Disease has certainly been a topic of conversation this year. It may have left you wondering whether or not you could catch disease from your dog. The answer is yes, although it’s probably not something you have to worry about on a daily basis. Learn more below from a Dallas, GA vet. 

What Diseases Can I Get From My Dog?

Diseases that can be spread between animals and humans are known as zoonotic diseases. You’ve probably heard of the most infamous of the all, rabies, which can prove deadly for both humans and animals. Other diseases like Lyme disease, giardiasis, Ehrlichiosis, ringworm, salmonella, leptospirosis, and brucellosis could also be picked up from a dog. And even certain parasites like mites, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and lice could be transmitted from a dog to a human, although this is very rare. 

Am I At a High Risk?

You’re probably not at a high risk of contracting a disease or illness from your dog. The average healthy adult doesn’t have much of anything to worry about. The most at-risk individuals include elderly people, very young children, pregnant women, individuals undergoing radiation treatment or chemotherapy, or anyone with a compromised immune system. But even people who do fall into these categories can own pets without worrying too much. Thanks to modern vaccinations and veterinary medicine, coupled with a few basic hygiene practices (more on that below), just about anyone can keep a pet without worrying that they’ll contract a disease, infection, or infestation from their beloved animal companion. 

How Do I Keep Myself and My Family Safe?

First, keep your pet in good health by keeping them updated on essential vaccinations. Have them wear year-round pest-control medications to ward off fleas, ticks, worms, and other critters that could cause harm. Keep in close contact with your veterinarian so you can let them know as soon as anything seems off with your dog’s health—that makes the risk of any kind of illness or infestation that could be transmitted to you or members of your family very minimal. 

Practice basic hygiene procedures around your pet: wash your hands regularly and avoid any direct contact with your pet’s fecal matter. Wash Fido’s bowls, toys, and other items regularly to keep them clean and bacteria-free. These simple measures will make any disease transmission very unlikely. 

Call your Dallas, GA pet clinic to schedule your dog’s next veterinary appointment.