Relax, Fido’s not going to give you a dose of puppy pox. Canine brucellosis can infect humans, but it’s rare as a unicorn at a dog park. If you’re a vet, a breeder, or someone who routinely bathes in infected dog fluids, you’re at risk. For the average pet owner, the odds are lower than your chances of winning the lottery while being struck by lightning. The symptoms in humans are flu-like: fever, chills, and a general sense of regret. No carbuncles on your privates, I promise.
Still, wash your hands after handling an infected dog’s bedding or if you’ve been doing your own “medical inspections.” And for the love of all that is good, don’t let your dog lick your face after a romp with an infected partner. That’s just common sense.
How to Keep Your Pooch STD-Free
The best prevention is spaying or neutering your dog. Not only does it stop the STD party, but it also reduces roaming, humping, and the urge to fight other dogs over a hot bitch in heat. If you’re a breeder, get your dogs tested for brucellosis before mating. It’s a simple blood test, cheaper than a round of puppy antibiotics and way less awkward than a phone call to the other owner saying, “Hey, your dog gave mine the drippy doom.”
Do Dogs Have Sexually Transmitted Diseases All Available Content
If your dog does catch an STD, don’t panic. Treatment usually involves a long course of antibiotics and, in many cases, spaying or neutering to remove the infected plumbing. The bad news: it’s rarely 100% curable because brucellosis is a stubborn little bugger. The good news: your dog won’t be embarrassed about it. Dogs don’t have shame. They’ll still wag their tail while having an infected discharge drip onto your rug.
