Dogs can carry certain bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens that occasionally make people sick (zoonotic diseases). Consistent parasite prevention, good hygiene, and proper waste management greatly reduce risk for the whole household, especially children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Key Prevention Practices
– Keep dogs on year-round heartworm, flea, tick, and intestinal
parasite prevention.
– Pick up feces promptly and dispose of it properly.
– Wash hands after handling dogs, cleaning up waste, or gardening in
areas dogs use.
– Avoid letting dogs lick open wounds or faces of immunocompromised
people.
– Seek veterinary care for any unexplained diarrhea, skin lesions, or
lethargy in the dog.
– Follow basic food-safety rules (do not feed raw diets to high-risk
households without careful discussion with a veterinarian).
Why Awareness Helps
Most zoonotic risks are low when basic precautions are followed, but
they are higher in homes with young children, elderly family members, or
people undergoing chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments.
Simple habits protect everyone.
Action step: Confirm your dog’s parasite prevention
is current and make hand-washing after dog-related tasks a consistent
household habit this week.
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