Can Fungal Infection be Transmitted Among Dogs and Humans?

Can Fungal Infection be Transmitted Among Dogs and Humans?

You are not alone, have you ever had a dog that keeps scratching, shedding hair, or getting some strange rash in a circle, and then realized you had a similar spot that itched somewhere on your own skin. Among the most frequent questions that people who keep pets ask is the following one: can fungal diseases be transmitted between dogs and humans?

The answer to the question is yes, some can. The more extended response is more nuanced, fascinating, and comforting than it is expected by most people.

Let us get it down to the point, without any fear-mongering, and in a way that you can actually apply in practice.

Knowledge of Fungal Infections: What is it All About?

Fungi are microscopic organisms that cause fungal infections and grow well in warm and damp conditions. Fungi are slow-growing, not usually harmful, and they can be present on the skin, fur, soil, or surfaces of animals, bacteria, or viruses, and then grow out of control.

The fungi infection normally affects in both dogs and humans:

Skin

Hair or fur

Nails

Ears (in dogs especially)

The majority of fungus infections are not deadly, though they may be uncomfortable, prolonged and misinterpreted.

The Ringworm: The Most Common Shared Fungal Infection

Although it has a frightening name, the ringworm is not a worm. It is a fungal infection which is caused by dermatophytes.

The Reason Ringworm Receives So Much Publicity:

It is a zoonotic organism, i.e. it can be transmitted between animals and humans.

It is transmitted during physical contact or infected items.

It leaves visible, itchy lesions, and thus it is easy to notice.

How It Appears?

In dogs:

Circular hair loss patches

Red, scaly skin

Brittle or broken fur

Sometimes no itching at all

In humans:

Ring-shaped red rashes

Erected barriers with more distinct capitals.

Mild to intense itching

Veterinary dermatology statistics indicate that more than 90 percent of the cases of fungal diseases of the pets transmitted to human beings are caused by ringworm.

The Transmission of Fungal Infections Between Dogs and Humans

The spores of fungi are extremely hardy. They are able to live weeks or even months on surfaces.

The most widespread ways of transmission are:

Direct skin-to-fur contact

Touching or petting an infected dog.

Exchanging bedding, towels or furniture.

Toy Brushes, collars, leashes, or toys.

Spores live in soil or in the open ground.

Notably, exposure does not result in infection in all cases. Fungi are usually prevented by healthy immune systems.

Do All Dog Fungal Infections Spread to Humans?

No--and this is where the misunderstanding is apt to come in.

Fungal Infections Transmissible

Ringworm (dermatophytosis)

Some yeast infections in exceptional circumstances.

Fungal Infections that are not normally transmitted

Majority of yeast infections (such as Malassezia in dogs, as it is a common yeast already present on healthy canine skin)

Organ deep fungal infections.

Ear yeast infections

Even such infections as yeast infections are typically as a consequence of excess proliferation of naturally present fungi rather than through contagious infection.

Why Do Other People Become Infected and Others Not?

Being exposed is not a sure way to be infected. Susceptibility is dependent on a number of factors:

Higher Risk Groups:

Children (under 10): The children have not yet developed a proper immune system and therefore their bodies will not be as efficient in combating the fungal spores when they come in touch with the skin.

Older adults: Aging suppresses the immune system, and the body becomes less able to resist infection caused by the infections that can be easily overcome by younger adults.

Individuals with poor immune responses: Diseases such as diabetes, chronic conditions, or certain drugs lower the body defenses to fight off fungi.

People with cuts, eczema, or allergies: Broken or swollen skin provides a convenient point of growth of fungi.

Environmental Factors:

Humid climates: Fungi are also able to grow in warm and moist conditions, and this increases the risk of infection.

Poor ventilation and poor space: The lack of airflow and close contact ensure that it is easier to transmit and survive spores.

Lack of regular cleaning of pet spaces: Pet beds, carpets and furniture may still have spores and repeated exposure will occur.

Indeed, research indicates that more than 70 percent of those who come into contact with the spores of the ringworm do not even develop the symptoms.

Symptoms of a Dog Being Infected with a Fungus

Timely diagnosis is everything.

Watch for:

Circular bald patches

Dry, flaky, or crusty skin

Persistent scratching

Dull or brittle coat

Discoloured or thickened skin

There are also dogs that are asymptomatic carriers and thus they do not show symptoms even though they transmit spores.

Signs Humans Often Miss

The fungal infections are often confused with:

Allergies

Eczema

Insect bites

Warning signs include:

Slowly increasing circular rashes.

Itchy even with creams.

Scaling or peeling skin

Redness that doesn’t heal

When a rash improves with steroid creams, it is usually an indication that it is fungus.

Diagnosis: Don’t Guess, Test

Self-diagnosing is one of the largest errors that human beings make.

For Dogs

Veterinarians may use:

Wood’s lamp examination

Skin scrapings

Fungal cultures

For Humans

Doctors may:

Examine skin patterns

Take skin scrapings

Recommend antifungal trials.

Diagnosis will save unwarranted treatments and shorten the recovery period.

Treatment: Simple, but Needs Consistency

The good news? The majority of fungal infections are readily treated provided one does it correctly.

Treatment for Dogs:

Antifungal shampoos: Medicated bathing can be used to eliminate fungal spores in the fur and avoid the spread of the infection throughout the skin.

Topical ointments: This is placed on the area of fungus to prevent the fungus and curing the skin lesions.

Oral antifungal medication (in severe cases): It is prescribed when the infection is extensive or not responding to external treatment.

Physical cleaning: Infection of bedding, floors, and grooming tools with disinfection eliminates the remnants of infection caused by the lingering spores.

Treatment for Humans:

Antifungal creams or lotions: These are applied on the rash to kill fungi and lessen the itching and redness.

Oral drugs against infections that are hard to get rid of: Oral drugs are used when the infection is extensive or chronic.

Keeping the skin dry and clean: This avoids accumulation of moisture that aids in the further growth of fungi.

The majority of infections are cured in 2-4 weeks, however, treatment must go a little longer to avoid the recurrence.

Cleaning Your House: The Step That You Overlook

There will be no treatment when the environment is still polluted. Key cleaning tips:

Clean bedding, blankets and clothing in hot water.

Have vacuum carpets and upholstery done.

Disinfect grooming tools

Avoid sharing towels

When you can dry things in the sun (UV is used to kill spores)

There is no necessity to be sterilized seriously, but consistency is more important than intensity.

Is It possible to Eliminate Fungal Infections?

Not altogether--but you may greatly decrease the danger.

Prevention Tips:

Dogs are groomed and bathed regularly.

Wipe pet fur dry, particularly in the rain or swimming.

Avoid overcrowding animals

Keep the house hygienic.

Wash hands after touching pets with skin problems.

Periodical vet checkups assist in the early detection of the infections before they spread.

The Heart Side: Keep Calm and Don’t Blame Your Pet

A lot of pet owners are guilty or scared when they learn that they can be infected.

Here’s the truth:

The presence of fungal infections does not indicate bad care.

They are common worldwide

They are not saying that your dog is dirty.

Both pets and humans heal with treatment.

There is no need to abandon or isolate pets in case of fungal infections, which is detrimental.

Myths vs Facts:

Myth: It is necessary to give away your dog when it has a ringworm.

Fact: It is sufficient to treat and sanitize.

Myth: Fungal infections are an indication of poor hygiene.

Fact: There are spores in even clean environments.

Myth: Infections of the pet skin are all contagious.

Fact: Most are not

When Should You Visit a Doctor or a Vet?

Seek professional help if:

Lesions deteriorate or develop at a high rate.

The persistence of the symptoms is over two weeks.

There are several family members who are involved.

Your dog is painful, listless or has lost all its hair.

Treatment at an early stage saves time, money and pain.

Conclusion:

There are indeed some fungal infections that can be transmitted between dogs and people, though they are much easier to control than people may be inclined to believe. The infections are not permanent issues, but transitory with awareness, early diagnosis, proper treatment, and basic hygiene.

Dogs make our lives more rewarding. A common infection is simply that, a common issue which can be resolved collectively. Be aware, be cool and above all, continue loving your pets without having to be unnecessarily scared.