Dog Diseases Contagious to HumansDog Diseases Contagious to Humans

Dog diseases will usually not be transmitted to humans; however, there are a few exceptions to this rule. As a dog owner, you need to know which diseases can be contracted form your pet, so as to be able to detect these and protect yourself and your family from these.

The diseases that may be transmitted from animals to humans are also called zoonotic diseases.

Rabies

Rabies is a rare but dangerous infection that can be transmitted from dogs to people.

If you get bitten by an infected dog, you are likely to get rabies, especially if the dog is unvaccinated.

Always clean the wound after you get bitten by using antibacterial soap and disinfectant, and apply some antibiotic cream. You should also get a rabies shot; in case you got the shot in the previous 5 years, you may only need a rabies shot booster.

Intestinal Parasites

There are 3 types of intestinal parasites that may be transmitted from dogs to humans:

All these intestinal worms can be contracted though the ingestion of eggs or larvae that are mostly present in the feces and the saliva of the dog. Depending on the environment and the type of parasites, the eggs or larvae may survive in the environment if not properly cleaned.

Typically, children are more exposed to contracting these parasites, as they have a weaker immune system and they are more likely to ingest soil or sand by failing to wash their hands after playing outside.

Clean your home using diluted bleach, as this can kill any types of parasite larvae or eggs. Wear gloves while gardening or handling your dog’s feces.

Ringworm

The ringworm disease is determined by the presence of fungi that are located on the surface of the dog’s skin and may be transmitted to humans also.

The ringworm may cause hair loss in a ring shape in canines; in humans, the fungi may lead to skin irritations and can cause nail infections.

The ringworm fungi can be transmitted through feces or by patting an infected dog. The ringworm fungi may also be present in the sand or soil, so you may contract the ringworm infection form the beach or while gardening.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by ticks; if your dog is infected with Lyme disease, you can also catch this disease. Lyme disease may be fatal in dogs and can seriously affect children or people with a compromised immune system.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be contracted through direct contact with dog urine. Leptospirosis can damage the internal organs in dogs or humans. The main carrier of the leptospira bacteria are the rodents.

Monitor your dog’s health to make sure he is not sick and to prevent the spreading of any zoonotic diseases. Each zoonotic disease has different symptoms, but you need to watch out for any abnormal behavior such as lack of appetite, diarrhea or vomiting, rashes, itchiness, lack of activity, lameness or ring shaped hairless patches.

 

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