06/24/2025
I thought this article was interesting. Do you deworm your dogs regularly? Do you deworm yourself? You know I do to both. Lol...
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Pets vs People: Which Transmit More Illness?
Our furry companions are more connected to us than we realize, not just emotionally but biologically too. The exchange of diseases between pets and people is real, and understanding how this works can help protect the health of both humans and animals. You may be surprised to learn that humans are more likely to infect their pets than the other way around.
1. Zoonotic Diseases (Animal to Human)
These are illnesses that animals can pass to humans. They are less common with good hygiene and proper pet care, but they do occur.
Examples include:
Parasites (hookworms, roundworms, fleas, ticks)
Bacterial infections (Leptospira, Salmonella, Campylobacter)
Fungal infections (Ringworm)
Viruses (Rabies in unvaccinated dogs)
2. Reverse Zoonosis (Human to Animal)
Humans can pass certain infections to dogs, especially respiratory or bacterial types.
Examples include:
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
Tuberculosis
Influenza (some human strains)
COVID-19 (a few documented cases in dogs)
3. Who Gets More?
Humans encounter a wider variety of pathogens due to processed foods, pollution, stress, travel, and crowded environments.
Dogs often pick up infections from the outdoors, soil, f***s, or other animals more than directly from people.
Bottom Line:
Humans generally suffer from more health conditions overall. But in terms of what is shared between species, dogs often catch illnesses from people rather than the other way around.
To keep both pets and humans safe:
1. Avoid sharing food and drinks
2. Wash hands after handling pets
3. Practice regular deworming and vet visits
Strengthen immune systems naturally.
Written by Maryjayne Aria
