Can I get a respiratory illness from my dog?
Andreanne Hahn
2025-07-11 03:46:03
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Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, can spread from dogs to humans, but this is rare. In humans, symptoms may include a persistent cough, sore throat, and fever. It’s rare, but humans can also contract kennel cough from their pets. People with compromised immune systems, such as those who have lung cancer or HIV, are more likely to get it. Humans who contract kennel cough may experience: persistent cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, fever, and other respiratory symptoms. While it’s possible to contract kennel cough from a dog or other pet, it’s also unlikely. People with underlying medical conditions are most at risk.
Bernice Pollich
2025-07-04 23:28:35
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They believe the disease is not likely a risk to human health. There is no evidence humans are contracting the illness, nor is there evidence that other pets are. Dr. David Needle, a senior veterinary pathologist at the University of New Hampshire’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, said the pathogen is “host adapted,” meaning it’s more likely to stick with the organism it has already infected, rather than jump to another species. There is no known risk to human health linked to the respiratory illness in dogs, he said. In general, the risk of people getting sick from dogs with canine infectious respiratory disease is extremely low, however, because we don’t know yet exactly what agent or agents are causing the current outbreak, it’s a good idea to thoroughly wash your hands after handling your or other dogs. Experts said, it's wise to wash your hands after you've spent time with dogs.
Miguel Rolfson
2025-06-22 15:51:55
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Respiratory viruses and bacteria are highly contagious and spread through the air as well as by direct contact with contaminated surfaces and objects in the environment. These transmission properties result in spread between dogs co-housed in a kennel setting or in direct contact with other dogs. Many of the dogs with respiratory infections reported by veterinarians have a history of recent contact with other dogs in a social setting. Such settings include: Boarding kennels Daycare centers Dog parks Groomers Dog shows. Limit contact with dogs in social settings to limit your dog’s risk of exposure to respiratory pathogens. If your dog is showing signs of respiratory illness, call your veterinarian for guidance and keep your dog separate from other dogs until recovered. Be vigilant and distance from potentially sick dogs in public settings.
Coralie Nienow
2025-06-22 14:56:07
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Some infections are contagious, meaning they can spread easily among dogs, especially in dog parks, boarding kennels, and grooming salons. Viruses — Various viruses, including canine parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and influenza virus, commonly cause respiratory infections in dogs. Bacteria — The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is a primary cause of kennel cough. Other bacteria can also cause respiratory system infections in dogs. Fungi — Though less common, certain fungi, such as Histoplasma and Coccidioides, can cause respiratory infections, particularly in areas where these fungi are prevalent. Irritants — Exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other irritants can damage the respiratory system and lead to infections. Isolation — If your dog’s infection is contagious, you will need to isolate them from other dogs to prevent disease spread. Vaccination — Keeping your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date is one of the best ways to prevent infections such as kennel cough and canine influenza.
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