3 Diseases Shared By Cats And Dogs

There are pathologies that are inherent to each species. However, there are others that can be “shared” between animals of different breeds. In this case we tell you what are the diseases that both dogs and cats can suffer.

Can cats and dogs get sick from the same thing?

This is a very common question among those who have more than one pet at home. It is also important for those who are considering whether to bring a new member home. Are there shared diseases between cats and dogs ? Can a cat infect a canine and vice versa?

Both questions have an affirmative answer. This is because these two races have common ancestors. Dogs and cats belong to the phylum “chordata” (for having a nerve cord), to the class mammalia (for their mammary glands) and to the carnivorous order (that is, their bodies are adapted to eat meat).

Evolution has “separated” them into two different species with their own characteristics. However, they have aspects in common. For this reason there are diseases that are typical of some and not others, but also shared pathologies. It all depends on the type of virus, bacteria or fungus that develops inside the animal.

What are the diseases shared by cats and dogs?

When a new family member comes home, it is essential to know their medical history. It is basic especially if we already have other pets. In the case of not having such information, we recommend isolating the newcomer until applying the corresponding vaccines or treatments. The diseases that can be shared by dogs and cats are:

1. Internal parasites

They appear mostly during the first days of life. They occur mainly in abandoned or stray animals that do not receive veterinary attention. The main symptoms of this disease are bulging bellies and constant appetite (which does not diminish after ingestion). When pets are vaccinated they begin to shed parasites through their feces.

The problem is that, for example, dogs eat cat droppings and in this way they can become infected. The main diseases related to parasites for canines and cats are: strongyloides, heartworm, tapeworms, trichuris, hookworms and roundworms.

2. Skin diseases

The fur of these two mammals is quite similar. Although cats are more “hygienic” than dogs, they can also infect each other with certain diseases of the dermis caused by fungi or mites.

The most common shared between the two species are sarcoptic mange (it mainly attacks the dog and is produced by Sarcoptes scabiei), ear scabies (it appears on the ears and is more commonly suffered by cats) and demodectic mange (although it is caused by parasites canis and cati for dog and cat respectively, can “pass” from one animal to the other).

Another such disease is cheiletiellosis (or “walking dandruff” caused by Cheyletiella spp). There is also the Malassezia Pachydermatis (it is found on the mucous surfaces of dogs and passes to immunosuppressed cats) and fleas (those that attack cats and dogs are of different species but can affect both animals equally).

3. Rage

The main disease that a cat can infect a dog and vice versa. This acute, infectious, viral condition affects all mammals (domestic or wild). It attacks the central nervous system. If it is not treated in time, it can lead to the death of the animal.

It is important to observe the secretions and saliva of the pet as well as to be careful of the bites since this is the main form of contagion. Rabies tends to be less common for a cat, unless it is bitten by a sick or wild dog and has a weakened immune system.

It is very important to comply with the vaccination of our pets if we want to prevent them from getting sick or infecting other animals.