Alpine Animal Hospital
Debra M. Taylor, D.V.M.
Patti A. Tuck, D.V.M. Emily A. Lewis, D.V.M.
2202 E. M-32
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989)732-6427
(989)732-4561 Fax
Email: info@alpineanimalhospitalmi.com
www.alpineanimalhospitalmi.com
Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats
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What is a zoonotic disease?
Zoonotic diseases of dogs and cats
Zoonotic diseases of dogs
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Zoonotic diseases of cats
Lots of concern?
Preventing zoonotic diseases
What is a zoonotic disease?
A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be passed from an animal to a human or vice
versa. There are many diseases that can be zoonotic and many species of animals can
spread zoonotic diseases.
Additionally, any time you travel outside of the United States, you can be exposed to other
types of zoonotic diseases that may not be present here. The most common zoonotic
diseases spread by cats and dogs are covered in this paper. It is important to remember
that preventative methods for these diseases should be used when dealing with all animals,
even animals that appear healthy. If you suspect that your animal could have any of the
following diseases, please contact us at Hometown Veterinary Care. If you suspect that you
have any of these diseases, contact your physician right away.
Zoonotic diseases of dogs and cats
Influenza: H1N1 and H5N1
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Animals and humans will have flu-like symptoms
Your veterinarian and physician should be able to test for these diseases
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
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Encompasses the Staph infections which are resistant to a lot of antibiotics
Can be spread from pet to human and human back to pet quite easily
Regular minor staph infections are generally not contagious
Most common infections are of the skin, soft-tissue and surgical sites
Dog and cat bites can cause infection
Watch for redness, swelling and pain at the infection site- can develop into bloodstream
infections and pneumonia
Children tend to be more susceptible
Rabies
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Transmitted to humans from the saliva of a rabid animal
It is important to consult your physician if you are bitten by any animal- even your pet
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and is deadly if gone untreated
All species are susceptible to rabies- most common wild animals that are carriers are
raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and bats
Ringworm
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Ringworm is a fungus spread by direct contact that causes skin and scalp issues
Skin often becomes scaly, dry, reddish and itchy
Additionally, if it is located in an area that is typically haired, the hair will often fall out
Lesion is often circular appearing if present, however cats can be ‘inapparent carriers’ and
show absolutely no lesions.
Salmonellosis
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This is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps in humans
Symptoms can last up to one week
Some recover without treatment, while others have died from the disease
To avoid this disease it is important to keep your animals stools picked up and wash your
hands immediately after handling their stools
Toxocariasis
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Infection caused by a parasite called the roundworm
Can cause eye lesions that can lead to blindness or swelling of organs in the body
Zoonotic diseases of dogs
Leptospirosis
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Bacteria spread through urine of infected animals
Animal symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe
weakness, depression, renal disease and liver dysfunction
Humans will exhibit flu-like symptoms and if pregnant, this disease can cause a female to
abort
Antibiotics are used to treat this disease
Giardiasis
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This is caused by an intestinal parasite
Transmitted be contaminated stools and water
Most common symptom is diarrhea
Other diseases include:
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Cryptosporidosis, Lyme Disease, Brucellosis, Campylobacteriosis, Tapeworm infection,
Hookworm infection and several others
Zoonotic diseases of cats
Cat Scratch Disease
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This is a bacterial disease that can cause swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, fatigue,
and decreased appetite in the affected human
Most cats never show any symptoms of being infected with this disease
Transmitted by cat scratches and bites
Wash any scratches or bite wounds immediately and avoid rough play with kittens and cats
Toxoplasmosis
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This is one of the most common small animal zoonotic diseases contracted in the world
Transmission is through contact with infected cat feces (after 2 or more days outside of the
cat’s body) or by eating undercooked meat
Symptoms in humans range from nothing to flu-like symptoms- it can cause birth defects
and miscarriages in pregnant women
Regular litter box cleaning in which cat feces does not sit around for days or weeks
eliminates most all risk
Other diseases include:
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Tapeworm infections, Leptospirosis and several other diseases
Lots of concern?
No, not really. After reading this list you may wonder if it even makes sense to own a pet!
Yes, absolutely it does. Though this list is long, zoonotic diseases are uncommon.
But you cannot ‘know’ about these conditions if you have not ‘heard,’ and you cannot be
proactive about you and your pet’s health without educating yourself. The saying ‘an ounce
of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ can not be any more accurate than in zoonotic
conditions. When your mother said ‘wash your hands before you eat’, she knew what she
was talking about!
Preventing zoonotic diseases
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Good Hygiene!
Wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water after playing with your pets or handling
their waste.
Keep feces cleaned up in the yard and litter boxes.
Vaccinate and deworm regularly.
Contact your physician and veterinarian if you think you or pet could have a zoonotic
disease.
© 2010 Hometown Veterinary Care