If your puppy is rubbing its ear or tilting its head, it may have an ear infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast. Bacterial infection can cause the same symptoms. So your vet needs to establish what kind of infection your dog has.
Dogs are a major source of zoonotic infections. Canines transmit several viral and bacterial diseases to humans.
Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to humans by infected saliva, aerosols, contaminated urine or feces, and direct contact with a dog.
Viral infections such as rabies and bacterial and norovirus infections, including
Salmonella, Pasteurella, Brucella, Campylobacter, Yersinia enterocolitica, Capnocytophaga, Coxiella burnetii, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Leptospira, and Staphylococcus intermedius are the most common bacterial and viral zoonotic infections transmitted to humans by dogs.
Regarding infections, increasing the knowledge and awareness of dog owners and the general population regarding zoonotic infections could significantly mitigate zoonoses transmission and, consequently, their fatal complications.
Is my dog that risky?
Okay. The good news is that it’s not likely for a human to catch a yeast infection affecting your dog.
However, your chance of contracting a zoonotic disease does increase if you have a weak immune system due to a pre-existing medical condition.
These includes:
- Pregnant women
- People infected with HIV or suffering from AIDS
- Elderly people
- Patients being treated with radiation therapy
- People who have received a bone marrow or organ transplants
- People with congenital immune system deficiency or chronic diseases.
Have you asked yourself, If you are at a higher risk, should you give your dog away?
No! You don’t have to do that. It just implies that you need to be more cautious around your dog.
Besides, many studies have shown that the advantages of having a dog or pet, especially if suffering from chronic diseases, are immeasurable. Sometimes vet doctors recommend pets for their patients.
Some measures can be taken to ensure that everyone remains safe, including constant monitoring of your pet for signs of illness, hygienic practices such as cleaning and washing your hand after handling your dog, and, most importantly, avoiding direct contact with your dog’s feces or urine.
Ensure you use that pooper-scooper!
Below you will learn more tips on keeping yourself safe from zoonotic diseases.
Prevention
The best way to reduce or eliminate your risk of contracting zoonotic diseases from your pet is not difficult, and it boils down to common sense and hygiene. Here are some more specific suggestions:
Visit the vets regularly.
Make sure the illness in your dog is addressed. Don’t put off visits to the doctor if your dog is showing signs of infection. Always wash your hand after handling your sick dog.
Keep your dog clean
Bathe them regularly; doing so will allow you to examine your puppy for signs of illness, especially skin lesions and rashes.
De-worm your pup
Getting your dog on a heartworm preventative isn’t only to prevent heartworm alone. Broad-spectrum dewormers can also prevent roundworms and other parasites.
Clean up dog poo
Take care of your dog’s poop while walking, and dispose of it promptly.
Ensure you pick up after your dog poo in a reasonable timeframe. Avoid exposing it to clothing or touching it with your hand, and dispose of the feces in a sealed bag.
Always wash your hands
Make sure to wash and rinse your hands with warm water and soap immediately after touching a dog or their feces, toys, food, or water bowls where the dog’s saliva might have spread germs.
Doggo kisses
Don’t allow dogs to give you kisses on your face, especially not around your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Wash your face if you mistakenly come into contact with their tongue despite your efforts.
Vaccinations
These are very important. Ensure that you and your dog are current on all needed vaccinations. That would include canine parvovirus, rabies, kennel cough, and distemper for your dog.
After your dog has been vaccinated, he may feel some pain; you need to know what to give your dog for pain after shots.
Other things you should consider are as follows:
- Give your dog separate water bowls and dishes.
- Always use good dog bedding and wash them regularly.
- Use thick and flea preventatives regularly.
