As a dog owner, you want to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. But with colds, flu and other contagious illnesses going around, you may wonder – can my dog catch diseases from people? Understanding how diseases transmit between humans and canines helps you protect your pup.
Can Dogs Get Human Colds and Flu?
The good news is dogs cannot catch human colds or seasonal influenza. The viruses that cause these respiratory illnesses in people do not infect canine cells. So you don’t have to worry about your sneezes or cough spreading to your pooch.
However, kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection between dogs similar to a chest cold. The kennel cough bacteria can spread to dogs via humans carrying it on their hands or clothes after touching an infected dog.
What Other Illnesses Can Dogs Get From Humans?
Several other common human infectious diseases can be passed to dogs under certain circumstances:
- COVID-19 – Dogs can rarely catch this virus from very close contact with infected humans. Most dogs experience mild to no symptoms.
- Strep throat – Dogs in close contact with someone carrying the bacteria can develop strep infections.
- Pinworms – These intestinal parasites easily spread between humans and dogs through ingesting eggs.
- Ringworm – A common fungal skin infection transmittable through touch.
- MRSA – The antibiotic resistant staph bacteria sometimes spreads between pets and owners.
- Salmonella – Dogs can get sick from contaminated food or infected humans.
- Mange – Humans do not get mange but may transfer mites to dogs through close contact.
In general, healthy adult dogs are at low risk for catching contagious diseases from humans. Puppies and senior dogs with weaker immune systems are more susceptible.
How Diseases Spread Between Humans and Dogs
Understanding how contagious illnesses transmit helps reduce infection risks. Here are some key modes of disease transmission:
- Direct Contact – Humans and dogs spread illnesses through direct touch, kisses, licks, and very close interactions. Many parasites, fungi, and bacteria can be passed this way.
- Fomites – Objects like dishes, toys, bedding, and surfaces contaminated by an infected individual can pass diseases when touched by another host. Proper cleaning eliminates fomite spread.
- Bodily Fluids – Saliva, nasal discharge, urine, and feces from sick individuals contain pathogens easily picked up by others. Covering sneezes/coughs and proper waste disposal reduce risks.
- Vectors – Some diseases involve intermediary hosts like mosquitos or ticks which spread pathogens between humans and animals through bites.
- Airborne Droplets – Coughing, sneezing, or breathing expel tiny infected droplets which float through the air to new hosts. Masks limit airborne spread.
Understanding these modes of contagion allows us to block key transmission routes through responsible interactions and hygiene habits.
Reducing Disease Transmission
To minimize your dog’s infection risk, be proactive:
- Wash hands before and after contact with your dog, especially if you are sick.
- Avoid kisses and sharing food/dishes if you have cold or flu symptoms.
- Keep your dog’s vaccinations and parasite prevention up-to-date.
- Quarantine dogs with signs of illness away from healthy pets.
- Disinfect toys, bedding, and living areas regularly.
- Prevent your dog from contact with wild animals and their droppings.
- Clean paws and coat after public outings where they could pick up germs.
While we cannot completely eliminate risks, conscientious care and hygiene limit contagion between humans and furry friends. If your dog does develop concerning symptoms, call your veterinarian right away. Keeping each other healthy means your dog will stay by your side enjoying life for years to come.
Protecting Immunocompromised Dogs
Dogs with weakened immune systems due to age, illness or medications have higher susceptibility to contagious diseases. Extra precautions are needed to protect these vulnerable pups.
“Senior dogs, chemotherapy patients, and dogs on steroids or immunosuppressive drugs cannot fight off infections as effectively,” explains veterinarian Dr. Sarah Mitchell. “Limit their exposure in public places where germs concentrate.”
Dr. Mitchell recommends the following protocols for immunocompromised dogs:
- Have people wash hands before handling the dog.
- Bathe dogs after high-risk outings to wash off potential germs.
- Avoid dog parks and crowded areas. Stick to controlled interactions.
- Pick up and dispose of dog waste promptly to avoid spread through feces.
- Keep unvaccinated pets away from at-risk dogs.
- Discuss supplementary immune boosters or antibiotics with your vet.
“With common sense management, dogs with weakened immunity can still live happy lives interacting with their families,” assures Dr. Mitchell. “Work closely with your vet to provide the right prevention plan.”
Signs of Illness in Dogs
Watch for these common symptoms of infectious disease in dogs:
- Fever
- Coughing or sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Skin sores or irritation
- Itching, scratching or licking
- Hair loss
- Weight loss
- Unusual behavior changes
Sudden onset of concerning symptoms in your dog warrants an immediate call to the vet. They can run tests to determine if an infectious disease is present and recommend proper treatment.
While we share our lives closely with dogs, a bit of awareness helps limit contagion risks. With prompt veterinary care when needed and smart preventative habits daily, we can keep our furry companions healthy as they bring us so much joy and comfort.
