10 Diseases You Can Actually Get from Your Dog

9. MRSA: Resistant Germs You Can Catch From Dogs

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that has become resistant to many common antibiotics. While it’s usually associated with hospitals, dogs can also carry and spread MRSA to humans.

How Humans Get MRSA from Dogs

MRSA is spread mainly through direct skin contact. People can become infected when:

• Touching an infected pet’s skin, wounds, or sores.

• Handling contaminated bedding, toys, or furniture.

• Coming into contact with shared surfaces where bacteria survive for days.

Both humans and dogs can carry MRSA without showing symptoms, making it tricky to detect.

Symptoms in Humans

MRSA infections usually begin on the skin but can turn serious if untreated. Common signs include:

• Red, swollen, and painful skin lesions

• Boils, abscesses, or pus-filled bumps

• Fever and fatigue in some cases

• Severe complications like bloodstream infections or pneumonia if the bacteria spread deeper

Early treatment is crucial because MRSA doesn’t respond to standard antibiotics.

Prevention Tips

Reducing MRSA risk requires good hygiene and smart medical care:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling pets.
• Cover cuts and wounds on yourself and your dog.
• Disinfect bedding and surfaces that pets use regularly.
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics for pets, as overuse increases resistance.

Quick Fact: The CDC estimates that more than 90,000 invasive MRSA infections occur in the U.S. each year, and pets are recognized as a possible source.