Can MRSA be Spread to Dogs?

MRSA, an acronym for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a bacteria known as a "superbug." Like humans, animals can contract MRSA (pronounced mur-sah).

Staph

• Staphylococcus aureus, often known as staph, is a common bacteria often found on the skin's surface. In fact, staph can be found on the skin of around 25% of the U.S. population. However, when this bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics such as methicillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin, it becomes harder to treat.

Animals at Risk

• Like humans, animals can contract MRSA. For many years, it was believed that MRSA was a human-only disease. This changed in 1972 when a dairy cow was diagnosed with MRSA. To date, a variety of animals have contracted MRSA, including birds, pigs, horses, cats, and dogs.

Risk Factors

• Certain risk factors increase the chances of a dog's contracting MRSA, including broken skin, a compromised immune system, and poor hygiene. Animals used in the healthcare industry are especially at risk, as are those who live in crowded areas. Service animals used in hospitals, rest homes, and clinics are also at risk.

Prevention

• Treatment

  One way to help prevent the transmission of MRSA to dogs is by frequent hand-washing, using gloves, wearing masks and decontaminating shared surroundings. If the dog happens to be a therapeutic worker in the healthcare industry, prevent the dog from licking the skin of or "shaking hands" with patients. Also, keep the dog off bedding and linens.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Animals are usually diagnosed by a veterinarian via nostril swabbing. The most common manifestation of MRSA in dogs is skin infection. If an infection is found, the dog is treated with antibiotic ointment or another form of antibiotics. Veterinarians recommend a course of treatment based on the dog's physical examination, lab work, and medical history.