Can humans get staph infection from dogs?

Answer 1

No and yes. Viruses no, bacteria and some parasites yes. There are some zoonic diseases that can pass from people to animals, but they are severe illnesses. Like avian influenza etc. Things like ringworm, humans can pass to an animal. If you are sick with a viral infection, its highly unlikely that its a zoonic virus.

Parasites. Some parasites, coccidia for one, can pass from humans to dogs, and vice versa. You'd have to have direct contact with feces, and then some opening on your body to pass them. From Scott: That's not a great answer. The question was specifically about staph infections. A staph (pronounced STAFF) infection is not caused by a virus. It is caused by a bacteria called staphylocaccus aureus which is carried by about 25% of humans. Infection can result from contact with unwashed surfaces where feces are present. Symptoms can include fever and rash, but once this bacteria takes hold in the body there is a good chance that the most obvious symptom will be a boil (furuncle). These may clear up on their own or may be treated with hot compresses to relieve swelling and facilitate healing, or may require surgical incision (lancing) to relieve the pressure. Most often, treatment will require anti-biotics (penicillin or sulfa) to rid the body of the infection completely.

Avian influenza (bird flu) has absolutely nothing to do with this topic. In fact, to bring it into the discussion is not only irrelevant, but is nothing short of irresponsible fear-mongering.

Most places likely for your dog to get staff is from Kennels, Dog Parks, Grooming businesses/kennels. The reason being: Many dogs are sheltered in a closed environment and if not cleaned properly, the staff infection lodges onto the coat or if your dog has a small cut or scrape it will manifest there until someone or something else comes in contact with it. Dogs are also known to always be licking to which the virus can be also passed on.

Answer 2

Yes. In fact, staph infection between humans and animals, or vice-versa, is now the main concern of most practicing veterinarians.

Answer 3

Yes, it is possible for dogs to get staph infections from humans.