What Diseases Can Humans Get From Dogs?

Our canine companions encourage us to move more, provide round-the-clock security, and their total devotion does wonders for our mental health. However, they also possess the potential to make you sick.

Yes, you read that right. Dogs can pass on certain illnesses — but what diseases can humans get from dogs?

You’re now about to find out.

Illnesses that can be spread from animal to human are called zoonotic diseases. Dogs are carriers of several zoonotic pathogens — bacterial, viral, or fungal — that pose potential risks to human health.

These include:

• Rabies.
• Ringworm.
• Leptospirosis.
• Salmonellosis.
• Campylobacteriosis.
• Giardiasis.
• Roundworms.
• Hookworms.
• Brucellosis.

These diseases can be passed on in various ways:

• Direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids — saliva, urine, or poop.
• Indirect contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, or environments.
• Via parasites.

Being aware of the germs canines can carry and knowing how to reduce the risks will keep you, your furry friend, and your family safe and healthy.

So, here are nine diseases that dogs can spread, the signs in dogs and in humans, how to treat them, and how to prevent them:

1. Rabies

When asking what diseases can humans catch from dogs? — Rabies instantly springs to mind. It’s typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, including dogs. The virus attacks the central nervous system and is fatal if left untreated.

Symptoms in Dogs

• Changes in behavior.
• Agitation.
• Increased aggression.
• Progressing to paralysis and eventually death.

Symptoms in Humans

The signs of rabies often resemble a flu-like illness, including fever, headache, and a general feeling of being unwell. This advances to neurological symptoms, such as confusion, hallucinations, and paralysis. Note: It can take several weeks or months for rabies to develop.

Treatment

There is no cure for rabies once the symptoms appear. Washing the wound and prompt medical treatment immediately after being bitten is essential. A course of vaccinations will be administered — rabies post-exposure (PEP) to prevent the onset of the disease in humans.

Preventative Measures

• Owners must vaccinate their dogs and follow up with boosters if recommended.
• Avoid contact with stray or unknown animals.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you’re bitten or scratched.

2. Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection spread through direct contact with animals carrying the disease or contaminated objects/surfaces.

Symptoms in Dogs

• Circular lesions on the skin.
• Hair loss.
• Itching.
• Inflammation.

Symptoms in Humans

Ringworm appears as red, itchy, circular rashes on the skin, often with raised edges. The fungus can also develop on the scalp — causing hair loss, or on fingers or toenails — leading to discoloration and/or crumbling.

Treatment

Antifungal medications are typically used to treat ringworm in both dogs and humans. Topical treatments and oral medications may be prescribed depending on the severity.

Preventative Measures

• Regular grooming and hygiene practices.
• Avoid close contact with infected animals.
• Disinfect living areas, and regularly wash dog blankets, beds, etc.

3. Leptospirosis

A bacterial infection that’s passed to humans through contact with urine, or water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, including dogs.

Symptoms in Dogs

• Fever.
• Lethargy.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Jaundice.
• Urination issues — more often, less often, not at all.

Symptoms in Humans

These can range from a mild flu-like illness — high temperature, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea to severe complications such as liver or kidney failure.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat leptospirosis in both dogs and humans. Supportive care may be necessary in more severe cases.

Preventative Measures

• Vaccinate your dog.
• Avoid contact with potentially contaminated water and soil sources.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning your dog potty, or any mishaps around the home.

4. Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is transmitted through ingestion of Salmonella bacteria present in the poop of infected dogs.

Symptoms in Dogs

• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Lethargy.

Symptoms in Humans

• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Fever.
• Vomiting.

Treatment

Typically, the body fights off the disease without medication. Also, you should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. And, in severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Preventative Measures

• Wash your hands after touching your dog, preparing their food, or picking up their poop.
• Don’t allow your dog near food preparation areas.

5. Campylobacteriosis

This is a bacterial infection often contracted by handling or consuming food or water contaminated by campylobacter bacteria shed by infected animals. This disease is prevalent in puppies or younger dogs yet to build up a fully-functioning immune system.

Symptoms in Dogs

• Severe diarrhea.
• Blood/mucus in poop.
• Vomiting.
• Fever.
• Abdominal pain.
• Lethargy.
• Weight loss.

Symptoms in Humans

• Bloody diarrhea.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Fever.
• Nausea.

Treatment

Fluid and electrolyte replacement is usually sufficient for mild cases. In more severe cases, antibiotics will be administered.

Preventative Measures

• Deep clean your dog’s water and food bowls frequently.
• Keep your dog’s living space germ-free with good hygiene practices.
• Wash your hands after doing the above, and touching your pet.
• If you prepare meat for your dog — ensure it’s cooked properly.

6. Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the Giardia parasite, commonly passed on through the ingestion of contaminated food, water, or surfaces contaminated with poop containing Giardia cysts.

Symptoms in Dogs

• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Weight loss.
• Abdominal discomfort.
• Gas.

Symptoms in Humans

• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Bloating.
• Nausea.

Treatment

Treatment consists of antiparasitic medications in both dogs and humans. Supportive care may be necessary in more severe cases.

Preventative Measures

• Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing after handling your dog, dog’s toys, bedding, and food bowls.
• Clean up and dispose of poop promptly in the yard.
• If your pet is being treated for Giardiasis, try to limit walkies in public areas to reduce the further spreading of the disease.
• Avoid contact with unfamiliar water sources.

7. Roundworms

Intestinal parasites like roundworms can spread to humans through accidental ingestion of infective eggs or larvae from contaminated soil, or through direct contact with infected dog poop.

Symptoms in Dogs

A pot-bellied appearance as well as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss, are all symptoms you may notice in your dog.

Symptoms in Humans

For humans, symptoms can include fever, coughing, vision problems, an itchy raised rash, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Treatment

Anthelmintic medications are used to treat roundworm infections in both dogs and humans. Repeat treatments may be necessary to ensure the infestation is completely clear.

Preventative Measures

• Deworm your dog regularly.
• Maintain a clean living environment.
• Practice good hygiene — wash your hands!
• Avoid contact with contaminated soil or poop.

8. Hookworms

Hookworms are another type of parasitic worm that often infects dogs and these can sometimes be passed on to humans.

Symptoms in Dogs

• Anemia.
• Diarrhea.
• Weight loss.
• Lethargy.
• Skin infection.

Symptoms in Humans

• Itchy raised rash.
• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Coughing.
• Wheezing.

Treatment

For humans, treatment involves antiparasitic medications to kill off the larvae. While topical treatments may be prescribed for the itchy rash.

Preventative Measures

• Keep a regular deworming schedule for your dog.
• Ensure your home is clean.
• Dispose of any poop quickly from your yard.

9. Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection. It can transfer to humans through infected bodily fluids — blood, urine, semen, saliva, or reproductive tissue of infected dogs. Those who wish to breed their dog will be at greatest risk.

Symptoms in Dogs

• Reproductive issues — stillbirth, infertility, and miscarriage.
• Infection in male reproductive organs — prostate, testicles.

Symptoms in Humans

• Elevated temperature.
• Headache.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Chills and/or sweats.
• Pain — muscles, joints and back.
• Appetite/weight loss.

Note: Symptoms are often nonspecific — you could experience one or more of the above.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat brucellosis in humans and dogs. For the latter,  treatment is prolonged, and relapses are common. What’s more, any unneutered dogs must be neutered and retested.

Preventative Measures

• Ensure your dog isn’t a carrier before breeding.
• Never breed a dog that is a carrier.
• Wear gloves when cleaning up bodily fluids.
• Spaying and neutering your dog can reduce the risk of this infection.

When you’re considering what diseases can dogs pass to humans, it’s important to be aware of how these diseases are transmitted and what can be done to prevent them.

The Importance of Hygiene

Proper hygiene practices are crucial when it comes to reducing the risks of passing diseases from dogs to humans. The following can help:

• Good hygiene practices — regular hand washing after handling pets or cleaning up after them.
• Maintaining living environments — ensure that both your and your pet’s living space is disinfected regularly and that pet waste is disposed of correctly.

Vaccination and Parasite Control

Regular vaccinations and parasite control for fleas, worms, and ticks are all essential for preventing the transmission of zoonotic diseases:

• Make sure that your dogs are up to date on vaccinations, such as rabies, leptospirosis, and distemper.
• Regular deworming and flea and tick control can help to prevent the spread of parasitic infections.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Being a pet owner also means that you have to provide your dog with the proper care and attention that they need.

• Being a responsible pet owner means providing your dog with the proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care they need to maintain their health.
• Opting to spay or neuter dogs can also help to reduce the risk of certain diseases and behavioral issues.

The dog/human relationship is one of a kind. But it can also lead to potential health risks that all dog owners should be aware of. Along with the love, companionship, and joy that they bring, our furry friends bring a host of less-than-pleasant things into our lives.

When it comes to what diseases can humans get from dogs? — they range from minor skin complaints like ringworm through to the fatal virus of rabies. However, by being aware, being sensible, and following common-sense hygiene routines — it is possible to keep the germs at bay.

Can Humans Get Diseases From Dogs?

Yes, our dogs can pass on certain diseases to us — from minor skin infections to far more serious illnesses. They’re classed as zoonotic diseases.

What Viruses Can Dogs Get From Humans?

In the same way that our dogs can pass on diseases to us, we can return the favor and pass certain diseases to our dogs. These include:

• Ringworm.
• Flu virus.
• Salmonellosis.
• Norovirus.

What Happens if a Human Gets Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough can be spread to humans, but this is very rare. In humans, symptoms can range from a cough to a sore throat and fever.

What Is the Most Fatal Disease in Dogs?

Rabies. 

There is zero chance of survival once a dog gets this virus. The same applies to humans, which is why once you’ve been bitten, you must have a series of shots to prevent the virus from taking hold.

Can a Human Get an STD From a Dog?

The majority of canine STDs cannot be transmitted between species. However, some diseases, such as brucellosis, can affect humans.

Can Dog Fungus Transfer to Humans?

Although risk is low, it can happen. One common fungal infection that can be passed from dogs to humans is ringworm.

Can Dog Urine Cause Infection in Humans?

Dog urine is not the usual way in which humans catch infections from dogs but it can pose health risks. Dog urine can contain bacteria such as E.coli or salmonella. It can also transmit bacterial infections such as leptospirosis.

What Are the Dangers of Dogs to Humans?

While your pooch is only too happy to dish out the slobbery kisses, they can pass on various bacterial and viral infections and trigger dog allergies in humans. Plus, being bitten is also a possibility, as well as causing psychological issues. 

To learn more, check out our guide on How Harmful Are Dogs to Humans?