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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
10 diseases dogs can spread to humans besides rabies and how to stay safe
Dogs bring joy and companionship, but they can also carry diseases that affect humans. While rabies is widely recognized, there are numerous other dog-borne illnesses, including leptospirosis, ehrlichiosis, salmonellosis, and ringworm, which can pose serious health risks. Symptoms may range from mild fever and skin rashes to severe infections and organ complications. Awareness of these diseases, proper hygiene, timely vaccinations, and regular veterinary check-ups are essential to minimize risk. Educating pet owners about transmission routes and preventive practices ensures the safety of both humans and dogs. By taking informed precautions, families can enjoy the emotional benefits of dog companionship while safeguarding their health and preventing the spread of potentially harmful infections. 10 health risks from dogs to humans besides rabies: Risks and prevention Leptospirosis – A bacterial threat from dog urine Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected dogs and other animals. Humans can contract it by coming into contact with contaminated water, soil, or mud. Symptoms include: High fever Severe muscle aches Kidney or liver complications Prevention strategies: Regular vaccination of dogs Wearing gloves when handling animals or cleaning their waste Practicing strict hand hygiene, especially after floods or heavy rainfall Leptospirosis highlights the importance of environmental hygiene and preventive pet care. Campylobacteriosis – Diarrheal infection from puppies Puppies often carry Campylobacter bacteria, which can infect humans through fecal-oral transmission. This is particularly dangerous for children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised persons. Symptoms: Diarrhea Stomach cramps Fever Preventive measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling dogs or cleaning up feces Avoid close contact between puppies and high-risk individuals Disinfect areas where dogs play or relieve themselves Campylobacteriosis underlines the importance of personal hygiene when handling young pets. Salmonellosis – Risk from dog food and surfaces Humans can contract Salmonella by handling dogs, their food bowls, or contaminated pet food. Dogs may carry the bacteria without showing any symptoms. Symptoms include: Diarrhea Fever Abdominal cramps Prevention tips: Avoid feeding pets raw diets Clean pet food bowls and utensils regularly Monitor recalls for pet food products Proper pet food hygiene is crucial to prevent this common zoonotic bacterial infection. Toxocariasis (Dog Roundworm) – Hidden risk in soil Toxocara canis eggs, found in dog feces, can infect humans if ingested accidentally. Children are especially susceptible due to outdoor play. Symptoms may include: Eye damage (ocular larva migrans) Organ inflammation Rare neurological complications Preventive measures: Deworm dogs regularly Promptly pick up dog feces Encourage handwashing after outdoor activities Toxocariasis emphasizes routine deworming and environmental cleanliness. Zoonotic Hookworm (Cutaneous Larva Migrans) – Skin infection Hookworm larvae from dog feces can penetrate human skin, causing intensely itchy, winding rashes. Prevention tips: Wear shoes in parks or sandy areas Avoid sitting on bare ground outdoors Maintain routine deworming for pets Hookworm infections demonstrate the importance of protective habits during outdoor activities. Echinococcosis (Hydatid Disease) – Tapeworm infection Dogs can carry Echinococcus tapeworms, which shed eggs that humans may ingest. These eggs can form cysts in internal organs, leading to serious illness. Prevention measures: Regularly deworm dogs Safely dispose of dog feces Avoid feeding raw offal to pets Echinococcosis illustrates the dangers of parasite transmission from dogs to humans. Capnocytophaga Infection – Rare but severe Capnocytophaga bacteria can enter human skin through dog bites or saliva. While infections are rare, they can cause sepsis in immunocompromised individuals. Prevention tips: Clean bite wounds immediately Seek medical attention for any signs of infection This highlights the importance of prompt wound care after dog bites or scratches. Pasteurella infection – Rapid skin infection Pasteurella bacteria can cause fast-developing infections after dog bites or scratches, potentially leading to cellulitis or more severe illness. Prevention measures: Clean wounds thoroughly Use prescribed antibiotics when recommended Early intervention is key to reducing complications from Pasteurella infections. Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) – Fungal skin infection Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can spread from infected dogs to humans. Symptoms: Circular, itchy rashes Red, scaly patches Prevention tips: Treat infected pets promptly Wash hands after contact with pets Clean bedding, grooming tools, and living areas Ringworm underscores the need for hygiene and timely treatment in managing fungal infections. Brucellosis (Brucella canis) – Rare but long-term illness Brucella canis spreads via bodily fluids of infected dogs. Though rare, it can cause prolonged fever and systemic illness. High-risk groups: Dog breeders Kennel workers Prevention measures: Wear protective gear when handling dogs Regularly test breeding dogs for infection Maintain strict hygiene practices Brucellosis demonstrates occupational risks for individuals who handle multiple dogs regularly. Pro tip: Dogs bring joy, but awareness of dog-borne diseases is crucial. Vaccinations, routine deworming, personal hygiene, and quick action in case of bites or scratches are essential for safety. Understanding these illnesses helps create a healthy environment for both humans and pets. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
North Lanarkshire Council receives fifth-highest number of dog fouling complaints in UK according to new research
North Lanarkshire Council comes in fifth with 1,725 complaints (51 complaints per 10,000 people) the other Scottish council in the top 10, but not the only other one - it has over six times as many complaints as Borders Council, which received 277 complaints. North Lanarkshire Council received the fifth-highest number of dog fouling complaints in the UK according to new research. That's according to the experts at the London rubbish removal company Rainbow Rubbish, which sought to uncover the UK councils that received the most dog poo complaints, utilising existing FOI data. They also partnered with a pet expert, highlighting the hazardous effects dog waste can have on others and its risks to public safety. North Lanarkshire Council comes in fifth with 1,725 complaints (51 complaints per 10,000 people) the other Scottish council in the top 10, but not the only other one - it has over six times as many complaints as Borders Council, which received 277 complaints. Pet expert Josh Wiesenfeld commented on the hazardous effects dog fouling has to other dogs as well as highlighting its risks to public safety and urban cleanliness. He said: 'Dog faeces poses a health risk to other dogs, but also to humans and the overall environment due to the transmission of parasites and infectious disease pathogens. 'Dog faeces can also pass on roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia, and coccidia—most of which are zoonotic, or capable of infecting people as well. 'Toxocara canis, a common roundworm, can cause toxocariasis in people, which can lead to loss of eyesight, organ damage, or neurological issues, particularly among kids playing in infected parks or yards. 'The danger is just as real for other canines. Parasites are caught by touching contaminated faeces or soil. Others, like parvovirus—a very contagious and generally lethal virus—can survive for months in the environment and are eliminated in the stools of the infected dog. 'Even a seemingly low amount of uncollected faeces can harbour millions of bacteria and viruses, causing outbreaks in local dog populations. In shared spaces such as parks or sidewalks, this can significantly increase community-wide public health issues.' Earlier this year, pupils at Wishaw Academy Primary School began running a campaign to highlight the problem and encourage dog owners to be responsible. Speaking at the time, the school's headteacher Michelle Beadie said: 'Many children and parents were concerned about dog fouling around the entrances to the school. 'As a result, the Rights Respecting Schools Steering Group decided to take full advantage of article 12 of the United Nations Charter on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and use their voices to campaign, tackle this problem and effect change. 'Pupils contacted decision-makers within North Lanarkshire Council, including elected members, and have been involved in a leaflet drop in the local neighbourhood. They have also raised awareness of the problem by designing their own posters for display around the school campus and local public buildings. 'This initiative not only promotes a cleaner, safer environment for our pupils but also instils a sense of respect and responsibility. By encouraging our children to speak out, and by working together with the local community, we can ensure that our pathways and grounds remain welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.'
