What You Need to Know About Zoonotic Disease in Dogs

Zoonotic disease in dogs is something every pet owner should understand because some illnesses your dog carries can be passed directly to you or your family. Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans, and dogs are among the most common carriers. Whether you’re a longtime dog owner or a new pet parent, knowing how to protect yourself and your pup is one of the most important things you can do for your household’s health.

 

 

What Is Zoonotic Disease in Dogs?

A zoonotic disease, sometimes called a zoonosis, is any illness caused by a germ (bacteria, virus, parasite, or fungus) that spreads between animals and people. Dogs can carry and transmit these pathogens through direct contact, bites, scratches, contaminated feces, or even shared environments. Not every dog that carries a zoonotic pathogen will appear sick, which is one of the reasons these diseases can be so easy to overlook.

How Do Zoonotic Diseases Spread from Dogs to Humans?

Understanding how zoonotic diseases spread is the first step in prevention. Transmission can happen in several ways:

• Direct contact: Touching or being licked by an infected dog
• Bites or scratches: Broken skin creates an entry point for bacteria like Pasteurella or Capnocytophaga
• Fecal-oral transmission: Accidentally ingesting microscopic amounts of infected feces (common with roundworms and Giardia)
• Vector-borne spread: Ticks and fleas that feed on infected dogs can transmit diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever to people
• Environmental exposure: Contaminated soil or water in areas where infected dogs have been present

Common Zoonotic Diseases Carried by Dogs

There are quite a few dog-to-human zoonotic diseases that Evergreen Park pet owners should be aware of. Some are more common than others, but all are worth knowing about, especially if you have young children, elderly family members, or anyone immunocompromised living in your home.

Rabies

Rabies is perhaps the most well-known zoonotic disease associated with dogs. It’s caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via a bite. While domestic dog rabies has been largely eliminated in the United States thanks to widespread vaccination, it remains a serious risk in parts of the world where vaccination rates are low, and exposure to wildlife can still put dogs at risk. Keeping your dog’s rabies vaccine up to date is non-negotiable.

Ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm isn’t a worm at all. It’s a fungal infection. Dogs can carry ringworm and transmit it to humans through direct skin contact, causing a characteristic ring-shaped rash. Children are especially susceptible. Ringworm in dogs may appear as patches of hair loss, scaly skin, or crusty lesions, but some dogs show no symptoms at all.

Roundworms and Hookworms

Intestinal parasites like roundworms (Toxocara canis) and hookworms are among the most commonly transmitted zoonotic infections from dogs to humans. Humans can become infected through contact with contaminated soil or feces. In children, roundworm larvae can migrate through body tissues and, in rare cases, affect the eyes or organs. This is why regular deworming and fecal testing for your dog are so important.

Giardia

Giardia is a microscopic intestinal parasite that can cause diarrhea in both dogs and humans. While it’s debated whether the specific strains of Giardia dogs carry are the same ones that infect people, it’s still important to practice good hygiene after handling a dog with a known Giardia infection. Your veterinarian can test your dog’s feces for Giardia and recommend appropriate treatment if needed.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira bacteria that can affect dogs and humans alike. Dogs typically pick it up through contact with contaminated water, soil, or the urine of infected wildlife. In humans, leptospirosis can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, lead to kidney or liver failure. A vaccine for leptospirosis is available for dogs, and the team at LePar Animal Hospital recommends discussing it with your veterinarian, especially if your dog spends time outdoors near wildlife or bodies of water.

Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Illnesses

Dogs can carry ticks that are infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. While dogs don’t directly transmit Lyme disease to humans, an infected tick can transfer from your dog to you. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are other tick-borne illnesses worth knowing about. Regular tick prevention for your dog protects your whole family.

Salmonella and Campylobacter

Dogs, especially those fed raw diets, may shed Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria in their feces without showing signs of illness. These bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness in humans. If your dog eats a raw diet, it’s important to handle their food carefully and wash your hands thoroughly after feeding time.

Who Is Most at Risk for Zoonotic Infection?

Some people are more vulnerable to dog-to-human disease transmission than others. If any of the following apply to members of your household, it’s worth having a specific conversation with both your veterinarian and your doctor about how to reduce risk:

• Young children (especially under age 5) who may not practice consistent handwashing
• Pregnant individuals, who may be more susceptible to certain infections
• Elderly individuals, whose immune systems may not respond as strongly
• Immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV/AIDS, or taking immunosuppressive medications

How to Reduce the Risk of Zoonotic Disease in Your Home

The good news is that most zoonotic diseases are highly preventable with the right habits and veterinary care. Here are the most effective strategies to protect your family:

Keep Your Dog’s Preventive Care Current

Routine veterinary visits are your first line of defense against zoonotic disease in dogs. At LePar Animal Hospital in Evergreen Park, our veterinary team prioritizes wellness exams, parasite prevention, and core and lifestyle vaccinations to keep your dog and your household healthy. Fecal testing, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm testing all play a role in reducing your dog’s risk of carrying transmissible pathogens.

Practice Good Hygiene

Washing your hands thoroughly after handling your dog, cleaning up feces, or preparing their food goes a long way. This is especially important for children, who are naturally prone to touching their faces after petting a dog. Teaching children proper handwashing habits is one of the simplest and most effective tools for preventing zoonotic infection.

Avoid Direct Contact with Dog Feces

Always pick up after your dog using a bag or scooper and dispose of waste properly. Don’t allow children to play in areas where dog feces may be present. If your dog has diarrhea or is being treated for an intestinal parasite, take extra precautions and wash your hands thoroughly after any contact.

Control Fleas and Ticks Year-Round

Using veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention products year-round significantly reduces the risk of vector-borne zoonotic diseases. Ask the team at LePar Animal Hospital about the best options for your dog’s lifestyle and your local environment.

Be Cautious with Raw Diets

If you feed your dog a raw diet, handle their food the same way you would raw meat in your kitchen. Use separate cutting boards, wash bowls and utensils thoroughly, and always wash your hands after preparing and serving their meals.

What Are the Signs That Your Dog Might Have a Zoonotic Illness?

One of the trickiest things about zoonotic diseases is that dogs don’t always look sick. Some dogs are asymptomatic carriers, meaning they can spread a pathogen without showing any outward signs. Still, there are symptoms that should prompt a vet visit:

• Diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than 24 to 48 hours
• Hair loss, skin scaling, or circular crusty patches on the skin
• Visible worms in feces or around the anal area
• Swollen lymph nodes or unexplained lethargy
• Limping or joint swelling (a possible sign of tick-borne disease)
• Excessive thirst, urination, or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or gums)

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away. And if you’re ever bitten or scratched by your dog and the wound becomes red, swollen, or infected, contact your doctor promptly.

Protecting Your Dog and Your Family Starts with Preventive Care

Understanding zoonotic disease in dogs doesn’t have to be scary, it’s simply about staying informed and proactive. Regular veterinary care, consistent hygiene practices, and open communication with your vet are the cornerstones of protecting both your dog and your household from zoonotic illness.

If you have questions about zoonotic diseases, parasite prevention, or your dog’s vaccination schedule, the team at LePar Animal Hospital in Evergreen Park is here to help. Give us a call at (708) 423-3200 or schedule an appointment online today. We’re committed to keeping the whole family healthy, pets included.