Dogs and Disease: The transfer of zoonotic disease from canines to owners

November 6, 5:48 PMCleveland Dog Health ExaminerElisabeth Miller

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Dr. Becker, center, with Dr. Oz, right.
ZoCo Productions LLC

Our dogs can be like our own children. They give us companionship, comfort, and fulfillment. But what dog owners likely don’t realize is they can give us diseases too.

Last Thursday, Dr. Becker appeared on The Dr. Oz Show and talked about the diseases that our beloved pets can spread to us. In an interview with Paw Nation Dr. Becker states: "Because we're living more intimate lives with our pets – hugging and kissing our pets, and sleeping with them at night -- we're at more risk for catching certain zoonotic diseases from our dogs and cats."

A lot of owners allow their dogs to lick their mouths, which really isn’t a good idea. The most common diseases passed from canine to human come from MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), parasites and ringworm.

These are not the only diseases you have to be cautious of as pet owners. Households, especially with young children must be extra careful. "About 600 U.S. children lose their eyesight each year due to roundworm larvae," says Dr. Becker, "which they contract from soil that has contaminated dog feces, which doesn't have to be from your dog, but from any dog feces off the street."

Despite his claims, Dr. Becker also says that it is important not to lose the intimacy you have with your pet.

So how do you keep yourself protected from zoonotic diseases?

Dr. Becker offers several pieces of advice to pet owners; he recommends using year-round flea and tick medicine, heartworm medication, and keeping up-to-date on vaccinations. Also, clean your yard of dog feces at least every other day and make sure to wash your hand after doing so.

So this news does not forbid us compassionate owners to have to sacrifice our intimacy with our dogs.
"I let my dogs sleep in our bed too," says Dr. Becker, "but I use an antimicrobial shampoo and give them a monthly parasite control and keep them fully vaccinated. The only real change I've made is having my dog kiss me on the cheek rather than my mouth."


 For more information, Dr. Becker urges pet owners to visit www.petsandparasites.org.