Can you catch a stomach virus from a dog?

A new study has shown that dogs may be capable of becoming infected with the human norovirus — better known as the common stomach flu. The team has also confirmed that the human norovirus can also bind to the cells in the canine gut, which, according to Caddy is “the first step required for infection of cells.” read more

For now, Caddy suggests that the most effective prevention against the norovirus is maintaining proper hygiene, especially when stomach flu is present in either human or animals in the household. Source: Caddy SL, de Rougemont A, Emmott E, et al. Evidence for human norovirus infection of dogs in the UK. read more

Dogs will eat just about anything but they can also get a stomach virus, just like humans. A dog that has eaten something foreign will often suffer from stomach upset. Even if your dog eats the same food each day at home, he can somehow manage to sneak in something from the park. read more

Take your dog to the veterinarian if the symptoms continue. If left untreated, a stomach virus can turn into pancreatitis. The vet will take a stool sample to look for blood and worms, and will prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. In some cases an X-ray will be necessary. read more

The finding raises the possibility of human-to-dog transmission of the virus, and may add the norovirus to the list of known zoonotic illnesses, or diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Dog owners and veterinarians are familiar with the idea of humans and dogs passing along a stomach virus. read more

The most common internal parasite in cats, roundworms resemble spaghetti up to 4 inches long (yikes). Kittens can be exposed through an infected mother's milk, while older cats can catch worms by eating an infected rodent. When it comes to humans, about 10,000 children are infected with roundworms annually. read more