As veterinarians, we frequently get the inquiry, “Can I get that from my pet?,” and as a result, this subject has become recurrent. This week we cover antimicrobial resistance.
Many people have heard of MRSA, but what does it mean, how did I get it, and what part could this cute little furball, sleeping in my bed, possibly play?
Staph aureus is a bacteria that is typically found in healthy people’s skin and noses, and it usually doesn’t cause any issues. Staphylococcus pseudointermedius is the canine equivalent of Staphyloccus aureus, and it behaves similarly to its cousin (and is typically found on their skin). These cousins occasionally switch places because they are so closely related; you might momentarily have some of your dog’s Staph pseudointermedius and Fido might have some of your Staph aureus. It’s crucial to keep in mind that, for the most part, this is unimportant and just a typical aspect of life.
When there is an underlying illness or injury, human doctors and veterinarians become concerned because the bacteria can take advantage of the disruption in the immune system to cause an infection. Particular attention should be paid to this in medical facilities, nursing homes, and the homes of immunocompromised people. Antibiotics are the recommended course of treatment for this infection, but unfortunately, like Frankenstein’s monster, this course of action may have serious side effects.
Sometimes Staph can develop an antibiotic resistance, and once it has developed enough resistance to a sufficient number of antibiotics, it becomes Methicillin-Resistant Staph. This simply means that it is more difficult to treat when it is causing a problem, not that the bacteria is stronger or more contagious. Antibiotic stewardship is a growing movement that encourages doctors and veterinarians to use antibiotics only when absolutely necessary as a result of our growing concern over antibiotic resistance.
The short answer is yes, since you and your dog may share methicillin-resistant Staph between the two of you, but this is typically not a major issue because, as you should remember, it’s not inherently a stronger or more infectious bacteria. But if the 2-legged or 4-legged family members are very young, very old, immunosuppressed, or pregnant, it becomes a problem. Please speak with your doctor if this is a concern in your household and your pet has been identified as having a skin infection.
As a result, although the risk of contracting a resistant infection from your pet is low, it is not zero because “rarely doesn’t mean never.” and I’m sure we’d all prefer to avoid contracting an infection from a bacterium that is highly drug-resistant. Therefore, it’s crucial to always practice good hygiene and infection control techniques, especially when around an animal that has an active infection. These measures include:
Is all that overkill? Probably. However, it’s also a simple and doable strategy, and a reasonable strategy to lower the already low risks.
What causes this type of skin irritation?
The most frequent causes of skin irritation are licking, chewing, and scratching. The ideal conditions for Staphylococcus to become a problem can be created by any condition that causes itching or a change in the environment of the skin.
Fleas, inhalant/seasonal allergies, and food allergies are common causes of itching. Seborrhea and hormonal imbalances are two additional conditions that have an impact on skin health. g. , hypothyroidism). Itching can also be brought on by irritating chemicals like flea and tick dips.
There are two typical staphylococcal lesions. One type starts as a red spot on the skin with a pustule that resembles a pimple in the center. The second type is characterized by a circular, reddish area with a crusty edge and hair loss in the middle. The latter is easily mistaken for a yeast skin infection or ringworm. The presence of either of these skin changes in a scratching dog is strongly suggestive of staphylococcal dermatitis.
Confirmation can be made with a skin swab or skin biopsy. The swab not only allows confirmation of the identity of the organism, but antibiotic sensitivity testing can also determine the most suitable antibiotic.
Since bacteria are the cause of the condition, various antibiotics are typically sensitive to it. Before an infection can be controlled, some infections may need treatment for three to six weeks. Antibacterial shampoos, sprays, and spot-ons can help to quickly bring the infection under control.
Stopping the cycle of scratching and itching, which may have contributed to the staphylococcal infection, is another crucial component of treatment. To identify the source of the itching, additional tests might be required. Often, more than one condition contributes to the itching.
Is my dog contagious to me or to other pets?
No. Staphylococcus is a common skin bacterium that lives on the skin of all dogs, cats, and people. Only when the skin is damaged or there is an underlying medical condition does the infection happen.
How Do Dogs Get Staph Infections?
Excessive scratching, licking, and chewing are the most typical causes of skin irritation in dogs. But anything that alters a dog’s normally healthy skin environment can foster the development of Staphylococcus infections. This frequently includes canines with fleas, food allergies, or other environmental sensitivities.
Any breed or age can contract staph infections, but older dogs are more vulnerable because their immune systems are weakened. Some dogs are also prone to persistent, recurrent staph skin infections; in these cases, it’s critical for a veterinarian to identify the root cause.
Common causes of recurrent infections in younger dogs include external parasites and allergic skin conditions. Additionally, older dogs who have hypothyroidism or another underlying systemic disease may experience recurrent infections.
Your dog may exhibit a number of signs of a staph infection, including:
Dogs frequently develop skin infections, and staph infections are not always to blame. Excessive licking, chewing, and scratching can frequently cause hot spots to appear. But if your dog exhibits these symptoms, you should take him to the doctor right away to get the best diagnosis and course of action. Staph infections can cause serious illnesses like blood poisoning or even death if they are not treated.
You should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog displays symptoms of a skin infection. To help identify the underlying cause of the issue, your veterinarian may request skin tests and ask for details about the onset and duration of the symptoms. In some circumstances, a skin biopsy may be necessary to determine the most effective antibiotic to treat the infection.
To stop the infection from spreading to internal organs, staph infections are typically treated with an oral antibiotic. Your dog’s veterinarian may also recommend a topical antibiotic ointment if the infection is on its skin.
How to administer these medications and how long to continue treatment will be explained to you by your veterinarian. Before an infection is under control, some may need treatment for three to six weeks. But occasionally, antibacterial shampoos and sprays can hasten your dog’s recovery. You can ask your vet which ones she recommends.
FAQ
Can you get a staph infection from a dog licking you?
Staphylococcus infections can spread both between dogs and humans, so caution must be taken when handling and caring for your dog.
How do you know if your dog has a staph infection?
- Excessive itching, licking or chewing.
- Eye, ear, skin or respiratory system infections.
- Patchy fur with peeling, crusty skin, or moist skin.
- Inflamed or red skin.
- Pain.
- Pus-filled sores on the skin.
Can animals cause staph infection?
A variety of animal hosts are frequently infected by aureus, which has a significant negative impact on both public health and agriculture. Animal infections are harmful to animal health, and they can spread staphylococcal bacteria to humans through other animals.
Can humans catch MRSA from dogs?
You can get MRSA from your pet. Although it is uncommon for animals to transmit MRSA infections to humans, people can contract the infection outside of hospitals if they have close contact with an infected person, animal, or object.