K9 Zoonotic Risk Guide
Understanding diseases that can spread between dogs and handlers—and how to prevent them.
K9 Zoonotic Disease Awareness Guide
Understanding diseases that can spread between dogs and humans
PURPOSE:
This guide summarizes common zoonotic diseases associated with dogs and provides awareness-level information for prevention, recognition, and risk reduction.
It is not a diagnostic tool.1
What Are Zoonotic Diseases?
Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
Transmission may occur through:
- Direct contact (saliva, blood, urine, feces)
- Contaminated surfaces or soil
- Bites or scratches
- Parasites such as fleas and ticks
Common Zoonotic Diseases Associated with Dogs
Rabies
A viral disease affecting the nervous system. Almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
A viral disease affecting the nervous system. Almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Leptospirosis
Bacterial infection spread through urine-contaminated water or soil.
Bacterial infection spread through urine-contaminated water or soil.
Salmonella
Foodborne bacterial infection transmitted through fecal contamination.
Foodborne bacterial infection transmitted through fecal contamination.
Campylobacter
Causes gastrointestinal illness in humans and dogs.
Causes gastrointestinal illness in humans and dogs.
Ringworm
Fungal infection affecting skin, hair, and nails.
Fungal infection affecting skin, hair, and nails.
Giardia
Parasitic infection spread through contaminated water or feces.
Parasitic infection spread through contaminated water or feces.
Hookworms
Parasites that can penetrate skin and cause infection.
Parasites that can penetrate skin and cause infection.
Tapeworms
Often transmitted through fleas or ingestion of infected material.
Often transmitted through fleas or ingestion of infected material.
Lyme Disease
Tick-borne bacterial infection affecting joints and organs.
Tick-borne bacterial infection affecting joints and organs.
High-Risk Exposure Situations
- Exposure to wildlife or stray animals
- Poor sanitation or fecal contamination
- Flea or tick infestation
- Working in rural or wooded environments
- Handling sick or unvaccinated dogs
Prevention Strategies
Core Prevention Protocols
- Maintain up-to-date vaccinations
- Use parasite prevention (fleas/ticks/worms)
- Practice proper hand hygiene after handling animals
- Avoid contact with wildlife waste or unknown animals
- Clean and disinfect equipment regularly
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical care if you experience:
- Fever after animal exposure
- Unexplained gastrointestinal illness
- Skin lesions after contact with animals
- Tick bites followed by flu-like symptoms
Operational Insight
Consistent hygiene, vaccination, and parasite control significantly reduce zoonotic risk in working and companion dogs.
Handlers are the primary control point in prevention.1
References
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.).
Healthy pets, healthy people: Zoonotic diseases.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/diseases/index.html -
World Health Organization. (n.d.).
Zoonoses fact sheet.
https://www.who.int -
Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.).
Zoonotic diseases of dogs and cats.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com