Mabel the Rescue Dog

4 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

Sicknesses in humans and dogs are not the same, but you might’ve noticed that some health problems are fairly similar for both of us. With the coronavirus pandemic going on right now, it’s common for people to worry about this more. For the most part, humans and dogs won’t get sick from each other, but there are some instances where it’s possible.

What Sicknesses Can Dogs Get From Humans?

When you get sick, your first thought probably isn’t how it will affect your dog. In most cases, your dog is safe from your sicknesses, but there are a few diseases to be aware of. Keep your home as clean as possible to avoid these possible health concerns.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Some bacteria can be passed from you to your dog such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria can live on a dog or human without harming them, but if it enters a wound, it can cause a horrible infection. Bacteria like that can be transferred from you to your dog.

Certain Viruses

Many viruses can affect both dogs and humans, but they cannot be passed between two different species. However, viruses like the swine flu and rabies can be passed from a human to a dog, but it’s very rare.

Fungal Infections

There are a few types of fungi that your dog can get from you, but the most common is ringworm. Ringworm is highly contagious, so if you get it, you could easily pass it onto your pooch even though they’re a different species. However, other fungi like Cryptococcus can affect both dogs and humans, but they can’t catch it from each other.

Some Parasites

Sarcoptes scabiei mites and protozoan parasites are both types of parasites that can be transferred from a human to a dog with direct or indirect contact. However, parasites like roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm can infect both dogs and humans, but they are species-specific.

What Sicknesses Can Humans Get From Dogs?

While some human sicknesses can affect dogs, there are more dog diseases that humans can catch. With proper care and cleaning, most of them can be avoided, but there’s always a possibility. Here are a few of the sicknesses humans can get from dogs.

Toxocariasis

This disease is caused by the larvae of roundworms. Humans can get it by coming into contact with dog feces. If you dog has it, symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, bloody stool, and worms in their stool. If humans have it, the worms usually end up in their lungs instead, so they could have trouble breathing. To avoid getting this disease, always pick up feces using a bag or shovel, and always wash your hands afterwards.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a type of fungal disease that grows on a dog’s hair, and it can be transmitted through direct contact. It leaves a ring-shaped rash on both dogs and humans. Frequently cleaning your home, especially your dog’s bedding and blankets, can greatly reduce the chances of you getting this disease.

Rabies

Rabies is most commonly transmitted from wild animals, but it is possible for dogs to pass it on to humans. This disease is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically through a bite. Foaming at the mouth is the most obvious sign for your dog, but behavior changes, sensitivities, and loss of appetite are other symptoms that could occur. To prevent your dog from getting it, make sure they’re always up to date on their rabies vaccination!

Giardia

Giardia is an intestinal parasite that can cause gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms for both dogs and humans include diarrhea, painful gas, stomach cramps and vomiting. It can be spread through contaminated water or contact with feces.

There are a few other diseases that can be transmitted from dogs to humans, but like these ones, they can be prevented through proper cleaning and care. For more information on these diseases, check out this helpful article on Prevention.com.

How to Prevent These Problems

I wrote this article just to be informative, not to scare anyone. It’s highly unlikely that you will get your dog sick or vice versa. What’s important is that you take proper care of you and your dog to prevent anything bad from happening.

Take Your Dog For Regular Checkups

Vet visits can be expensive, but you should never neglect a yearly checkup. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, the vet will always be able to answer your questions. Plus, you should make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations in order to keep both you and your pup safe.

Clean Often!

Humans have been obsessed with cleaning during this whole coronavirus thing, but cleaning should be a normal thing every day of the year. Always make sure you keep your home clean and, of course, you should wash your hands frequently. Also, bathe your dog regularly or take them to the groomer to keep them as clean as possible. This is the best way to keep everyone as healthy!

I hope everyone is staying safe during this time of uncertainty. And remember, while there are some diseases that you and your dog can pass to each other, the coronavirus isn’t one of them. Your dog is a part of your family, so you need to care for them even during tough times like this.

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