How to Stay Healthy Around Dogs

Prevention is the key

Luckily, germs and parasites from dogs rarely spread to people. But if they do, they might cause illnesses ranging from minor skin infections to serious disease.

♦ Everyone should be careful around dogs, but particularly young children, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.

People with weak immune systems may include the elderly, people with an illness such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS, or those going through chemotherapy.

Prevention is the key to protecting you and your family from getting sick.

• Get routine veterinary care for your pet.

• Always wash your hands, and the hands of children, with soap and running water after contact with dogs, their poop and their food.

By giving your pet routine veterinary care and following some simple health tips, you're less likely to get sick from touching, petting or owning a dog.

What can I catch from my dog?

There are a number of diseases you can catch from Woofy. Don't panic, though. Most are rarely passed to humans if you're careful.

The list may seem rather long, but remember Woofy goes outside. He'll visit many places and meet many other dogs. Not all dog owners take care of their pets the way you plan to take care of yours. You can't deny Woofy the chance encounter, because he's by nature a socializing fellow.

The best-known diseases

• Rabies (rare because vaccination is required)
• Tapeworm (spread by infected fleas; children more commonly infected)
• Hookworm (can get into your skin if you walk barefoot where dogs have pooped, so wear shoes)
• Roundworm (children most often affected, usually from dirt or sandboxes where dogs have pooped)
• Campylobacter bacterial infection (can cause serious, life-threatening infections in infants, older people and those with weakened immune systems)

Less common bacterial infections

• Brucellosis
• Capnocytophaga (found in the mouths of dogs and cats)
• Pasteurellosis (found in about half of dog bites that become infected)
• Leptospirosis
• Staph infections
• Salmonella

Spread by ticks and fleas Woofy brings home

• Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis. You don't get these from your dog directly. They're spread by ticks, and Woofy can carry ticks into your home. Tick prevention for your dog protects you too.
• Plague (very rare, mostly in rural western states). Spread by fleas that dogs can bring home.

Rare but possible parasitic diseases

• Cryptosporidium
• Echinococcosis
• Giardia
• Sarcoptic mange (mites). It spreads easily between dogs, and can spread to people too. On people it causes an itchy rash that usually clears up once your dog is treated. Not dangerous, but not pleasant either.

Possible fungal infections

• Ringworm (puppies most commonly infected; spread by touching the infected area)

Healthy habits

♦ The CDC recommends handwashing whenever you play or work with dogs.

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after contact with dogs, dog saliva or dog poop.

• Help children with handwashing.

• Avoid kissing your dog. Infections can spread through saliva.

• Don't share food with your dog (it happens).

• Be careful with raw pet food and chew treats like pig ears. They've been linked to Salmonella outbreaks in people. Wash your hands after handling them.

• Avoid bites and scratches from dogs. Dog bites can become seriously infected or even be a source of rabies. See Avoiding Dog Bites and What to Do if Bitten by a Dog.

• Be cautious with unfamiliar animals. Approach dogs with care, even if they seem friendly.

• Pick up and throw away dog poop, especially in areas where children might play. Cleaning up after your dog helps keep the area clean and lowers the risk of spreading disease to people and other animals.

Pay attention to your dog's health

• Even if Woofy seems happy and healthy, plan on a yearly vet visit.

A routine exam will catch small things before they become major issues.

Your vet will advise you on how to keep your dog healthy.

Expect a regimen of monthly preventive treatments for fleas, ticks, heartworms and other parasites.

♦ Keep up to date on vaccinations. The rabies shot is required by law in nearly every state.

• Clean up any urine, poop or vomit in the house right away, and disinfect the area well. Use disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

• Contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness.

♦ Keep in mind that even a dog that seems healthy can spread germs to people and other animals.

Source: NIH, CDC