What Diseases Can a Dog Catch From a Cat?
Dogs and cats can get along happily, particularly if they live in the same house. But is it healthy? While many illnesses are specific to dogs and cats, a dog can catch some diseases from a cat.
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Disease Differences
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Some sick cats pose no risk of infecting a dog. For the most part, a cat can't pass its diseases on to a dog, and vice versa. They are different species, so viruses react differently in each. For example, if your cat has feline leukemia, your dog won't get it. The same goes for distemper in a cat; it does not cause parvovirus or distemper in a dog. However, rabies is highly communicable. If a cat with rabies bites your dog, he can definitely become ill.
Skin Conditions
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Mange can cause serious illness and even death for dogs or cats. A dog can catch a few skin conditions from a cat. One is sarcoptic mange, a serious skin disease that's very contagious and can be passed between the species. If your pet is losing a lot of hair and has sores on her body, she needs veterinary treatment.
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Fleas and Ticks
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Cats can pass fleas on to dogs. Fleas and ticks don't care where they get their blood---be it dog or cat. If your cats have fleas, don't let them lie near or share areas with a dog until they've been treated and the fleas are removed.
Worms and Parasites
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Outdoor cats are more likely to get worms and other parasites. A dog can catch roundworms and other parasites from a cat. Since worms and larvae are generally passed through an animal's body and out with its feces, you should take precautions so your dog doesn't get into the cat's litter---as, unfortunately, some dogs are known to do!
Treatment
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Keep your dogs and cats healthy. Even if your cat and dog seem to have the same illness, chances are that they don't, so you can't give them the same treatment. You should never give a dog medicine intended for a cat, and vice versa. Remember, they are two different kinds of animals. Take them to the vet to find out for sure what the problems are, and follow all directions completely.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Stefano Mortellaro Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Vladislav Sabanov Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Amazon CARES Amazon Community Animal Rescue, Education and Safety Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of tiny_packages Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ibrahim Iujaz Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Steve Roetz
