These 7 Diseases That We Can Catch From Fido Are Shocking

by Rebecca Eisenhuth on March 30, 2016 in Health 36

Sadly, life for a dog is not all dog-bones and chew toys. They can get sick and, bad for us as well as them, certain illness can be passed from “man’s best friend” to us. Here are some examples:

Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which can be transmitted through ticks. Ticks that carry Lyme disease are hard to see, but within one to two weeks of being infected, humans being to suffer from a “bull's-eye” rash with fever, headache and muscle or joint pain. If the disease is not treated, symptoms will worsen and can even cause mental changes. Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world.

Hookworms
Hookworms are blood-sucking parasites that can invade, inhabit and live in a dog or cat's small intestines. Symptoms of animal hookworm infection in humans can range from painful, itchy skin infections to intestinal bleeding, inflammation and abdominal pain.

Puppies and kittens are most likely to have hookworm infections and can pass the hookworm eggs or larvae in their stools. Humans who have any contact with the contaminated dirt or area can obtain the hookworm infection. To reduce the risk of getting hookworm, owners should have their dogs and cats dewormed.

Salmonella
Salmonelllosis is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium salmonella and can live in the intestinal tract of many different animals. Salmonella is commonly known to be transmitted through food, but it also can be spread to humans through animals.

Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever and stomach pain. Animals that carry the virus can pass it in their feces and can contaminate their fur, feathers or scales. To prevent risk of salmonella, people should remember to wash their hands after contact with animals or their environment.

Brucellosis
Brucellosis is a bacterial disease associated with farm animals and dogs. The bacteria can spread to humans if they come in contact with infected animals. Farmers and veterinarians are at higher risk of obtaining this disease. If humans are infected with the virus, they can suffer from flu-like symptoms including fever, sweats, loss of appetite, headache, myalgia and back pain.

Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a parasitic disease associated with various animals and water. Still, many puppies and kittens can be infected with giardia. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps and dehydration.

Scabies
Scabies, also known as sarcoptic mange, is a skin disease caused by itch mites that burrow under the skin. Scabies cause intense itching and scratching that can result in eczema. To prevent the risk of getting scabies, owners should take their pets to their vet for regular exams and vaccinations.

Tapeworm Infection
Tapeworm infection is a parasite associated with flea infections in cats and dogs. Infections in humans are more common in children. Tapeworm species can also be contracted by humans from accidental ingestion of dog feces containing infectious eggs. For this reason, pets should always be treated for regular worming and flea control, especially dogs.

To read more, including information on Rabies, Toxoplasmosis, and Psittacosis go to Mom.Me.

It’s not our pets’ fault they get sick. They can’t help that they are curious and tend to get into areas where diseases run rampant. But it’s not our fault either. That is why it is always very important to keep your pooch vaccinated!

When you keep them protected you stay protected too!

Pages: 1 2