Passing on diseases

[Michael Romanos]

Corgis cannot give us their colds nor we give Corgis our colds. But a few diseases can be transmitted from Corgis to us:

Parasites (gastrolintestinal) - hookworms, roundworms.

Rabies (viral infection),

Leptospirosis (bacterial).

Ringworm (fungal infection).


Cats are a bigger health threat to humans than are dogs.

[MattC]

When Nick had giardia we warned that it could be passed to humans. The vet rather uncomfortably explained that we needed to be extra clean and after looking at Nick's long body asked "Can he lick his but?"

[MyPemCharlie]

Originally Posted by MattC

When Nick had giardia we warned that it could be passed to humans. The vet rather uncomfortably explained that we needed to be extra clean and after looking at Nick's long body asked "Can he lick his but?"

God would never be so cruel as to create a dog who couldn't lick its butt! LOL

On a more serious note, add MRSA the "Superbug" to the list. Dr. Phil did a show on MRSA yesterday. I had never heard of it before. It is a bacterial staph infection which is resistant to all antibiotics...no cure. It causes open, pus-filled sores on the skin that don't easily heal, and can get into the bloodstream and organs. MRSA can be transmitted between people and pets. The greatest risk of contraction would be from any surgical procedure where the veterinarian has not thoroughly disinfected all equipment.

Scary!

[LaRogue]

I hear alot about diseases people can catch from animals, but what about vice versa? I'm curious because I know a family who recently had the flu, their pet rabbit caught it, and even though it received treatment from their vet, it died about 2 weeks later (very sad for the kids). It made me curious as to what diseases people can pass to dogs.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by MattC

When Nick had giardia we warned that it could be passed to humans. The vet rather uncomfortably explained that we needed to be extra clean and after looking at Nick's long body asked "Can he lick his but?"

Yes, giardia can be passed from animals to humans and vice versa. And yes, you need to wash your hands after cleaning up after the dog.

Strep throat can also be passed back and forth. It's not real common but it can happen.

Peggy

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by LaRogue

I hear alot about diseases people can catch from animals, but what about vice versa? I'm curious because I know a family who recently had the flu, their pet rabbit caught it, and even though it received treatment from their vet, it died about 2 weeks later (very sad for the kids). It made me curious as to what diseases people can pass to dogs.

In reality of all the things we can get, very few of them transmit across species.

These links will help answer your questions.
Dog Owner's Guide: Zoonotic diseases
Zoonoses of House Pets Other Than Dogs, Cats and Birds
About Dogs - FAQ - What are Zoonotic Diseases?
Guidelines for Veterinarians: Prevention of Zoonotic Transmission of Ascarids and Hookworms of Dogs and Cats

Peggy

[LaRogue]

On a more serious note, add MRSA the "Superbug" to the list. Dr. Phil did a show on MRSA yesterday. I had never heard of it before. It is a bacterial staph infection which is resistant to all antibiotics...no cure. It causes open, pus-filled sores on the skin that don't easily heal, and can get into the bloodstream and organs. MRSA can be transmitted between people and pets. The greatest risk of contraction would be from any surgical procedure where the veterinarian has not thoroughly disinfected all equipment.

There was a MRSA outbreak in my area among high school wrestlers not too long ago. I haven't heard if they ever found out what caused the orginal case, but it was spreading between the kids like crazy and they suspended the wrestling programs in a couple of schools, because of it.

After reading Peggy's links, I thank my lucky stars for strict teaching of good hygiene practices!