Which Health Problems Are Contagious to Dogs?

As dog owners, we want to keep our dog(s) happy, healthy, and safe all the time. However, just like humans, dogs can get several diseases, some of which may be contagious.

And while continuous advancements in medicine have developed vaccines and treatment options for many diseases, we should be mindful of diseases that our dogs become exposed to, especially in areas where dogs usually gather, such as doggie daycare centers, kennels, dog parks, and grooming salons, among others.

Stop Googling - Ask a Real Vet

Content:

1. Is Kennel Cough Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans
2. Is Ringworm Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans
3. Is Parvovirus Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans
4. Is Pink Eye Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans
5. Is Heartworm Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans
6. Are Worms Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans
7. Are Ear Mites Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans

Is Kennel Cough Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans

Kennel cough, also known as infectious bronchitis, may be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. As it affects a dog’s respiratory system, it can be characterized by a hacking cough.

How contagious is kennel cough to other dogs? Kennel cough is a very contagious airborne disease in dogs that can be transmitted upon exposure to an infected dog. As suggested by its name, transmission often occurs in kennels and other places where many dogs are gathered.

In the early stages of the disease, infected dogs may not exhibit symptoms, but they are already contagious to other dogs during this time. Although rare and unlikely, kennel cough (particularly when caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, according to NCBI sudy) can be contagious to humans who are immunocompromised.

Some vaccines help protect dogs from kennel cough. Not all dogs need to get the vaccine, however. You can speak with your vet to know whether the vaccine for kennel cough, called the Bordetella vaccine, would benefit your dog.

Is Ringworm Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans

Contrary to what its name may imply, ringworm is not a worm. Its appearance, however, is characterized by circular, reddish, and hairless ring-like patches. By definition, Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin and nails.

Ringworm can be transmitted upon contact with an infected animal or human. On the other hand, it may also be caught from surfaces such as bedding, rugs, or soil that have come into contact with an animal or human that’s infected. So if your dog has ringworm, can you also get infected? Yes, ringworm in dogs is contagious to humans, dogs, and other animals.

While many who get the ringworm infection can recover without being treated, treatment is highly recommended to avoid spreading the infection.

Is Parvovirus Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans

Parvo is extremely contagious to other dogs, and this viral disease is life-threatening if not treated early. The virus most commonly affects puppies, causing acute gastrointestinal issues while attacking their white blood cells. It can damage their heart muscle and lead to permanent cardiac ailments. While it mostly affects younger dogs, older dogs may sometimes be affected as well.

You might also be wondering: Is parvo in dogs contagious to humans? The answer is no. Canine parvovirus is only contagious to dogs and not to humans or other animals. The virus can survive in the environment for several months and may not just be transmitted from an infected dog but also from surfaces and objects (ex. floors, food bowls, shoes, carpets, clothes) that have touched the feces of the infected dog.

Because parvovirus is a deadly and highly contagious disease in dogs, it is important to make sure that your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date to help prevent infection. Currently, there are no known medications that can kill the virus. With this, treatment involves aggressive supportive care to help relieve the symptoms and strengthen the dog’s immune system.

The general signs of parvovirus include appetite loss, lethargy, severe vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Being able to detect signs of canine parvovirus early and provide supportive treatment increases a dog’s chances of survival and recovery from the virus. A high-quality pet camera such as the Petcube Camera allows you to monitor your dog 24/7 and thus be able to detect and quickly address symptoms of illnesses such as parvovirus early on.

Is Pink Eye Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can be defined as a condition where the conjunctiva (the pink tissue situated inside the eyelid) exhibits inflammation. The condition has two types: infectious conjunctivitis and non-infectious conjunctivitis.

The infectious type of conjunctivitis is caused by a rare bacterial infection or virus, which can be contagious to other dogs and other animals. Meanwhile, you may be curious: Is the pink eye in dogs contagious to humans? While it is not that common for humans to get conjunctivitis from dogs, there’s a higher chance of dogs getting conjunctivitis from humans.

If you suspect pink eye in your dog, it would be ideal to separate your dog from other animals in the household. Make sure to wash your hands well after handling your dog to avoid spreading the infection to other animals.

Is Heartworm Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans

Caused by a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that resides in an infected animal’s heart and pulmonary arteries, heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease. Heartworms traverse the bloodstream and damage essential organs and arteries along the way, making their way to the vessels of the lungs and the chamber of the heart six months after the initial infection.

Transmission of heartworms may be contracted via mosquito bites. With this, questions may come to mind, such as "Is heartworm contagious to other dogs, animals, and humans?". The short answer is no.

Heartworm disease isn’t directly contagious from one animal to another or from person to person. However, it is indirectly contagious when an animal or human gets bitten by a mosquito that has bitten an infected dog. Humans getting infected by heartworm disease is unlikely, but there are rare cases of infection.

Are Worms Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans

Yes. Since several worms that can infest dogs are zoonotic, they can infect other dogs, animals, and even humans. Depending on the type of worm, each may exhibit its symptoms and can cause a variety of diseases. Among the worms that may infect dogs are hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, heartworms, and hydatid tapeworms.

Because worms can cause several diseases, some of which can be life-threatening, as, in the case of heartworms, regular deworming in dogs is important. Petcube's Emergency Fund is a powerful ally for any pet parent. Not only do you get access to a team of online veterinarians who can answer your questions 24/7, but you get up to $3000 in emergency cover each year. All for just $29 a month.

While the Emergency Fund is an affordable alternative to traditional pet insurance, it doesn't work in quite the same way.

Are Ear Mites Contagious to Other Dogs and Humans

Ear mites are parasites that reside in and around the infected host’s ear canals. In particular, the dog ear mite lives on the skin’s surface, unlike some other mites that burrow inside.

More commonly, other dogs and animals can get ear mites from dogs. But are ear mites in dogs contagious to humans as well? The answer is yes, although it’s not common.