a salmonella outbreak linked to pig ear treats affected dogs across the United States. Salmonella bacteria can persist in an infected pet's stool for four to six weeks after the initial infection.
Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, can be spread from pets to people to varying degrees.
For people and pets experiencing the stomach bug, the symptoms can be similar, including fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Gastroenteritis may be transmitted between dogs and people through their stools or their saliva.
Salmonella may be spread to humans through cats' litter boxes and as they roam through the home.
Children, people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, and immunocompromised people are most at risk of catching illnesses from their dogs.
The level of risk and who might develop particular conditions may also depend on the specific bacteria, fungus, or disease.
Human influenza viruses can affect dogs but according to research, it doesn't appear dogs experience any symptoms.
Good hygiene and cleanliness practices are the best way to reduce or eliminate your risk of contracting zoonotic diseases from your dog.
Pick up after your dog as soon as you can and dispose of the mess in a sealed bag. Avoid touching it with your hands or exposing it to clothing or surfaces you may touch.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling a dog or their feces, food bowls, toys, or anywhere a dog's saliva might have spread germs.
As difficult as it may be, avoid letting your dog give you kisses on your face, especially on or around your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Regular checkups with the veterinarian can identify any health problems, including parasites or infectious diseases that can be spread between animals and humans.
Ensure you and your dog are up to date with all your vaccinations. Dogs should be immunized against rabies, distemper, kennel cough, and canine parvovirus.
Avoid interactions with a dog that seems scared or angry, and always ask before petting another person's dog. If you do get bitten or scratched, immediately wash and disinfect the area and seek any medical attention as needed.
Sources: (Healthline) (RSPCA)
See also: These breeds make the best family dogs
Illnesses you can catch from your dog: what you need to know
A guide to staying healthy around your hound
HEALTH Pets
In many places around the world, pet owners consider their dogs to be family members. However, did you know you can get sick from your dog? While rare, illnesses can spread through close contact, contaminated feces or urine, or by sleeping in the same bed as your pooch. So what can you do to ensure you stay healthy?
This gallery covers the illnesses to watch out for and simple tips to prevent you from getting sick. Simply click to discover more.