Dogs' health at risk from human germs

William Atkins
Friday, 30 January 2009 21:22

Science - Health

Dr. Stenske concluded that dogs “are not likely to spread multiple drug-resistant E. coli to their owners.” However, “… perhaps owners may spread them to their dogs.”

In other words, since humans have become less resistant to bacteria in their bodies due to the over use of antibiotics—but dogs have not become less resistant because they are less often prescribed antibiotics—humans are more likely to transmit bacteria to their dogs than vice versa.

She adds, "What we learn from this is that antibiotics really do affect the bacteria within our gastrointestinal tract, and we should only take them when we really need to -- and always finish the entire prescription as directed."

The article also stated, “The research showed that bonding behaviors like sharing the bed or allowing licks on the face had no association to an increase in shared E. coli."

"However, Stenske said the research did show an association between antibiotic-resistant E. coli and owners who didn't wash their hands after petting their dogs or before cooking meals.”

Dr. Stenske concluded with this advice, "We should use common sense and practice good general hygiene…. We [scientists] have a lot to learn. In the meantime, we [pet owners] should continue to own and love our pets because they provide a source of companionship. We also need to make sure we are washing our hands often."

The research by Stenske on the intermingling of dog and human germs is scheduled to appear in future issue of the American Journal of Veterinary Research.

Additional information on “Diseases from Dogs” is found on the website of the National Center for Infectious Diseases, within the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).