Dogs can be wonderful companions, but they can also carry zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable ones 🐾:
🦠 Bacterial Infections
- Leptospirosis: Spread through contact with infected urine or contaminated water. Can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, kidney or liver damage.
- Salmonellosis: Transmitted via contaminated feces or food. Causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- Brucellosis: Rare but serious; causes flu-like symptoms and can be contracted through contact with infected dogs.
🧬 Parasitic Diseases
- Roundworms (Toxocara): Can lead to visceral larva migrans in humans, affecting organs and eyes.
- Tapeworms (Echinococcus, Dipylidium): Transmitted via fleas or contaminated feces.
- Giardiasis: A protozoan infection causing diarrhea, often spread through contaminated water or feces.
🧫 Fungal Infections
- Ringworm: A highly contagious skin infection that causes red, itchy, ring-shaped rashes. Spread through direct contact with infected fur or skin.
🧪 Viral Diseases
- Rabies: The most infamous zoonotic disease. Transmitted through bites or scratches, it affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal if untreated.
🐜 External Parasites
- Fleas and Ticks: While not diseases themselves, they can carry pathogens like Lyme disease or tapeworms.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
- Keep your dog’s vaccinations and deworming up to date.
- Practice good hygiene—especially after handling waste or cleaning bedding.
- Avoid letting your dog lick your face or open wounds.
- Regular vet checkups are key to early detection and prevention.
Read more, https://www.ringbio.com/solutions/pet