Can Dog Illnesses be Contagious to Kids?

Canine Conditions That Can be Transmitted to Children

Sep 19, 2009 Charlina Stewart

Sometimes household pets can share more than friendships with children. These animals can have health conditions that are contagious to kids.

Pets are prone to illnesses that can be easily passed to humans. So when the family dog isn't healthy it can compromise the well-being of the youngsters in the home. For this reason, maintaining a dog's health is vital. Here are some common canine conditions that can be transmitted to children.

Sarcoptic Mange Disease

Sarcoptic mange disease (canine scabies) in dogs is caused by microscopic parasites that live in a dog’s skin and coat. These parasites can be easily passed from dogs to children during contact, or when common areas are shared. Sarcoptic mange parasites that pass from dogs to humans burrow into the skin and cause inflammation, mosquito-like welts, and itching.

This condition in kids is only temporary as the parasites that cause sarcoptic mange in dogs can’t survive on humans very long. However, as long as the dog remains infected with mange, he can continue to reinfect a child with the mites.

Ringworm

Although ringworm is commonly transmitted in settings such as daycares and schools, the beloved family pooch can be the culprit of your child’s ringworm infection. Kids can catch ringworm when they come into contact with an infected dog, or any of the dog’s contaminated belongings. Spores can also shed from household pets and infect carpets, and upholstery.

To prevent the dog’s ringworm infection from being transmitted to children, isolate the pet to one area of the home until treatment is complete. Use a bleach-water solution to disinfect surfaces in the home. Wash the dog's bedding, and brushes in hot water. And encourage kids not to touch the household dog until the fungal infections clears.

Hookworms and Roundworms

Hookworms and roundworms are common intestinal parasites found in dogs. Roundworm eggs make their way into the soil or sand via contaminated animal feces. When kids play in an area that has been contaminated with roundworm eggs, and put their hands in their mouths, they ingest the eggs, and become infected. Once the roundworm eggs are ingested, they hatch in the intestines, and make their way to various parts of the body.

Hookworm eggs get into the soil by contaminated feces, and hatch. When children spend time outside in contaminated areas, they can either ingest the hookworms, or these parasites can penetrate the skin via the soles of the feet, or buttocks.

To prevent children from catching hookworms and roundworms from the family pooch, encourage them to wash their hands thoroughly after having contact with the animal, or playing outdoors. Also, never let children walk in the soil with bare feet.

A dog’s health can easily affect the health of a young child. So if the household pet gets ringworm, sarcoptic mange disease, hookworms, or roundworms, contact a veterinarian to get the condition treated.

The copyright of the article Can Dog Illnesses be Contagious to Kids? in Early Childhood is owned by Charlina Stewart. Permission to republish Can Dog Illnesses be Contagious to Kids? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Healthy Dog