In this article on our site we are going to review the 9 diseases that dogs transmit to humans As we will see, most of them are pathologies involving parasites such as fleas or mosquitoes, being considered vector diseases, since they require the intervention of a third organism to infest our dog. For all these reasons, prevention is crucial, so that if we keep our dog properly dewormed and vaccinated, we will largely avoid the options for contagion and, consequently, transmission.
Dog internal parasites in humans
We begin the review of the 9 diseases that dogs transmit to humans with the internal parasites responsible, for the most part, of gastrointestinal disorders, although dirofilariosis or heartworm also stands out, which we will see in the next section. Digestive tract parasites that can pass from dogs to humans are:
- Nematodes: These are worms that are widely found in dogs. Contagion is possible through the placenta, breast milk, ingestion of eggs from the ground, where they can remain for a long period of time, or from a rodent that contains the parasite and is ingested by the dog. These parasites do not usually cause symptoms in he althy animals, but in younger animals they can cause, above all, diarrhea and vomiting. In humans they are responsible for a disorder known as visceral larva migrans.
- Giardias: in this case we are dealing with protozoa responsible for profuse diarrhoea, as always with a greater impact on vulnerable animals. It is considered that some genotypes can infect humans, although contagion is more frequent due to the ingestion of contaminated water. Giardia is not always detected by looking at a stool sample under a microscope, as excretion is intermittent, so samples over several days are often required.
- Taenias: these are worms among which varieties of interest such as Dipylidium and Echinococcus can be distinguished. Fleas can transmit them to our dogs and they to us, although children can also be infected by directly ingesting fleas. Likewise, they are transmitted by ingesting eggs found in contaminated food, water or environments. Taeniasis (Taenia) can be asymptomatic, however, sometimes we can see proglottis (mobile fragments), as they contain eggs, similar to a grain of rice, around the dog's anus, which could also present itching in the area. Echinococcosis, rare in dogs, in humans can form hydatid cysts in the liver, lungs and brain.
The contagion of intestinal parasites from dogs to humans can occur in different ways but, in general, it can happen, for example, after having sniffed the animal infested feces, licked our hand, for example, and then rubbed our mouths. If the dog with parasites has defecated at home or in the garden and the droppings have remained there for some time, when picking them up we can also become infested if we do not maintain adequate hygienic precautions. The same thing happens in parks, since by touching the land that has been in contact with infested dogs we can ingest the parasites. In general, children tend to be the most susceptible, since they can play with the sand, bring their hands to their faces or even eat it.
A correct internal and external deworming schedule is the best prevention against these disorders, especially in more vulnerable animals such as puppies. So, because we love them, we protect them, go to your vet and deworm your pet
Filariasis in dogs and humans
Within the diseases that dogs transmit to humans, we will highlight one that is gaining more and more prominence: filariasis, more correctly called dirofilariosis. In this vectorial disease a mosquito intervenes that will carry the parasite in its oral organs. Thus, if it bites our dog, it is capable of infesting it. The filaria will go through different phases of maturation until it ends up staying in the pulmonary arteries, the right side of the heart and even the vena cava and hepatic veins. In addition, the females release microfilariae into the blood that can pass to a mosquito that, again, bites another dog.
As we can see, it is not possible for the dog to infect us directly with the disease, but we could become infested if a parasitized mosquito bites us. The dog would act as a reservoir for the parasite Although in humans it is assumed to be underdiagnosed and asymptomatic, in dogs it can have very serious consequences, as it causes great damage to fundamental organs such as the heart, lungs or liver, even leading to death. Its treatment is also risky because of the obstructions that can be caused by the adult worms. Therefore, prevention is once again basic, in this case using products that prevent the mosquito from biting and establishing guidelines that limit the exposure of dogs to the mosquito, as well as the use of internal antiparasitics that prevent the cycle of this worm is complete. We highlight the importance of double monthly deworming, especially if we live in places where this worm is endemic, such as the Canary Islands, Spain, where animals must be dewormed against filaria every month, throughout the year.
Skin diseases transmitted from dogs to people
The most common skin conditions that can be passed from dogs to humans are mange and ringworm. Both are well-known diseases, so they could not miss this review of the diseases that dogs transmit to people. Their characteristics are:
- Ringworm: it is a disease caused by fungi that goes to cause circular lesions on the skin. Spores in the environment can infect humans and other dogs or cats that live in the home.
- Scabies: in this case it is a mite that it burrows into the skin producing great itching and areas with wounds and alopecia. The mite in the environment can be very contagious, especially, as always, for animals or immunosuppressed people. Of course, it should be noted that not all types of mange are considered zoonoses, so that the most common and common in dogs and people is sarcoptic mange, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei.
In these diseases, home cleaning is basic, with vacuuming, disinfection and washing of beds and other tools in contact with the dog. It is also important to keep the animal under control and take it to the vet at the first symptom.
Rabies, a viral disease that passes from dogs to humans
Although this disease has been practically eradicated in much of Europe and North America, we include it among the diseases that can be transmitted from dogs to humans because it causes numerous deaths of people, especially in Asia and Africa. In Central and South America we find high-risk regions along with others where successful vaccination programs have been established.
Rabies is a viral disease for which there is a vaccine, this being the only way to combat it. The virus that causes it belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, damages the nervous system and is spread from dogs to humans through contact with the saliva of the infected dog or through your bite.
Other diseases transmitted from dogs to people
In addition to the diseases mentioned, humans can also get leishmaniasis or leptospirosis, and here's how:
Leishmaniasis in dogs and humans
This parasitic condition has a considerable extension, hence its inclusion in the diseases transmitted from dogs to humans. As we discussed in the case of heartworm disease, dogs do not directly infect humans, but act as a reservoir for this disease that is also transmitted by mosquito bites
Symptoms are varied, since we can find ourselves with skin or general conditions. Given the role of the dog as a reservoir, it is essential to establish a treatment, and it is better to follow the prevention guidelines that include deworming to repel the mosquito and, also, vaccination against leishmania.
Contagion of leptospirosis from dogs to humans
Once we have reviewed the main parasitic diseases, we include leptospirosis in the list of diseases that dogs transmit to people, a bacterial diseasefor which there is a vaccine. The symptoms it produces are varied and can affect the digestive system, the liver or the kidneys. The bacteria is spread through urine and can remain in the soil for months. Dogs and humans become infected by coming into contact with it, the bacteria entering the body through a wound or by drinking contaminated water. Requires veterinary treatment.
External parasites that pass from dogs to humans
Both fleas and ticks andlice are parasites that can easily pass from our dog to our skin. Although this change of host does not constitute a disease that is transmitted from dogs to people, we can still be infected with some disease through the bite of these parasites , since, as we have seen throughout the article, they are carriers of various pathologies already mentioned and many more, such as Lyme disease.
In general, they produce symptoms such as itching, skin rashes, wounds and even gastrointestinal problems. To avoid a possible infestation, below we present prevention measures that should be kept in mind.
Preventive measures
Once the most common diseases that dogs transmit to humans have been pointed out, these are the basic prevention guidelines:
- Internal and external deworming, taking into account the most abundant parasites in our area and those of the destination if we travel with our dog.
- Vaccination schedule.
- Avoid going for a walk at times of greatest mosquito presence.
- Adequate cleaning, disinfection and deworming of the dog's places and accessories, especially if we have more than one.
- Hand washingwhenever we handle the dog or its accessories. You have to be especially careful with children, as they usually put their hands in their mouths.
- Go to the vet in case of any symptoms.
