6 Diseases that can be transmitted by dogs

Dogs can transmit various diseases to people, as they are in direct and frequent contact with bacteria, viruses and parasites that can be found on the ground and in the environment.

It is important that the dogs are taken to the veterinarian periodically and are also dewormed regularly to prevent infection and transmission to people.

The main diseases caused by dogs are:

1. Ringworm

Ringworm is a disease caused by fungi and can be transmitted by direct contact with the hair of the infected animal, causing reddish spot on the skin and intense itching, for example.

What to do: In case of ringworm, it is recommended that the person go to the general practitioner or dermatologist to identify the fungus and start treatment with antifungal medicine.

2. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium that can be found in the urine or feces of animals, such as dogs, cats and dogs, for example. Leptospirosis is a serious disease and can be noticed through the appearance of some symptoms, such as headache, leg pain, body pain and liver involvement, for example.

What to do: If the person has had contact with contaminated water in floods, puddles or moist soil, for example, it is important to go to the doctor so that the diagnosis can be made and antibiotic treatment can be started, such as Doxycycline or Penicillin.

3. Lyme disease

Lyme disease is caused by the tick bite that can be present in domestic animals, especially in dogs, resulting in severe itching at the site of the bite and the appearance of a red or whitish spot on the spot.

What to do: If the person has been bitten by a tick, it is recommended that the person go to the hospital for the diagnosis to be made and treatment to begin. The treatment recommended by the doctor is the use of antibiotics for about 2 to 4 weeks, it is important that the treatment is continued even in the absence of symptoms.

In addition, even if the flea bite of well-kept animals may not transmit disease, it can cause a lot of discomfort on the skin. Usually this type of bite causes a small red spot on the skin with a whitish center that itches a lot. Although no specific treatment is necessary, the skin should always be kept clean and, if the discomfort is too much, consult the doctor to apply a corticoid ointment, for example.

4. Larva migrans

The larva migrans corresponds to the presence of larvae in the body that penetrate the skin and cause different symptoms according to their location. These larvae can be found on the beach, parks and gardens, for example, which are environments in which dog feces can be found.

Some dogs have infection with species of Ancylostoma sp . or Toxocara sp ., without any symptoms. As a result of this infection, eggs are released into the feces and the larva leaves the environment, which can penetrate the skin and cause wounds in the form of a path, fever, abdominal pain, cough and difficulty seeing, for example. Learn to recognize the symptoms of dog worm infection.

What to do: In these cases it is recommended to avoid walking barefoot on the street, sand and parks, for example, in addition to periodically taking the dog to the vet to be dewormed. In addition, the doctor usually recommends the use of antiparasitic drugs, such as Albendazole or Mebendazole, for example, to fight infection in people.

5. Anger

Human rabies is a disease transmitted by viruses that can be present in the saliva of dogs, being transmitted to people through bites. Despite being more frequent transmission by dogs, the disease can also be transmitted by cats, bats and raccoons, for example.

Human rabies is characterized by impairment of the nervous system, causing muscle spasms and intense salivation, for example. See what the symptoms of human rabies are.

What to do: It is recommended that the person wash the area bitten by the dog well and go directly to the nearest hospital or emergency room so that rabies vaccine is administered and appropriate treatment can be started, preventing the progression of the disease.

6. Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a bacterium that can be found in the mouth of some dogs and be transmitted to people through the dog's saliva, either through licking or biting, for example.

This type of infection is rare, however it can result in fever, vomiting, diarrhea, the appearance of blisters around the wound or the site of licking and muscle and joint pain, for example. It is important that the infection is identified and treated quickly, as it can develop rapidly and result in death in just 24 hours. Learn to identify Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection .

What to do: It is important that after licking or biting the animal, the region is properly cleaned with soap and water and the person goes to the doctor for tests to be done and treatment can be started, if necessary. The treatment of infection by Capnocytophaga canimorsus is usually done with the use of antibiotics, such as Penicillin, Ampicillin and Cephalosporins, being important to use as directed by the doctor.

When it is necessary to go to the vet

Sometimes dogs can lick or bite for several minutes in a row, and this can be a sign of parasites on the skin, allergies, hormonal imbalances or even need for affection. But it is always good to investigate. In this case, take it to the veterinarian to make sure that it is not a disease that can also infect humans.

Another very characteristic sign, which can indicate the presence of intestinal worms in the dog, is when the animal sits on the ground and crawls, to scratch.

Tips to avoid dog-borne diseases

Some useful tips to avoid dog-borne diseases are:

• Take good care of the dog, vaccinating it and taking it to the veterinarian whenever it has any change in the coat, skin or behavior; Bathe the dog once a month or every 2 months; Apply a remedy for fleas or ticks, indicated by the veterinarian; perform an intestinal deworming every 6 months, or as instructed by the veterinarian; have good hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap and water after touching and playing with the dog; do not let the dog lick its wounds or its mouth; Properly clean the place where the dog lives. Be careful when handling the animal's feces, using gloves or a plastic bag when picking them up, throw the feces in the trash or in the toilet, and then wash your hands afterwards.

The veterinarian should be consulted regularly, as some diseases may not cause any immediate changes in animals, but can be transmitted to humans. Children and individuals with compromised immune systems are usually the most affected, so stay tuned.

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