Dogs, when not cared for properly, can be reservoirs of bacteria, viruses and parasites that can be transmitted to humans by licking or biting or by releasing the infectious agent into their faeces. For this reason, it is important that dogs are periodically taken to the veterinarian so that they are vaccinated, evaluated and dewormed, thus avoiding infection and transmission of diseases to humans.
Infections most commonly contracted by dogs and that can be easily transmitted to humans are rabies, ringworm, larvae migrate and leptospirosis, which while transmission of this disease through rat urine is more common, dogs can also become infected. leptospirosis bacteria and are transmitted to humans.
The main diseases that can be transmitted by the infected dog are
Ringworm is a fungal disease and can be transmitted through direct contact with the hairs of the infected animal, causing for example a reddish spot on the skin and an intense itching.
What to do: In case of ringworm, it is recommended that the person see a general practitioner or dermatologist to identify the fungus and thus begin treatment with the most appropriate antifungal medication.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that can be found in the urine or faeces of animals, such as rats, cats and dogs. Leptospirosis is a serious illness and can be noticed by the onset of certain symptoms, such as headache, leg pain, body pain and liver damage, for example.
What to do: If the person has come into contact with water contaminated in floods, puddles or wet soil, for example, it is important to see the doctor so that the diagnosis can be made and start antibiotic treatment, such as doxycycline. or penicillin.
Lyme disease is caused by tick bite that may be present in pets, especially in dogs, causing severe itching at the site of the bite and the appearance of a red or whitish spot at the site.
What to do: If the person has been stung by a tick, it is recommended that he or she go to the hospital for the diagnosis and treatment to begin. The treatment recommended by your doctor is the use of antibiotics for approximately 2 to 4 weeks, it is important that treatment continue even in the absence of symptoms.
In addition, although the bite of well-groomed animal fleas may not transmit diseases, it can cause a lot of skin discomfort. This type of sting usually causes a small red spot on the skin with a whitish center that itches a lot. Although no specific treatment is required, the skin should always be kept clean and, if the discomfort is too large, consult your doctor to apply a corticosteroid ointment, for example.
Larva migrans is the presence of larvae in the body that penetrate the skin and cause different symptoms depending on its location. These larvae can be found on the beach, parks and gardens, for example, which are environments in which dog droppings can be found.
Some dogs are infected with Ancylostoma sp species. o Toxocara sp., no symptoms. As a result of this infection, the leaves of the larvae, which can penetrate the skin and cause track wounds, fever, abdominal pain, cough and difficulty seeing, for example, occur in the stool and the environment. Learn to recognize the symptoms of dog worm infection.
What to do: In such cases, it is recommended to avoid walking barefoot on the street, sand and parks, for example, in addition to periodically taking the dog to the veterinarian to parasytize it. In addition, your doctor generally recommends the use of antiparasitic medications, such as albendazole or mebendazole, for example, to fight infections in humans.
Human rabies is a virus-borne disease that can be present in dogs’ saliva and transmitted to humans by bite. Although transmission is more common by dogs, the disease can also be transmitted by cats, bats and raccoons, for example.
Human rabies is characterized by an alteration of the nervous system, causing, for example, muscle spasms and intense salivation. See what the symptoms of human rabies are.
What to do: It is recommended that the person thoroughly wash the area bitten by the dog and go directly to the nearest hospital or emergency room so that the vaccine is given and can be given appropriate treatment, avoiding the progression of the disease.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a bacterium that can be found in the mouth of some dogs and transmitted to humans through the dog’s saliva, either by licking or biting, for example.
This type of infection is rare, but can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blisters around the wound or at the licking site and pain in the muscles and joints, for example. It is important that the infection is quickly identified and treated, as it can develop quickly and cause death in just 24 hours. Learn how to identify Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection.
What to do: It is important that after licking or biting the animal, the area is properly cleaned with soap and water and that the person goes to the doctor for testing and treatment can be initiated if necessary. Treatment of Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection is usually done with the use of antibiotics, such as penicillin, ampicillin and cephalosporins, and its use is important in accordance with the doctor’s instructions.
Sometimes dogs can lick or bite for several minutes in a row, which can be a sign of parasites on the skin, allergies or hormonal changes, requiring research to identify the cause of this behavior. To do this, it is important to take the dog to the veterinarian so that the tests can be performed and the diagnosis can be made.
Another very characteristic sign, which may indicate the presence of intestinal worms in dogs, is when the animal sits on the ground and crawls, to scratch.
Here are some helpful tips to avoid dog-borne diseases
The veterinarian should be consulted regularly, as some diseases may not cause immediate changes in animals, but may be transmitted to humans. Here’s how to wash your hands properly after handling stool or touching the dog to avoid illness: