As a dog lover and veterinarian, I know firsthand the incredible bond we share with our canine companions. We play together, snuggle together, and comfort each other through life‘s ups and downs. But as close as we are with our pups, an important question lingers in the back of many pet parents‘ minds: can our dogs actually get sick from us?
The short answer is yes, it‘s possible for dogs to catch certain illnesses from humans. However, this tends to occur far less frequently than humans getting sick from dogs through zoonotic diseases. In general, our pets‘ immune systems are pretty resilient and there are strong biological barriers to most diseases jumping between species. That said, there are some key exceptions to be aware of.
8 Illnesses Your Dog Could Potentially Catch From You
Based on the latest veterinary research, here are the main diseases that could theoretically spread from humans to dogs under the right circumstances:
1. Influenza (Flu) Viruses
Dogs can get their own versions of the flu, known as canine influenza viruses (CIV) H3N8 and H3N2. While these strains are not transmittable to humans, experts say it‘s possible for human flu viruses to mutate and infect dogs in rare cases. A few possible signs your dog has the flu include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Eye and nasal discharge
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
Most dogs recover from the flu within 2-3 weeks with basic supportive care. However, a small number of dogs may develop more serious complications like pneumonia, so always check with your vet if you‘re concerned.
2. COVID-19
According to the CDC, a small number of pets worldwide, including dogs, have been reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in people. These infections have mostly happened after close contact with people who were sick with COVID-19.
Based on limited information available to date, the risk of dogs spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. If a dog does get infected, most have no symptoms or mild illness and fully recover. Possible signs may include fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, sneezing, runny nose, eye discharge, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The best way to protect your pets is to avoid close interactions with your dog if you are sick with COVID-19. This includes petting, snuggling, kissing, licking, sharing food, and sleeping in the same bed.
3. Mumps
It‘s very rare, but dogs can potentially contract the mumps virus from infected people. If this occurs, signs may include fever, reduced appetite, swollen salivary glands, and tiredness. There is no specific treatment for mumps in dogs, but most recover fully within 5-10 days with supportive home care.
4. Common Cold Viruses
While we worry about passing our sniffles and coughs to other people, you‘ll be relieved to hear that common cold viruses are usually species-specific. This means transmission of cold viruses from humans to dogs or vice versa is extremely unlikely. So go ahead and cuddle your pup when you have a cold – you won‘t make them sick!
5. MRSA Infections
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. In humans, it commonly causes difficult-to-treat skin infections.
MRSA can spread to dogs through direct contact, especially if their owner works in a healthcare setting or is infected with MRSA themselves. Signs of MRSA infections in dogs may include skin lesions, abscesses, and fever.
6. Ringworm
Despite its name, ringworm isn‘t actually caused by a worm at all – it‘s a fungal infection of the skin. Ringworm is quite contagious and can easily spread from people to pets and vice versa through direct contact with the skin lesions.
It can also spread indirectly through contaminated objects like bedding, brushes, or towels. Ringworm in dogs often appears as circular patches of hair loss that may or may not be itchy. Topical and/or oral antifungal medications are used to treat it.
7. Giardia
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that can infect the gastrointestinal tract of both humans and dogs. People can spread giardia to dogs through contact with fecal matter or by contaminating shared water sources like lakes and streams.
Signs of giardia in dogs may include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and poor coat appearance. It is treated with antiparasitic drugs and environmental decontamination. Always pick up your dog‘s poop promptly to avoid spreading giardia cysts in the environment.
8. Salmonella
Salmonella bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness in both humans and dogs. According to the AKC, dogs usually get salmonella from contaminated food, garbage, or water sources, including toilet bowls. Symptoms in dogs are similar to food poisoning in people – vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and loss of appetite. Most dogs recover with supportive treatments, but salmonella can be life-threatening in severe cases.
Practical Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy
Now that you know the main illnesses your dog could potentially pick up from you or your family, here are some veterinarian-approved tips to minimize the risks:
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Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching your dog, especially if you are ill. This is the single most important thing you can do!
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Avoid kissing your dog or letting them lick your face or mouth, particularly when you are sick. As much as we love those sloppy kisses, they are a prime way for germs to spread.
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Wear a face mask around your dog if you have the flu, a cold, mumps, or COVID-19 to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading.
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Designate another healthy family member or friend to be your dog‘s primary caretaker while you are ill, if possible. They can feed, walk, and snuggle your pup while you rest up.
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Don‘t let your dog drink out of the toilet bowl or eat garbage, as these can contain dangerous bacteria and parasites. Always provide fresh, clean water instead.
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Trust your instincts and give your vet a call anytime you are concerned about your dog‘s health and wellness. It‘s always better to be proactive!
As Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club, reassures pet parents: "The good news is that even though a few illnesses can spread from people to pets, in most cases, they cause very mild symptoms, if any, and are not life-threatening if diagnosed and treated promptly. By focusing on good hygiene and taking a few precautions when you are under the weather, you can keep your dog safe while still enjoying a close bond."
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, our dogs are there for us through thick and thin, in sickness and in health. While it‘s important to be aware of the small possibility of passing certain illnesses to our dogs, with knowledge and common sense practices, the risks are generally very low.
Remember, your dog‘s love is unconditional – they don‘t care if your hair is unbrushed or you‘re coughing up a lung. They just want to be by your side, rain or shine. So even if you‘re feeling crummy, let your pup comfort you, and don‘t be afraid to snuggle up together…just wash your hands first!
Yours in tail wags and wet noses,
Dr. [Your Name]
