Do you own a canine? Then, the love the two of you share is a bond that cannot be expressed in words. Life with a dog can indeed be ‘pawsitively’ thrilling, and this is why so many US households own at least one pooch.

Would you believe that you belong to 86.9 million households in the US currently owning at least one dog? In the past three decades, dog ownership has increased manifold. Most pet parents cite reasons like love, loyalty, companionship, etc., to own a pet.

Despite the world of responsibilities that dog ownership brings, the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices. However, there are some grave matters to be aware of, one of which is discussed in this article. Read on to understand whether you’re at risk of contracting any disease from your beloved dog.

Getting Straight to the Answer

Let’s cut to the chase and end the suspense so that we can discuss the subject in detail. Yes, you can get sick from your dog. Diseases passing from dogs to their owners or humans in general are known as zoonotic diseases.

People often like to establish close physical contact with their pooches. This may become an ideal breeding ground for bacterial infection. Now, the question is what conditions are usually passed from pets to owners and how. Some of the known diseases you can contract from your dog include –

  • Brucellosis causes flu-like symptoms such as chills, appetite loss, headaches, fever, and abdomen pain
  • Campylobacteriosis which leads to gastroenteritis symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and cramping
  • Rabies caused by dog bites. The symptoms may include muscle weakness, tingling sensation, and fever.
  • Ringworm may cause symptoms like crusting spots on the skin, hairless patches, and a red itchy rash
  • Leptospirosis is a rare condition that may lead to symptoms like high fever, aches, and digestive discomfort

Now, let’s understand how these diseases generally pass from the pooch to their human companions.

  • Your dog may be carrying an infection and it spreads to you via licking.
  • Sleeping in the same bed as your dog increases the risk.
  • Cuts, scratches, and bite marks left by your dog may become avenues for the spread of diseases.
  • You pick up after your pet and unknowingly touch your eyes or near the mouth.
  • Other sources through which diseases may pass from a dog to a human include contaminated food, surfaces, and water bowls.

The Most Vulnerable Parties

Healthline sheds some light on the most at-risk parties who may quickly contract an illness from their dog. These include –

  • Older adults aged 65 years and above
  • Children
  • Pregnant women
  • Those with a compromised immune system due to strong medications, illnesses, organ transplants, or chemotherapy

Even among these vulnerable parties, the disease transmission rate will depend upon factors like the specific virus, bacteria, or fungus. Hence, it is best to consult with a reliable healthcare professional in case of any concerns or questions.

Tips to Avoid Getting Sick from Your Dog

We know that it can be unsettling to discover that your dog can be a potential health hazard. Thankfully, there are ways to ensure you do not get sick because of your pooch. These are discussed as follows.

Pet Waste Removal is a Must

Have you ever stopped to wonder how hazardous pet waste or feces is? Let’s understand with the help of an example. One city renowned for its diverse parks is Las Vegas. From kid-friendly attractions to historical parks, Vegas has something for everyone.

Out of its 361 parks, at least 73 of them are dog-friendly. This means they will be top spots to encourage social interactions among pets. However, the parks may be littered with pet poop. Pet owners are expected to clean up after their pooch, but some residue may remain.

According to Scoop Soldiers, the bloody diarrhea-causing bacteria, E-coli can be found in pet waste. The longer the residue stays on the ground, the more dangerous it becomes. How can this bacteria spread to humans? The three main means would be direct contact while playing, groundwater contamination, and stormwater runoff.

You never know when you or your children may come in contact with pet waste in parks. This is precisely why a Vegas dog poop pickup service would be advisable. The professionals will clean in a manner that no traces are left behind. They will do so safely and hygienically, offering additional services like sanitization and deodorization.

The same goes for residential properties. Even if your pooch is trained to relieve themselves in designated areas, professional cleaning may be the safest. Given the diseases that pet waste can spread, slacking in this area is not worth the risk.

Wash Hands Properly

Pet parents must share a close bond with their hand-wash and lukewarm water. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is the easiest way to prevent the spread of germs.

As soon as you pet your dog or handle their waste, wash your hands properly without a moment’s delay. Ideally, you must follow this practice every time you touch your dog’s food and water bowls, toys, or other objects that may have had contact with the pooch’s saliva.

Set Boundaries to Doggo Kisses

Who doesn’t enjoy receiving tons of love and kisses from their beloved dog? However, some boundaries need to be established and you as the pet parent must do that. Refrain your canine from showering kisses on your face, mainly the areas around your nose, eyes, and mouth.

Shocking as it may be, many pet parents especially enjoy being kissed in these areas. If it so happens that your dog’s tongue does come in contact with your face, it’s best to wash it immediately.

Go for Regular Vet Check-Ups

Many diseases may simply be lurking in the background and go unaware for a while. Suddenly, things may come to light only when the condition has been transmitted to a human. This is why you must schedule regular check-ups for your pet.

Try not to skip any vet appointments as they may be crucial. Any infectious diseases or parasites in your pet’s body and coat can be identified on time. This will not only enable your dog to heal faster but also prevent the disease from spreading.

Finally, try to stay as safe as possible against dog bites, scratches, and cuts. Do not engage in aggressive play with your pet. Always consult with the owner before petting another dog and avoid interactions with pooches that seem angry or defensive.

In case of a scratch or bite, wash the injured area immediately. You can also seek medical attention to be on the safe side. Let’s not forget to vaccinate your dog. Ensure that they have received all the required current doses of kennel cough, rabies, and distemper.