You can get sick from your dog, but it’s rare. Illnesses can spread through close contact, contaminated feces or urine, or by sleeping in the same bed as your pet. These simple tips can help you prevent getting sick.
Research has shown for many years that dogs have positive effects on the psychosocial and psychical health of their owners. And no doubt that snuggling up with your furry friend at home may seem like the perfect way to end a stressful day.
With that one healthy paw, the other paw must also drop: There is a risk your dog could spread harmful germs, illnesses, and diseases to you. You could catch a stomach bug or a more serious illness.
But you can take several steps to lessen that risk and make sure you — and your pet — stay healthy.
Illnesses that pass between animals and humans are known as zoonotic diseases. They can be spread by farm or wild animals, as well as household pets like cats and dogs.
Harmful germs can spread quite easily from household pets, according to 2015 research — from stomach bugs, diarrhea, and minor skin infections to more serious health conditions. In fact, the close contact people have with household pets is a favorable condition for a bacterial infection to spread, 2016 research suggests.
A 2012 study based in Finland shows that noroviruses are one of the leading causes of diarrheal diseases among people of all age groups and that these can survive in dogs and be passed along to humans.
Even though infection — and the resulting sickness — isn’t likely, pets do carry germs that can make people sick. You can get these germs and illnesses from dogs in the following ways:
There are a handful of viral, fungal, bacterial, and parasitic illnesses that pass between humans and animals, including household pets like your beloved dog.
This is a bacterial disease that causes a flu-like sickness in humans. Although rare, it can be spread through contact with animals carrying the bacteria, including dogs.
Notably, you could have brucellosis even if your contact with a dog carrying the bacteria occurred months ago. If you get this disease, it can take anywhere from 1 week to 2 months for symptoms to appear.
This bacterial infection can be spread to humans via contact with feces from both dogs and cats carrying the bacteria.
These symptoms can appear 2 to 5 days after exposure. Typically, no treatment is necessary because the symptoms fade away within 1 week.
This type of bacterial infection is spread through the urine of a dog that has the bacteria. It can cause symptoms, including:
This condition is rare in the United States and most symptoms are mild, but it can be transmitted from animals like household dogs.
This viral disease is rare in the United States due to pet vaccinations — only 1 in 3 cases are reported in humans each year. Rabies does spread from dogs to people, though. It can be passed along by bite or scratch.
Rabies can cause a variety of serious effects on the central nervous system, causing flu-like symptoms including fever, muscle weakness, and tingling. You may also feel burning at the bite site. By the time those symptoms appear, it’s often too late for treatment.
This is a skin and scalp disease caused by a fungus. It can be spread between animals, and through contact it can also be passed from dogs and cats to humans. Ringworm can also be spread by touching an object or surface that came in contact with the fungus — everything from bedding and carpeting to clothing, pet brushes, and food bowls.
Symptoms include a scaly, red, circular, itchy rash on the skin. On a cat or dog, the symptoms may be present on hairless areas, with scaling, red, and crusting spots. Skin medications can clear ringworm in 2 to 4 weeks.
Salmonellosis causes symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can be spread to humans through contact with a dog that has the germ or with the dog’s feces or saliva. You can also get it if you come in contact with an item containing the germ and then touch your face or mouth.
This pet illness was linked to a 2019 outbreak stemming from pig ear treats, affecting dogs across the United States. Salmonella germs can be shed in pets’ stools for 4 to 6 weeks after infection.
One of the most common results of the above-mentioned illnesses may be gastroenteritis, or an upset stomach. This can sometimes be spread between people and their pets, to varying degrees and depending on what underlying infection they may have.
While it’s not specific to every illness, gastroenteritis may be transmitted between dogs and people through their stool or even saliva. In terms of salmonella and cats, in particular, it may be spread through litter boxes and as they roam through the home.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that “some ways dogs can spread the bacteria is when they give people kisses or have stool accidents inside the home. Pet waste from both sick and healthy pets can be a source of infection for people.”
As you might expect, those who are most at risk for catching a type of illness from their dog include:
The level of risk and who might develop a particular condition may also depend on other factors, including the specific bacteria, virus, fungus, or disease.
With that in mind, it’s best to stay mindful and contact your veterinarian or medical professional with any specific questions or concerns.
The best way to reduce or eliminated your risk of contracting zoonotic diseases from your dog is pretty simple. As you might suspect, it’s based on good hygiene and cleanliness practices.
Have you ever been sick with a stomach bug and wondered if your furry friend could be the culprit? Or maybe you’re feeling under the weather and worried about passing your illness to your beloved pup? As a dog owner myself, I’ve definitely had these thoughts cross my mind when either of us isn’t feeling well.
Today, I’m diving deep into the somewhat icky but important topic of whether dogs can give humans stomach bugs. The short answer? Yes, they can – but it’s not as common or straightforward as you might think.
The Reality of Dog-to-Human Stomach Bug Transmission
Let’s get straight to the point – while dogs can potentially transmit certain stomach bugs to humans, it’s relatively uncommon. According to veterinary experts, most of the everyday illnesses we experience don’t typically cross back and forth between humans and dogs.
However, there are specific circumstances and pathogens that can make the jump from your canine companion to you Research has found evidence that some gastrointestinal illnesses can indeed be transmitted between dogs and their human families
How Dogs Might Make You Sick
Based on research from Houston Methodist, there are three primary ways your dog could potentially make you sick:
- Through their saliva (usually via a bite)
- Through their poop
- Via ticks and fleas they carry
Let’s explore the stomach bug transmission specifically, which primarily occurs through the second pathway – fecal transmission
Fecal-Oral Transmission: The Main Culprit
I know it sounds gross, but the most common way dogs can transmit stomach bugs to humans is through what doctors call the “fecal-oral route.” This doesn’t mean you’re eating dog poop (thank goodness!), but rather that microscopic particles can be transferred:
- When picking up after your dog
- If your dog has an accident indoors that you clean up
- When your dog licks themselves and then licks you
- If your dog has diarrhea and contamination occurs
The key pathogens that can be transmitted this way include
- Salmonella – can cause gastroenteritis in humans
- Campylobacter – another cause of gastroenteritis
- Giardia – a parasitic infection that causes diarrhea
- Parasitic worms – including roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms (which shed eggs in dog feces)
- Drug-resistant bacteria – including certain strains of C. difficile
The Norovirus Connection
Recent research has found something particularly interesting about the transmission of stomach bugs between humans and dogs. According to a study conducted at the University of Helsinki’s Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, the Norovirus responsible for severe cases of stomach flu in humans may cause similar symptoms in dogs.
In this study, researchers tested 92 dogs from homes where someone had gastroenteritis or had been in contact with someone who had the virus. Four dogs were found to have the virus in their stool samples, two of which showed signs of an upset stomach.
Another study from Thailand traced a kennel outbreak to two pregnant dogs who were moved from a kennel to live inside a home with infected people. These dogs contracted norovirus, as did 5 of the 6 puppies birthed during that period.
What About Human-to-Dog Transmission?
While we’re focused on whether dogs can give humans stomach bugs, it’s worth noting that the transmission can go both ways! Yes, your dog can potentially catch certain stomach bugs from you too.
The same studies mentioned above indicate that humans can transmit norovirus to their dogs. While dogs have different digestive systems than humans, which can affect how they respond to illnesses, transmission is possible in some cases.
Symptoms to Watch For
How do you know if you’ve caught a stomach bug from your dog? The symptoms are generally similar to any gastroenteritis you might experience from other sources:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Fever (sometimes)
- Fatigue
Similarly, if your dog has caught a stomach bug (either from you or another source), they might show these symptoms:
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Blood in feces/vomit (more common in dogs than humans)
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
Protecting Yourself and Your Pup
Now for the good news – there are plenty of simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of transmitting stomach bugs between you and your four-legged friend:
1. Practice Good Hygiene
Washing your hands thoroughly after picking up after your dog or coming into contact with their saliva is probably the single most important step you can take.
2. Keep Your Dog Healthy
- Stay up-to-date with your dog’s vaccinations
- Provide regular preventative care
- Maintain heart worm medication
- Keep them free of fleas and ticks
3. Address Health Issues Promptly
If your dog has diarrhea, seek veterinary care quickly. Not only will this help your pup feel better faster, but it will reduce the risk of transmission to human family members.
4. Be Extra Careful When Cleaning Up
When your dog has diarrhea or has been vomiting:
- Wear gloves if possible
- Clean contaminated surfaces with disinfectant
- Wash your hands thoroughly afterward
- Consider keeping your dog isolated from vulnerable family members (young children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals)
5. Limit Close Contact When Sick
If either you or your dog is experiencing stomach issues:
- Avoid letting your dog lick your face
- Be extra vigilant about hand washing
- Consider sleeping separately until symptoms resolve
What You DON’T Need to Worry About
To ease your mind a bit, there are several common illnesses that you can’t catch from your dog:
-
Common colds – The viruses that cause common colds have adapted specifically to humans, not dogs.
-
Seasonal flu – Dogs have their own version of the flu (canine influenza) that doesn’t transfer to humans.
-
COVID-19 – According to the CDC, there’s “no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19” – the risk is likely to be very low.
When to See a Doctor
If you suspect you’ve caught a stomach bug from your dog, when should you seek medical attention? Here are some guidelines:
- If symptoms persist for more than 3 days
- If you have severe abdominal pain
- If you can’t keep fluids down for 24 hours
- If you have a high fever
- If you notice blood in your stool
- If you have reason to believe you’ve been exposed to a parasite
Real Talk from Dog Owners
I’ve had my fair share of experiences with my dog’s upset tummy over the years. Once, my Lab mix had a bout of diarrhea that lasted for days. I was meticulously cleaning up after him, washing my hands constantly, but I still ended up with similar symptoms a few days later. Was it definitely from him? It’s hard to say for sure, but the timing was suspicious!
Many dog owners have similar stories. While the risk is relatively low, it’s not zero – and being informed about the possibility can help you take the right precautions.
Final Thoughts
The bond we share with our dogs is special, and a little risk of stomach bugs certainly isn’t going to change that! The chances of catching a stomach bug from your dog are relatively small, especially if you follow basic hygiene practices.
Remember that our dogs bring so much joy and companionship to our lives – benefits that far outweigh the small risk of illness transmission. By staying informed and practicing good hygiene, we can continue to enjoy our close relationships with our canine companions while minimizing health risks.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or how to keep both of you healthy? Drop them in the comments below! And remember, when in doubt about either your health or your dog’s, it’s always best to consult with the appropriate healthcare professional.
Have you ever caught a stomach bug from your furry friend? Or do you take special precautions to prevent it? I’d love to hear your experiences!
Will I get sick from my dog licking me?
Expert opinions vary on whether dog kisses carry any serious health risk for people. Still, dogs can carry harmful germs, and some can pass through saliva and close contact.
Basic hygiene practices are the preferred ways to avoid these germs, even for those who agree that avoiding dog kisses most of the time is best. You should wash your face with soap and water afterward, before touching your mouth or eyes. Take extra care if you have open cuts or scrapes on your skin where a dog’s tongue may lick you.
Should you contact your doctor or your pet’s veterinarian?
Seek immediate medical attention from your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic if your dog shows any symptoms of an illness you’re concerned about. Always have a conversation with your doctor or medical care team if you’re experiencing any symptoms that might be caused by interacting with your dog.
Pet & Animal Care : Home Remedies for a Dog’s Stomach Sickness
FAQ
Can I catch a stomach bug from my dog?
What virus can dogs transmit to humans?
Even if you don’t feel sick, dog and cat bites can cause a Capnocytophaga infection and other diseases like Pasteurella, Bartonella (cat-scratch disease), or …Aug 26, 2025
Can I get stomach bacteria from my dog?
Infectious diseases, such as gastroenteritis, can be spread from animals to humans.
Can you catch diarrhea of a dog?