Zoonoses – What does it mean for you and your family?
OK, since we’ve been talking about health issues this month, we’ll end on zoonoses. What is zoonoses, you ask? These are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. So, in this post, we’re talking specifically about diseases that can pass from dogs to humans. Now, there are tons of studies that show benefits of having pets around, so don’t get paranoid 😉 The spread of diseases from animal to people is rare, and the risk is not growing, but there is the potential that your pet can carry a germ that makes you sick. So, it is wise to know what diseases your pet could give you (but not necessarily will give you).
Diseases that can pass from dogs to humans:
- MRSA – an antibiotic-resistant infection. This bacterial strain can go back and forth between dogs and people (interspecies-transmission). Most humans have a natural resistance to staph until our immunity becomes compromised.
- Dog Bite diseases. A bacteria called Capnocytophaga canimorsus can be transmitted from bites, licks, or even being close to a dog that has it. While healthy people should really be too concerned, those who are immunocompromised should be more careful. Symptoms: fever that evolves quickly. sepsis, and hemorrhaging.
- Kennel Cough. Again, this disease is more problematic for immunocompromised people, but also young children and pregnant women.
- Leptospirosis. Another bacteria to blame: pathogenic spirochetes. Most cases occur in mild or tropical climates, especially after rainfall. For dogs, most cases occur in late summer and fall – when pets and wildlife are out together. Symptoms for humans: high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rash. How do humans contract it? Contact with the urine of an infected dog, or being licked by an infected dog. It can be treated with antibiotics.
- Norovirus. For humans, we call this the stomach flu. While we know it is easily transferred among humans, now it is suspected dogs can carry it, too.
- Vector-borne diseases. This means a parasite (like a tick or flea) carries the disease, and your dog carries that parasite to you. Several examples: Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Plague
So, what can you do to stop the spread of diseases?
Tips to help stop the spread of disease:
- Keep your pet healthy
- Keep your pet flea- and tick-free
- Don’t handle your pet’s feces or urine; use gloves, scoopers, or bags to protect your hands
- Clean up after your pet
- Always wash your hands after handling your pet, their food/bedding, or cleaning up after them
- Keep your pets away from strays and wild animals
- As much as you may like it, don’t let your pets lick you on the mouth. Also teach your kids not to mouth pets or put any part of the animal’s body in their mouth.
- Keep your family healthy.
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