10 Scary Diseases You Can Actually Get from Your Dog

5. Leptospirosis: Spread Through Dog Urine

What it is: A bacterial infection that affects both humans and dogs.

How humans get it: Through contact with infected dog urine, contaminated water, or wet soil.

Symptoms in humans:

• High fever and chills
• Muscle pain and vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• In severe cases: kidney or liver damage

Prevention tips:

• Keep your dog vaccinated.
• Avoid letting your dog drink from puddles or stagnant water.
• Wear gloves when cleaning up accidents indoors.

6. Toxocariasis: Worms That Can Affect Your Eyes and Organs

What it is: A parasitic infection caused by roundworms found in dog intestines.

How humans get it: By accidentally ingesting microscopic worm eggs from contaminated soil or dog feces.

Symptoms in humans:

• Fever and fatigue
• Coughing or breathing problems
• Eye pain or vision loss (in rare cases)

Prevention tips:

• Deworm your dog regularly.
• Pick up dog poop from yards and parks.
• Don’t let kids play in areas soiled with pet waste.