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

The term “zoonotic” refers to conditions that can be passed between humans and animals, including transmissions across species boundaries. Although our bodies and immune systems differ considerably from dogs, certain illnesses can be shared, especially those causing upset stomachs. This article explores the main stomach and intestinal conditions you can potentially catch from your dog, helping you understand symptoms and how to protect yourself.

Observing good hygiene is crucial to lowering your risk of infections from your dog. This includes washing your hands thoroughly after handling your pet or cleaning up waste, and avoiding letting your dog lick your face or open wounds.

1. Intestinal Worms

Intestinal worms are among the most common zoonotic infections from dogs. Types such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms shed enormous quantities of eggs in your dog’s faeces. These can contaminate soil and lawns where your dog toilets, posing a risk to humans, particularly children who may be playing or walking barefoot.

Hookworm larvae are especially concerning as they can penetrate human skin, causing infections without direct ingestion. This highlights why prompt disposal of dog waste and careful hand cleaning is essential. Never touch faeces directly, and always wash hands with hot, soapy water immediately after waste disposal.

2. Salmonella Infection

Salmonella bacteria are often linked to food poisoning but can also be present in healthy dogs, carried in saliva, faeces, bedding, or food bowls. Humans may contract salmonella from contact with any of these sources, resulting in symptoms like fever, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.

Maintaining cleanliness of your dog’s feeding area and practicing good hand hygiene after contact are key prevention measures.

3. Cryptosporidiosis

This parasitic infection is caused by Cryptosporidium and can be contracted by humans from contaminated water or faeces. Dogs may carry the parasite without showing symptoms but can experience fever, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhoea if infected.

Avoid letting your dog drink from dirty or stagnant water sources, and always wash your hands thoroughly when handling dog waste or contaminated materials to reduce your risk.

4. Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni are bacteria that cause campylobacteriosis, an intestinal infection affecting both dogs and humans. Dogs may carry it asymptomatically yet still shed bacteria in their faeces. Humans catch it through contact with contaminated faeces, food, or poor hygiene.

Symptoms in people include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea, sometimes bloody. Washing hands frequently and prompt cleaning of dog waste are effective ways to minimise risk.

Good Hygiene Tips to Prevent Transmission

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling your dog, their waste, food bowls, or bedding.
• Pick up and dispose of your dog's faeces promptly and hygienically.
• Prevent your dog from drinking from potentially contaminated outdoor water sources.
• Avoid letting your dog lick your face, particularly near the mouth, eyes, or open wounds.
• Regularly wash and disinfect dog bowls, bedding, and toys.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While many people may never experience illness from these infections, vulnerable groups such as young children, elderly adults, pregnant people, and individuals with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of severe symptoms. Extra caution and hygiene measures should be taken in households with at-risk individuals.

When to See a Vet or Doctor

If your dog shows signs of gastrointestinal illness such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or fever, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. Likewise, if you or a family member develop unexplained stomach upset after contact with your dog, consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce complications and help stop the spread of infections.

Conclusion

Although the likelihood of catching an upset stomach from your dog is relatively low, certain bacteria, parasites, and worms can be transmitted between dogs and humans. Understanding these zoonotic risks, recognising symptoms, and practising good hygiene around your pet are essential steps to safeguarding the health of your whole family. Responsible pet care and prompt attention to illness in both humans and dogs promote a happy and healthy home.

By following practical hygiene tips and keeping informed, you can enjoy the many benefits of pet companionship while minimising infectious risks.