Dogs can transmit several zoonotic diseases to humans, including rabies, ringworm, leptospirosis, and certain intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms. Most are preventable with good hygiene, vaccinations, and regular veterinary care.
🦠 Common Canine Zoonotic Diseases
| Disease | Type | How It Spreads | Human Symptoms | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Viral | Bite from infected dog | Neurological symptoms, fatal if untreated | Vaccinate dogs, avoid stray bites |
| Ringworm | Fungal | Direct contact with infected fur/skin | Red, itchy, circular skin rash | Wash hands, treat pets promptly |
| Leptospirosis | Bacterial | Contact with urine-contaminated water/soil | Fever, muscle pain, kidney/liver damage | Avoid stagnant water, vaccinate dogs |
| Roundworms (Toxocara) | Parasitic | Ingesting eggs from contaminated soil/feces | Abdominal pain, rare eye damage | Deworm pets, clean up feces |
| Hookworms | Parasitic | Skin contact with larvae in soil | Itchy rash, anemia | Wear shoes outdoors, deworm pets |
| Giardia | Parasitic protozoa | Ingesting contaminated water/feces | Diarrhea, cramps | Clean water, prompt vet treatment |
| Campylobacter & Salmonella | Bacterial | Contact with feces or contaminated food | Diarrhea, fever, cramps | Wash hands, avoid raw feeding |
| Scabies (Sarcoptic mange) | Parasitic mite | Direct contact with infected dog | Itchy rash, skin irritation | Treat pets, avoid close contact |
| Capnocytophaga canimorsus | Bacterial | Dog bites or saliva | Sepsis, meningitis (rare, severe) | Immediate wound care, antibiotics if needed |
⚠️ Key Risks
- Children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe illness.
- Close contact behaviors (sharing beds, face licking, poor hand hygiene) increase transmission chances.
🛡️ Prevention Tips
- Vaccinate dogs (rabies, leptospirosis).
- Regular deworming and flea/tick control.
- Practice hygiene: wash hands after handling pets or cleaning up waste.
- Avoid raw feeding to reduce bacterial transmission.
- Seek medical attention promptly after bites or unusual symptoms.
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