Zoonotic Dog Disease

Introduction to Zoonotic Dog Disease –
Dogs are also known as Zoonoses because they are the perfect hosts for some of the disease that commonly affect both dogs and humans.

Name of the disease, its Symptoms or Signs-

1) Toxocariasis-
This is a parasitical infection caused by roundworm Toxocara canis and is generally found in the dogs intestine. It passes on to humans through the dog feces that is present in the soils.

Toxocariasis disease Symptoms/ Signs- This disease causes blindness in the humans and can also cause swelling of several organs of the body or even the central nervous system. However, most if these infections are not worrisome.

2) Giardiasis-
It is caused by Giardia parasite and is a common cause of non-bacterial diarrhea in North America. It is a one celled intestinal parasite that affects humans. These parasites are indirectly passed on to humans by the way of contaminated waters or soil.

Giardiasis disease Symptoms- It causes diarrhea which can be acute or chronic. The resultant effect of diarrhea may be weight loss. There is also a possibility that there are no symptoms at all and even if there are signs, they are sporadic or irregular.

3) Cryptosporidosis-
It is a gastro-intestinal infection caused by Cryptosporidium parvum parasite and is passed on to humans by contaminated waters. It is however fatal to those persons who have lower immunity because of any long going disease that they might have.

Cryptosporidosis disease Symptoms/ Signs- watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and fever.

4) Salmonellosis-
It is caused by Salmonella bacteria. The ailment generally lasts for 4-7 days and many recover without any medical assistance. This disease is however fatal for those with lower immune system.

Symptoms/ Signs- Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, lethargy, vomiting and abdominal cramps that start 12-72 hours after the infection has set in. In some cases it results in increase in the dogs appetite.

Other common diseases that humans and dogs share are Rabies, Campylobacter, Lyme, Ringworm, Tick and Flea borne disease like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, hookworm and tapeworm

Treatment/ Vaccination for Zoonotic Diseases

1) Toxocariasis- In this case, prevention is the best method. It is important that the dog is taken to the vet when signs of toxocariasis are noticed. Also it is essential for the owner to wash hands after playing with the dog.

2) Giardiasis- Diagnosis will help in giving better treatment. Also care must be taken that water is not directly used from ponds, lakes and streams. The owner must wash hands after touching the infected dog.

3) Cryptosporidosis- Sometimes the patient needs to be hospitalized and 1V fluid therapy is given.

4) Salmonellosis- Washing of hands after handling an infected dog.

Another way of treating an infected human or dog is to set up an appropriate diet that will in boosting their immune system to fight the disease