Pneumonia is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people each year. While many people know that they can contract it from a variety of sources, like viruses and bacteria, one source that is not often discussed is man’s best friend – dogs. Can dogs cause pneumonia in humans? This is a valid and important question to consider, particularly for those who live with or come into contact with dogs on a regular basis. It’s important to understand the facts about pneumonia caused by contact with dogs so that you can take the necessary precautions to safeguard your health and the health of those around you. In this article, we’ll explore the prevalence of pneumonia in humans due to contact with dogs, discuss the different types of bacteria that could potentially be transmitted from dogs, and provide tips for keeping yourself and your family safe from the potential for contracting pneumonia from a canine companion.
How do I treat my dog’s pneumonia?
Until the results of the tests are in, your veterinarian will first administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic to your dog. This will allow them to determine the type of infection that dog has. Based on the results of the tests, they will decide what kind of antibiotic to use to continue treating and healing your pet. Depending on your pet’s condition, your veterinarian may recommend medication to treat your dog’s lung symptoms and to help clear any throat phlegm. Some veterinarians may suggest various exercise programs to strengthen the lung tissues during the healing process.
Gram-negative coccobacilli known as Pasteurella species were primarily found in animals. The normal flora of dogs’ and cats’ upper respiratory tracts includes Pasteurella spp. Direct and indirect contact with animals, such as dog or cat bites, licks, or even cat scratches, can spread the pasteurella infection to humans [6]. Several infectious diseases in humans are attributed to Pasteurella spp. The most significant infection spread by Pasteurella spp. is the soft tissue infection. However, Pasteurella spp. can spread meningitis, infections of the bones and joints, and respiratory infections [13]. In an American prospective study, the author showed that Pasteurella spp. was the most common microorganism found in dog and cat bites [2] Second- and third-generation cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, cotrimoxazole, and penicillin are all effective treatments for pasteurella infection [14].
Over 60% of Western families are thought to have pets. The majority of these households keep a dog. Dogs have been kept as pets for over 14 centuries. Numerous studies have attested to the important roles that pets play in human lives. According to research, having a pet can increase a person’s activity level, which can lead to lower triglyceride levels, lower serum cholesterol, and fewer cardiovascular events [1, 2]. Additionally, other studies showed that pet owners experience depression and mental stress less frequently than non-pet owners and have higher self-esteem levels. Numerous illnesses in humans are linked to dogs, despite the fact that they have several positive effects on their owners’ psychosocial and psychical health [3]. Particularly at risk for zoonoses infections are children and people with compromised immune systems. Numerous studies have shown that domestic dogs significantly contribute to the development of zoonoses disease and hospitalization [4,5].
L. An aerobic spirochete called interrogans is the main culprit behind leptospirosis in people. Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonose that is primarily spread to people by contaminated environmental sources, such as contaminated soil, water, urine, or animal tissue. The main Leptospirosis reservoirs are rodents, but in endemic areas, domestic animals, such as dogs, can have a significant impact on leptospirosis transmission [37]. The primary routes of Leptospirosis transmission involve mucosal surfaces of the human body, such as the eyes, vagina, nose, mouth, or erosive lesions, which come into direct contact with contaminated urine. The incubation period for this infection lasts, on average, 10 days (but can be as long as 26 days) [38, 39]. Leptospirosis symptoms can range from having no symptoms to having a fever, a cough that doesn’t work, a headache, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, alveolar hemorrhage, and even meningitis [39]. Leptospirosis has been successfully treated with a number of antibiotics, including penicillin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and ampicilin [40].
C. Q fever in humans is brought on by the obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium burnetii. Normally, the pathogen spreads to people through aerosols and direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals. Although dogs are not the main reservoirs for C. burnetii, however, in a study it was demonstrated that C. Nearly 10% of farm dogs were found to have burnetii [35] Additionally, Buhariwalla and colleagues reported in a different study that C Burnetii could be passed from an infected pregnant dog to humans. Additionally, the patients experienced Q fever symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and a productive cough. In chest radiography, opacity is a frequent finding, and during auscultation during a physical examination, crackles may be audible. According to this study, the incubation period lasted between 8 and 12 days after exposure to the infected animal. The patients with C. burnetii can be treated with fluoroquinolones or doxycycline successfully [36].
Dogs are a major reservoir for zoonotic infections. Dogs transmit several viral and bacterial diseases to humans. Zoonotic diseases can be spread to people through contaminated saliva, aerosols, urine, feces, and direct contact with dogs. The most typical viral and bacterial zoonotic infections transmitted by dogs to humans include rabies and norovirus, as well as Pasteurella, Salmonella, Brucella, Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter, Capnocytophaga, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira, Staphylococcus intermedius, and Methicillin resistance staphylococcus aure This review specifically addressed the infectious diseases mentioned, providing general information, symptoms, transmission routes, and recommendations for infection prevention and treatment. In terms of the infections, raising awareness among dog owners and the general public about zoonotic infections could significantly reduce the spread of zoonoses and, as a result, their fatal complications.
How to Care for a Dog with Pneumonia
Recovery from bacterial pneumonia can take time. Your dog’s pneumonia can last a few days or several weeks. Getting your dog healthy again will require patience and regular care. Throughout recovery from pneumonia expect to make multiple veterinary visits for follow-up exams, additional scans and testing to check on your dog’s progress and treat your dog’s pneumonia.
FAQ
Can people get pneumonia from a dog?
There is no chance that a dog’s owner could contract pneumonia from their dog. However, transmission of bacterial and viral pneumonia from dog to dog is possible. An older dog, a puppy, and a dog with a weakened immune system are more likely to contract pneumonia from another dog.
What diseases can dogs give humans?
- Rabies. The Rhabdoviridae family of viruses includes the single-stranded RNA virus known as rabies.
- Noroviruses. …
- Pasteurella. …
- Salmonella.
- Brucella.
- Yersinia enterocolitica.
- Campylobacter.
- Capnocytophaga.
Can humans catch chest infections from dogs?
Although it’s uncommon, humans can catch kennel cough from their pets. It is more likely to affect those with weakened immune systems, such as those with lung cancer or HIV.
Can animals give you pneumonia?
A yeast found in bird droppings, particularly those from pigeons, called cryptococcosis can lead to pneumonia and meningitis in people with weakened immune systems, especially those with HIV/AIDS.