Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs: Which Diseases Can Dogs Transmit to Humans

What is a zoonotic disease in dogs?

A zoonosis is an infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Dogs can serve as reservoirs, carriers, or hosts for various pathogens. The risk of zoonosis from dogs is generally low for healthy adults—but it is higher for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, the elderly, and children.

Not every disease a dog can carry automatically poses a risk to the owner. The actual risk of infection depends on the route of transmission, the amount of the pathogen, the duration of exposure, and the dog’s immune status. Responsible care and preventive measures can significantly reduce most risks.

Background + Scientific Context

Chomel and Sun (2011, Emerging Infectious Diseases, PubMed 21291595) describe zoonotic diseases resulting from close contact with pets, including sleeping in the same bed: Documented transmissions include Pasteurella infections from dog bites, Capnocytophaga sepsis (in immunocompromised individuals), ringworm (dermatophytosis), and Campylobacter from BARF feeding. The overall risk for healthy adults is low—but sleep-related symptoms and atypical infection courses can be triggered by close contact with animals.

Stull et al. (2015, Canadian Medical Association Journal, PubMed 25823564) provide recommendations for reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission: wash hands after contact with animals, remove dog feces immediately (Toxocara eggs require 2–4 weeks in the soil to become infectious), regular deworming, and vaccination (especially leptospirosis). BARF feeding increases the risk of Salmonella and Campylobacter transmission to household members—particularly relevant for immunocompromised individuals.

Overgaauw and van Knapen (2013, Veterinary Parasitology, PubMed 23306067) describe Toxocara canis as the most significant zoonotic hazard posed by dogs: ingestion of eggs containing larvae from contaminated soil or vegetables leads to visceral larval migrans (VLM) or ocular larval migrans (OLM) in humans. OLM can cause permanent vision loss. Preventive measures: Hand washing, covering sandboxes, and regular deworming of dogs.

Vitomalia-Position

Most dog owners are healthy adults with functioning immune systems—the risk of zoonotic diseases is real but manageable. Excessive fear is just as unwarranted as complete carelessness. Vaccinations (leptospirosis, rabies in endemic areas), regular deworming, and basic hygiene cover the main risks.

When does zoonosis become a concern?

• Household members with compromised immune systems (chemotherapy, HIV, long-term corticosteroid use)
• Pregnant women (e.g., toxoplasmosis—low risk in dogs, significant risk in cats)
• Children who spend a lot of time on the ground (sandbox, playing)
• BARF feeding (increased risk of Salmonella and Campylobacter)
• Travel to areas where leptospirosis is endemic
• Dog bite (Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga)

Practical application

Major zoonotic diseases transmitted by dogs and their risks:

Basic guidelines for all dog owners: - Wash your hands after handling animals (especially before eating) - Pick up dog waste immediately — don't leave it in the yard or sandbox - Regular deworming according to the ESCCAP protocol - Keep your leptospirosis vaccination up to date - If you are immunosuppressed: Consult your doctor about specific precautions - BARF feeding: enhanced hygiene measures in the kitchen

Common Mistakes & Myths

• "Dogs licking your face is harmless." Dogs lick feces, carcasses, and other sources of contamination. Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, and other pathogens can be transmitted through licking. This poses a real danger to immunocompromised individuals—while it is tolerable for healthy people, it is not risk-free.
• “My dog is vaccinated—zoonotic diseases aren’t a concern.” Vaccinations only protect against specific pathogens. Parasitic zoonotic diseases (Toxocara, Echinococcus) aren’t covered by vaccinations—here, deworming and hygiene are key.
• “BARF is natural and therefore safe.” Feeding a BARF diet increases the household risk of Salmonella and Campylobacter—not only for the dog, but for all household members due to cross-contamination. If there are immunocompromised individuals in the household: discuss the risks and benefits with your veterinarian.

Current State of Research (2026)

Zoonotic risks posed by dogs are increasingly being systematically documented. The WHO and ECDC emphasize the One Health concept: animal health and human health are inextricably linked. In Germany, notifiable zoonoses (leptospirosis, echinococcosis, rabies) are well controlled through veterinary programs. BARF-associated Salmonella clusters in households have been described and are the subject of ongoing research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What zoonotic diseases can my dog pass on to me?

The most common risks: Toxocara (worm eggs from dog feces or soil), leptospirosis (dog urine, water), Salmonella/Campylobacter (associated with BARF), and skin fungi (dermatophytosis) from direct contact. Rabies has been largely eliminated in Western Europe through vaccination programs.

Is owning a dog risky for people with compromised immune systems?

With the proper precautions, dog ownership is possible even for people with compromised immune systems. It is recommended to consult with your doctor. Key precautions: consistent hand hygiene, no BARF diet, regular parasite prevention, and no allowing the dog to sleep in bed without prior consultation.

What is the most important preventive measure against zoonotic diseases?

Wash your hands after contact with animals, clean up dog feces immediately (to prevent Toxocara infection), deworm your dog regularly according to the ESCCAP protocol, and keep your dog’s leptospirosis vaccination up to date.

Related terms

• Parasites in Dogs
• Toxocara canis in dogs
• Leptospirosis in Dogs
• Vaccinations for Dogs
• Dog Hygiene

Sources & Further Reading

1. Chomel, B. B., & Sun, B. (2011). Zoonoses in the bedroom. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17(2), 167–172. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21291595/

2. Stull, J. W., Brophy, J., & Weese, J. S. (2015). Reducing the risk of potential zoonotic infections acquired from animals: a systematic review of the literature. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 187(10), 736–743. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25823564/

3. Overgaauw, P. A. M., & van Knapen, F. (2013). Veterinary and public health aspects of Toxocara spp. Veterinary Parasitology, 193(4), 398–403. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23306067/