Can A Dog Get An STD From A Human?
Yes, dogs can get STDs from humans. The most common STD that dogs can get from humans is Brucellosis, which is a bacterial infection that can be passed through sexual contact, contaminated food or water, or contact with infected bodily fluids.
Spay/neuter procedures can be an effective preventative measure for puppies and mature dogs that are not already infected. Like Brucellosis, canine herpes is mainly a concern among dog breeders. Unlike the Brucellosis bacteria, the kind of herpes that affects dogs is species specific, and cannot be passed to humans. There is neither a vaccine nor a cure for the herpes virus in dogs.
Homeless, stray, feral, or wild dogs are at the highest risk for all manner of medical maladies. It is little surprise that the effects of all three of these dog STDs are felt most by the most vulnerable and least cared for dog populations. Whether you’re a proponent of early spay/neuter procedures or prefer the traditional six-month date, having your dog fixed can help prevent them contracting one of these sinister conditions.
Of the three canine STDs, only Brucellosis is zoonotic, meaning it can be spread from dog to human. The CDC says that Brucellosis in humans usually happens from exposure to unpasteurized dairy, and that the chance of human-to-dog transmission is rare. It can happen, though, in those rare instances when people who have regular contact with pregnant dogs — specifically vets, veterinary assistants, or dog breeders — handle or come into physical contact with infected bodily fluids or tissues after pregnant dogs give birth. Even then, they’d have not only to be not wearing proper protective gear but also be immunocompromised themselves.
Unlike the two STDs we’ve covered so far, CTVT, or canine transmissible venereal tumors are neither caused by bacteria nor viruses. CTVT is an infectious form of cancer. The pinkish or reddish mature growths themselves are infectious agents, which spread from dog to dog through licking, direct contact with body fluids from open sores, or during intercourse if the disease is still internal.
The dog variety of the herpes virus, also called CHV, might be the most widespread of all dog STDs. PetMD estimates that up to 70 per cent of all dogs may carry the virus, though the majority of that number have it in a latent or dormant form. As with Brucellosis, though, symptomatic dogs are intact, but mostly wild or feral. Still, infections in sexually active dogs mean that breeding populations are still at some risk. Also known as “fading puppy syndrome,” its effects are most pronounced and fatal in puppies from birth to four weeks of age, who can contract the viral infection in the womb or shortly after birth.
Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (Transmissible Cancer Tumors)
Transmissible Venereal Tumor is a type of cancer that can be passed from dog to dog through sexual contact. This disease is most commonly spread through mating, but it can also be spread through contact with contaminated urine or blood.
There is no cure for Transmissible Venereal Tumor, but it can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Can Dogs Get Sexually Transmitted Diseases? | Wag!
Have you ever wondered can dogs get STDs? Well, wonder no more! In this blog post, we will explore the shocking truth about canine STDs.
Dog STDs are a real and growing problem, so it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect your pet. In fact, there are a few different types of STDs that dogs can get, and some of them are quite serious.
If you own a dog, it’s important to learn about these diseases and how to protect your pet from them. So read on to learn more about dog STDs and what you can do to keep your pooch safe.Table Of Contents