Can dogs get human stomach virus?
The question of whether dogs can get human stomach viruses is an interesting one. While there is some evidence to suggest that dogs can catch certain viruses from humans, it is not as common or well-documented as other types of illnesses that can be transmitted between species.
One particular virus that often comes to mind when discussing stomach viruses is norovirus, also known as the “cruise ship virus” due to its prevalence in confined spaces like cruise ships. Norovirus is highly contagious among humans and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Research suggests that dogs can indeed become infected with norovirus. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that dogs in close contact with humans who had norovirus were more likely to test positive for the virus than dogs not in contact with infected individuals. However, it is important to note that the study did not investigate whether the dogs actually developed clinical symptoms from the virus.
While it is possible for dogs to catch norovirus from humans, it is unclear whether they can develop clinical disease as a result. Dogs may act as carriers of the virus without showing any symptoms themselves. This means that they could potentially transmit the virus to other humans or animals, even if they appear healthy.
It is worth noting that norovirus is just one type of stomach virus, and there are numerous other viruses that can cause similar symptoms in humans. It is not well-studied whether these other types of stomach viruses can infect dogs or if they can cause clinical disease if they do.
In my personal experience as a veterinarian, I have not encountered many cases of dogs with stomach viruses that can be directly traced back to human transmission. Most cases of stomach upset in dogs are caused by other factors such as dietary indiscretion, bacterial or parasitic infections, or other gastrointestinal disorders.
While it is possible for dogs to catch human stomach viruses, it is not a common occurrence. The evidence suggests that dogs can become infected with norovirus from humans, but it is unclear whether they can develop clinical symptoms from the virus. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential for transmission and illness in dogs.