Can Dogs Make Humans Sick?

Dog Makes Humans Sick?

Who came up with such a question? Humans will more likely make a dog sick. But for a few of us walking two legged species called mankind, we may have a few health issues as it relates to handling dogs.

Dog Dander Allergy.
Dander is material shed from the body of humans and animals that have fur, hair, or feathers. The term is similar to dandruff, when an excess of flakes becomes visible. The proteins found in a pet's dander, skin flakes, saliva and urine can cause an allergic reaction or aggravate asthma symptoms in some people.  Allergic dander in cats and dogs is not affected by length of hair or fur, nor by the amount of shedding. 

But for some people with allergic reaction to dog dander there are treatments and solutions available if you think having a dog will make you sick.

1. Get a dog with little to near no shedding.
There are some breed of dogs that shed a lot and requires excess grooming and dander control while there are others that basically are groom free and sheds little dander if any.

2. Practice Good Dander Control

• Give your pooch good supplements of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are very good nutritional supplements for dogs. They help with skin conditions, allergies, kidney function, lymphoma, heart disease, cognitive function, arthritis, and more. 
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• Feed Your Dog Healthy Diet. You don't want your dog getting ill and having any type of skin irritation or anything which will affect the dogs overall health. Ensure that the animal maintains a healthy and rich diet of meat mostly.
  
  
• Use Anti Dandruff Shampoo to Bath Your Dog. Just like with us humans who suffer from dandruff and we seek some kind of natural or medicated shampoo to curtail the dandruff. You can do the same for your dog. There are medicated shampoos available that will help with dog dander so a dog wont make you sick. And there is also natural anti dandruff shampoo available such as a soothing oatmeal dog shampoo.
  
  
• Use a Humidifier In Your Home. What is a humidifier? Humidifier therapy adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness that can cause irritation in many parts of the body. Humidifiers can be particularly effective for treating dryness of the skin, nose, throat, and lips. They can also ease some of the symptoms caused by the flu or common cold.

Dog Licking Face

Dogs Can Carry Germs That Make You Sick.
Dogs are generally safe to have around, but pet owners must be aware that there are some germs which can pass from dogs to humans which can contribute to a person becoming ill, even if this is a very rare occasion.  Illnesses can range from minor to major as it relates to germs being passed from dog to human making them sick. Remember dogs are dogs and dogs do what dogs do naturally. Especially if you are living with more than one dog, there are precautions you must take not to make your dog get you ill.

Dogs will Lick and Smell.
Dogs will lick anything off another dog. They lick their own genitals and they will lick other dogs genitals and butt. Some dogs have even been known to eat their own poop. Now if your dog or another dog has some kind of disease and the dog licks up and eats that disease and then licks you on the mouth or skin, chances are you may contact some kind of infection. Please note that this is not common but can happen and has happen to a few dog owners. So always take the precautions listed below when dealing with your dog.

1. ​Ensure your dog has good and routine vet care
2. Keep hands clean with soap and water after having contact with dogs. Especially if you handle their poop.
3. Always have a bottle of hand sanitize ready.
4. Avoid having your dog lick your face or mouth.​

Having a Dog is not To Be Feared.
I myself is the owner of two dogs and a cat. They are wonderful pets to have and I have never been made sick by my dogs or cat.  Dogs provide so much support for a lot of people. They provide great companionship and comfort.  Dogs have such a wonderful impact on millions of lives worldwide. They promote relaxation and has even been helpful in reducing anxiety and stress.  Not to mention the kids and how they love having a dog around. Dogs help to promote physical activities in children by play. ​They are sometimes the center of attraction in many households and helps brings the family closer. Overall dogs are safe house pets and contributes a million times more to fostering good health in a family or single owner than making us sick.