Can You Catch an Upset Stomach from Your Dog? What You Should Know

The term “zoonotic” is used to describe illnesses that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Although dogs and humans have different immune systems, certain illnesses, especially those that cause stomach upset, can pass from dogs to people. In this guide, we will explore the common stomach and intestinal infections you might catch from your dog, what symptoms to watch for, and how to keep yourself safe.

Maintaining proper hygiene is essential to reduce your chances of getting sick from your dog. This means washing your hands thoroughly after handling your pet, cleaning up after them, and avoiding allowing your dog to lick your face or any open wounds.

1. Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are among the most frequent zoonotic infections transmitted by dogs. These parasites shed numerous eggs in your dog's stool, which can contaminate soil or grassy areas where your dog goes to the bathroom. This contamination poses a particular hazard for children who play outside barefoot or might accidentally ingest contaminated soil.

Hookworms are especially worrisome because their larvae can penetrate human skin, causing painful infections even without ingestion. In the U.S., public parks and yards are common places where such exposure occurs, so cleaning up dog waste promptly and washing your hands with warm, soapy water afterward is critical. Never handle dog feces without protection.

2. Salmonella Infection

Salmonella bacteria are well-known causes of food poisoning but dogs can also harbor these bacteria in their saliva, feces, bedding, and on their food dishes. People can contract salmonella through contact with any of those sources. Symptoms often include fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.

To decrease the risk, keep your dog’s eating area clean and always wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with your pet, especially before preparing food.

3. Cryptosporidiosis

This infection, caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium, can be transmitted to humans through contaminated water or feces. Dogs can carry the parasite without showing signs but might develop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and weakness if infected themselves.

Prevent your dog from drinking from standing water sources like puddles, ponds, or outdoor containers, common in many suburban and rural areas in the U.S., as these can harbor the parasite. Always wash your hands after handling your dog or its waste.

4. Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni bacteria cause campylobacteriosis, an intestinal infection affecting dogs and humans alike. Dogs may carry these bacteria without symptoms yet still spread them in their feces. Humans become infected primarily through contact with contaminated stool, food, or by not washing hands properly.

Symptoms in people include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and fever. Thorough handwashing and swift cleaning of dog waste are crucial preventive steps.

Helpful Hygiene Practices to Stop Spread

• Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water after petting your dog, handling their food bowls, bedding, or cleaning up feces.
• Always clean and properly dispose of your dog’s waste right away to reduce environmental contamination.
• Stop your dog from drinking from potentially contaminated outdoor water sources like puddles or stagnant ponds.
• Avoid allowing your dog to lick near your mouth, eyes, or any wounds.
• Clean and disinfect your dog’s bowls, bedding, toys, and common areas regularly.

Who Needs to Be Especially Careful?

While many individuals may never suffer illness from these zoonotic infections, certain groups are particularly vulnerable. Young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune defenses face a higher risk of serious symptoms. Households with these members should be especially vigilant in practicing hygiene and monitoring for symptoms.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian or Doctor

If your dog shows signs of stomach illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or lethargy, it's important to visit a veterinarian promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Likewise, if you or a family member unexpectedly develop stomach upset, especially after close contact with your pet, seek medical advice from a healthcare professional to rule out an infection and get timely care.

Final Thoughts

Though the chance of catching a stomach upset directly from your dog is relatively low, it is possible to contract certain bacteria, parasites, and worms that cause gastrointestinal illness. Recognizing these zoonotic risks, understanding symptoms, and adhering to good hygiene and responsible pet care are the best ways to keep both your family and your dog healthy and content.

By following straightforward hygiene steps and staying informed, you can continue to enjoy the special bond with your dog while safely minimizing any infectious risks.

For example, owning a Golden Retriever puppy, a popular breed across the U.S., comes with the same responsibilities to watch for these infections and practice good hygiene to protect your family.