10 Hidden Dog Diseases That Can Spread to Humans

Many people love dogs and keep them as pets. But sometimes dogs carry diseases that spread to humans. Many people think only stray dogs carry these sicknesses which is not true. Even healthy pets living at home have diseases that move from dogs to humans. Some diseases are mild but others are serious. Children and senior citizens are at a bigger risk so knowing about these diseases helps keep the family safe.


Diseases that travel from animals to people are zoonotic. Dogs have these problems which come from germs, worms or bugs on the skin. The germs live in a dog’s fur, saliva, urine or poop. People get sick if they touch a sick dog or its body waste. Sometimes just being near a dog with germs could make people sick.These diseases spread in many ways like by touching a dog, getting bitten or even breathing in germs. Some diseases also spread through ticks or fleas on dogs.
Leptospirosis disease is caused by bacteria. Dogs get infected by it from dirty water or soil. If a dog has leptospirosis then they could pass it to humans. People get sick if they touch dog's waste or urine and symptoms include fever, headache and muscle pain.

Ringworm is a fungus which grows on the skin of the dog and this could also be passed to humans by contact with a dog's skin. Ringworm causes red itchy patches on the skin which is easy to treat but spreads fast.

Campylobacteriosis is a stomach bug which causes stomach pain and diarrhea. This passes from touching poop or dirty water around dogs. This disease is very common in puppies.
Giardiasis is another stomach infection. It is caused by a tiny parasite. Dogs get it from dirty water. So if a dog suffering from Giardiasis is touched then they get diarrhea and stomach and stomach cramps.

Salmonellosis is a food poisoning disease. Dogs are infected by this disease from eating raw meat or eggs. People who get sick by touching a dog suffering from salmonella face symptoms like fever, diarrhea and stomach pain. One should always wash their hands after feeding the dogs.

Toxocariasis is a disease caused by a worm living in dog's gut. These worms lay eggs in dog poop so if someone touches it then they end up falling sick. Children are most at risk. The worms cause stomach pain and even vision problems.

Tapeworm infection happens if someone gets tiny worm eggs from dogs into mouth by mistake. This happens when kids play with dogs. The worms cause stomach pain and weight loss.


Dogs get scabies by tiny mites and pass it to people. The mites burrow into the skin and causes itching and rashes. Scabies spreads fast so always wash hands and clothes if a dog with scabies is touched.

Brucellosis is a rare disease that dogs get from infected animals. If a dog with brucellosis is touched then they get fever and joint pain. This disease is more common in farm dogs.

Lyme disease is spread by ticks which dogs carry in their fur. A tick bite causes fever, rash and joint pain.

Wash the hands every time after playing with dog. Never touch dog poop or pee with bare hands and clean dog’s bowls and bedding with soap and water.
Do not let the dog eat or drink dirty things from the ground. Take the dog to the vet for regular checkups and worm medicines. This keeps the pet and owner healthy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can humans get a bacterial infection from a dog?Yes, humans get bacterial infections from dogs through bites, scratches or contact with their saliva, urine or feces.
2. What disease is mainly spread by dogs?Rabies is a commonly spread disease that people get infected with by dogs.
3. What is the disease from dog saliva?Dog saliva transmits diseases, most commonly bacterial infections like Capnocytophaga and Pasteurella.