7 Diseases Dogs Spread to Humans

1. Rabies

Rabies is a deadly virus. It harms the brain and nervous system.

Once symptoms appear, it is nearly always fatal.

How It Spreads: Rabies is transmitted through bites or saliva from an infected animal.
Symptoms in Humans: Fever, headache, confusion, muscle spasms, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
Quick Tip: Vaccinate your dog against rabies. Avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals.

Interesting Fact: Rabies has one of the highest fatality rates. It’s preventable with a vaccine.

Signs to Watch for in Dogs: Rabid dogs may act strangely, be aggressive, or drool.

In advanced stages, they may experience paralysis or disorientation.

Real-Life Scenario: You find a friendly-looking, unvaccinated stray dog.

Rabies poses a risk. So, keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date. Avoid stray animals.

Step-by-Step Prevention:

Step 1: Keep up with regular rabies vaccinations for your dog, as required by law.
Step 2: Avoid interaction with wild or stray animals.
Step 3: If an unknown animal bites you or your pet, get medical advice right away for post-exposure treatment.

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2. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection in humans and animals.

It often spreads through contaminated water or soil.

How It Spreads: Dogs can catch the bacteria from standing water or damp soil. They can pass it to humans through urine or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms in Humans: Fever, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting. In severe cases, there may be liver or kidney damage.
Quick Tip: Don’t let your dog drink stagnant water. Wash your hands after handling pet urine.

Interesting Fact: Leptospirosis is more common in warm, humid areas.

Bacteria thrive in standing water there.

Signs to Watch for in Dogs: Dogs with leptospirosis may have a fever, vomiting, or muscle pain.

They may also be reluctant to move.

Some may also show signs of jaundice, with yellowing of the eyes or gums.

Transmission Path: Dogs often get leptospirosis from water, like ponds, puddles, or damp soil in dog parks.

This bacteria can survive in water or soil for weeks. So, damp environments are a risk.

Extra Prevention Tip:

Step 1: Prevent your dog from drinking from ponds or puddles, especially after heavy rain.
Step 2: Clean any areas where your dog may have urinated, as the bacteria can remain on surfaces.
Step 3: If you live in a high-risk area, check your pet’s vaccinations. They should cover leptospirosis.

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3. Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection. It affects the skin, hair, and nails.

How It Spreads: Dogs with ringworm can pass the fungus to humans through contact with infected skin or fur.
Symptoms in Humans: Red, circular, itchy patches on the skin, often found on the arms, legs, or scalp.
Quick Tip: Wash your hands after handling your dog. Clean surfaces that your pet touches.

Interesting Fact: Ringworm isn’t caused by a worm at all; it gets its name from the circular rash it creates.

Signs to Watch for in Dogs: Look for bald patches, scaly skin, or red circular sores, especially on the ears or face.

Real-Life Example: A child plays with a dog. The dog has an undiagnosed ringworm infection.

The child may get red, itchy patches on their skin.

This highlights the need for thorough handwashing and pet skin checks.

Extra Precaution:

Step 1: If you suspect ringworm, isolate your dog to prevent its spread to other pets and family members.
Step 2: Clean bedding, collars, and grooming tools. The fungus can live on surfaces.
Step 3: Take your dog to the vet for antifungal treatment if ringworm is confirmed.

4. Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacterial infection from contaminated food. Dogs can also carry and spread it.

How It Spreads: Dogs can get salmonella from raw food or contaminated places. They can pass it to humans through saliva or feces.
Symptoms in Humans: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.
Quick Tip: Don’t feed your dog raw food. Wash your hands after handling pet waste or cleaning their food area.

Interesting Fact: Salmonella can survive on surfaces for hours. It can spread easily in shared spaces.

Signs to Watch for in Dogs: Dogs with salmonella may have diarrhea, vomiting, and a poor appetite. Some dogs show no symptoms.

Salmonella can spread from a dog on a raw diet.

It can contaminate kitchen counters or food dishes.

Even indirect contact with the dog’s food can transfer bacteria.

Extra Handling Tips:

Step 1: Always wash surfaces, bowls, and utensils used for pet food with hot, soapy water.
Step 2: Avoid letting your dog lick people’s faces or hands if they’re on a raw diet.
Step 3: If a dog shows salmonella symptoms, isolate it from shared spaces until they clear.

5. Campylobacteriosis

This infection, caused by Campylobacter bacteria, mainly affects the gut in humans and animals.

How It Spreads: Dogs, especially puppies, may carry bacteria in their stool. They can pass it to humans through contact with feces or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms in Humans: Diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and fever.
Quick Prevention Tip: Practice good hygiene when handling dog waste. Always wash your hands with soap and water.

Interesting Fact: Puppies are more likely than adult dogs to carry Campylobacter.

This increases the risk of transmission to humans.

Signs to Watch for in Dogs: Diarrhea and cramping are common.

Puppies may carry Campylobacter without symptoms.

Additional Hygiene Tips:

Step 1: Dispose of dog waste in sealed bags to limit bacterial spread.
Step 2: Clean your dog’s living space regularly to reduce bacterial presence.
Step 3: Wash hands immediately after handling any puppy or dog waste.

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6. Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection. It can harm dogs’ reproductive organs. It can cause serious symptoms in humans.

How It Spreads: Humans can catch brucellosis from infected dog blood, urine, or birth tissues.
Symptoms in Humans: Fever, muscle pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, there may be complications with bones or joints.
Prevention Tip: If your dog has brucellosis, avoid their fluids. Consult your vet for handling instructions.

Interesting Fact: Brucellosis is rare in pets but common in breeding facilities, where it spreads easily.

Signs to Watch for in Dogs: Dogs may exhibit lethargy, joint pain, and reproductive issues. In some cases, dogs may become infertile.

Real-Life Scenario: In a breeding kennel, brucellosis can spread quickly.

The dogs are near.

This example shows why it is crucial to test breeding dogs for brucellosis before mating.

Extra Prevention Tip:

Step 1: Wear gloves when handling an infected dog’s waste or bedding.
Step 2: Sterilize areas your dog has contact with if brucellosis is suspected.
Step 3: Avoid breeding pets that test positive for brucellosis.

7. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by ticks. It can affect both dogs and humans.

How It Spreads: Dogs can bring infected ticks into the home. The ticks may then bite humans and transmit Lyme disease.
Symptoms in Humans: Fever, headache, fatigue, and a “bullseye” rash at the tick bite site.

Interesting Fact: Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S., and cases have doubled over the past decade.

Signs to Watch for in Dogs: Dogs with Lyme disease may show lameness, fever, fatigue, and a loss of appetite.

Some may develop swollen joints or difficulties walking.

Prevention Tips:

Step 1: Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products on your dog.
Step 2: Check both yourself and your dog for ticks after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
Step 3: Keep grass trimmed and avoid tall vegetation around your yard to reduce tick habitat.

Extra Travel Precaution: If traveling with your dog to tick-infested areas, pack a tick-repellent spray and a tick-removal tool.

Use them to safely remove ticks if needed.

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Why Some People Are More at Risk

Some people are at a higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases.

Infections are a bigger threat to young children, older adults, and those with weak immune systems.

They have reduced immunity.

Pregnant women should be cautious.

Some infections can harm both the mother and the baby.

Extra Precautions for At-Risk Groups:

Limit close contact with pets showing signs of illness.
Use gloves when cleaning pet waste or handling pet bedding.
Consult a healthcare provider for specific guidance if you are in a high-risk group.

This awareness helps high-risk individuals take extra steps to protect themselves.

Additional Tips for Preventing Zoonotic Diseases

Keeping yourself and your dog healthy is possible with a few more prevention tips:

Routine Vet Checkups: Regular vet visits help find infections early and keep your dog’s vaccines up-to-date. Annual exams allow your vet to monitor health issues that might affect both pets and humans.
Hygiene: Wash your hands after handling your dog, cleaning waste, or touching food and water dishes. Good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to avoid the spread of germs.
Proper Diet: Don’t feed raw diets. They may carry bacteria like salmonella or campylobacter. A balanced, cooked diet is generally safer for both your dog and household.
Grooming and Tick Prevention: Regular grooming and flea and tick products can help prevent diseases like Lyme disease. Bathe your dog regularly and brush out their fur to spot any issues early.
Clean Pet Areas: Sanitize your pet’s frequent areas. This includes food and water bowls, bedding, and shared spaces. It will help control germs.

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Long-Term Health Plan:

Keep a pet health journal. Track any signs of illness, behavior changes, or vaccinations. This helps you spot trends and keep a record of any potential health issues.
Schedule annual vet visits and vaccinations. Ensure all preventive care is up to date.
Teach family members basic hygiene for handling pets. This includes handwashing and cleaning shared spaces.

By following these steps, you will bond with your dog.

You’ll also keep your home healthy and safe.

Regular care can prevent zoonotic diseases.

This lets you and your pet enjoy each other for years.

Conclusion

Dogs are loyal, loving companions. But they can spread diseases to humans.

You must understand these risks.

They are key to a safe, healthy relationship with your pet.

Remember: Awareness and hygiene help prevent diseases from dogs to humans.

Are you ready to protect yourself and your family?

With regular care and simple hygiene, you can keep you and your dog healthy.

Know the diseases that can affect them.

⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)

A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

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