ZOONOSIS (zo"o-no'sis -- pl. zoono'ses) - a disease, conditions and/or parasites, that both humans and animals are susceptible to. It can be transmitted from the bite of an infected animal or are environmentally transmitted.
Precaution: It is important that you take your dog to the Veterinarian at least once a year to get a check up on him/her, sooner if you suspect any problems. If a Zoonotic problem is present, or if your Veterinarian suspects a Zoonotic disease, he can treat the dog, but not you. It is his responsibility to alert you or the owner of the dog of this potential disease and to strongly advise the owner to contact their doctor for a consultation. In the many of cases, these diseases are treatable. Zoonotic disease has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece and even to the Bible that mentioned the "Plague."
Some common Zoonotic diseases in dogs
Rabies -- An infectious viral disease. It affects the nervous system, and is only transmitted by a bite from a rabid animal. If bitten, even if it's your pet dog, it's very important to get in touch with your medical doctor, especially if your dog is not vaccinated against rabies. The dog has to be quarantined for 10 days according to the law.
* To protect yourself and your dog -- It's important to protect your dog by getting all of his necessary vaccines. You can have your dog vaccinated against rabies as young as 3 months old. Also, give your dog proper socialization. A dog that is supervised, socialized and happy will stand a better chance against biting anyone.
Giardia -- This is caused by the parasite "Giardia," (giardiasis). Diarrhea is the most common sign of giardiasis in dogs, which is caused by drinking contaminated water. Diarrhea in dogs can be acute, chronic, or even intermittent. Giardia in the feces of the dog can contaminate the environment and water. It can also infect other animals and humans and can be very contagious.
* To protect yourself -- You'll need to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water every time you use the toilet and before handling food to avoid spreading Giardia to others.
Lyme Disease -- Is a bacterial disease that can cause a "bull's-eye" rash with fever, muscle or joint pain and headache. Ticks carry Lyme disease.
* Protect yourself -- If you take hikes or do any other outdoor activities in areas that are considered high-risk areas for ticks, you must inspect yourself and your dog to make sure there are no ticks found on you or your dog as soon as possible. If you find a tick you must then remove it without delay. If the tick is to far in already, you must have a medical doctor remove it from you or if on the dog, a veterinarian must remove it. This is because you don't want the head to break off and be left inside.To help keep your dog protected -- Use a flea and tick prevention medication on him/her, on a 'continuing basis.'
Brucellosis -- Brucellosis in dogs is Brucella canis. This disease is transmitted to other dogs through breeding and contact with aborted fetuses. Humans can get Brucellosis if they come into contact with the infected aborted tissue or with the semen. This is why breeders want the bitch and/or dog tested prior to the breeding. The test is just a blood draw, which can prevent the spread of the disease. In humans it is difficult to cure; and is also treated with antibiotics.
* To protect yourself -- Before you breed your dog, you need to have this blood test run on your dog. If the dog has it, it can be treated with antibiotics and should clear up. If the dog is not infected, then it is safe to continue with the breeding.
Leptospirosis -- A bacterial disease that is spread through the urine of the infected dog (or other animals). Some of the risk factors that can lead to leptospirosis in dogs include contaminated water or urine from cattle, raccoons, and rats. If your dog starts to vomit, has abdominal pain, diarrhea, and refuses to eat, has fever or sever weakness and depression, you better rush him to the Veterinarian's office as soon as possible. This also leads to renal disease and liver dysfunction in your dog.
* In people -- The risk of getting leptospirosis through everyday contact with a dog is very low. The main transmission to humans is through the contact with the contaminated animal urine. In humans the symptoms are much like having the flu, and is treated with antibiotics.
* To protect your dog -- To help prevent leptospirosis, you should vaccinate your dog against leptospirosis. Note: the leptospirosis vaccine does not provide 100% protection in dogs, and there are so many different strains bacteria. Keeping the rodent problems under control will be to your advantage.
Salmonella -- Salmonellosis, caused by the bacteria Salmonella; causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection, associated with fever.
Dogs with Salmonella infections can become lethargic, have diarrhea /bloody diarrhea, vomiting and fever, although some dogs will only have a small decreased appetite, abdominal pain and fever. Note: "Well" animals can be carriers that can infect other animals and /or humans. Most people recover without treatment, although it can be fatal to those with a fragile immune system.
* Protect yourself and your dog -- After touching dogs that are sick, or cleaning up their waste; you should wash your hands well with soap and hot running water for at least 20 seconds and dry on a clean towel each time.
Ringworm -- This is not a worm as some people think. It's a skin and scalp disease caused by fungus. It usually makes a ring-shaped rash that is reddish and may be itchy; or a bald patch of scaly skin, which can cause the rash to be dry and scaly. Or it can do just the opposite and be wet and crusty. Having direct contact with an infected animal's skin or hair, transmits this disease. Dogs, and especially puppies, can pass ringworm to people. This is why your veterinarian is important for the preventative care of Ringworm.
Roundworms -- Can be found in almost every newborn puppy, because they can contracted it from their mother. Roundworms can be transmitted to humans. It is especially important to watch your children closely when playing with the puppies. Roundworms are commonly found in the intestines of the puppies. The worms and eggs are transmitted in the puppy's stool. Even though you may clean up the stool, do not let children play in areas that are soiled, because kids are always putting their fingers in their mouth. Most of the time the infection that is transmitted to humans are mild but the potential for severe illness still exists.
* Protect yourself and your dog -- Sanitation is a must! Anyone handling the pups should wash their hands after contract with plenty of soap and water. Worm your puppies on a regular schedule. Have your veterinarian test several stool samples from your new puppy. Also do yearly tests on adult dogs.
Find out more information on Zoonotic Diseases
Your Veterinarian is a good source for information because almost all the Veterinarians have professional brochures and/or handouts with information on the common Zoonotic diseases for your area. Just pick up a free brochure and find out more about the diseases and how to properly care for your dog to help prevent spreading it to other animals and humans.
Note: there are others out there that are lurking; waiting, like the Avian Influenza H5N1. This highly-pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza, has not yet been discovered in the US, but is expected here in the near future. This avian influenza H5N1 strain has been found in central Thailand, where dogs have tested positive for its antibodies. This suggests that the infection is likely in the dogs right now.
It is important to remember that the best way to protect yourself from any of these Zoonotic diseases is to practice good hygiene after playing with your dog or handling its waste. Always wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds and dry on a paper towel or clean towel each time you wash. Protect your dog with all necessary vaccines, and keep up to date with any current recall.
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