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Can a Dog Spread Staph Boils to People?

by A reader

Reader Question
My mom's dog has had reoccuring painful boil like sores that erupt on his feet. The pain is so bad he can barely walk. It started out on just one foot but has spread. He has been on a few bouts of antibiotic, but it has not cleared. He also gets red sores on his stomach, and itches a lot. He was on allergy medication for a while from the vet but that too did not help. Now 4 different members of our family have had bouts of staph infection with the same sort of painful boil like wounds. All of us have been treated and told it was just a normal staph infection and no cause for worry. The common element seems to be the dog, as the family members don't live together and have little physical contact, but we all love to play with the dog, pet him and have treated his feet. The vet says there is no way any infection can be spread from the dog to people, but some of what I read says that is not a fact, but more an opinion. I have seen just as many sites say that it can be contageous from pet to people as those that say that it doesn't. Any information you can provide would be great.


Answer from Our Team

Yes, it can happen, though it's uncommon. Most dog skin infections are caused by a staph type (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) that mainly lives on dogs, but it can occasionally infect people. Human staph (S. aureus), including resistant MRSA, can also pass between people and pets in both directions. Repeated boils in several family members who all handle the same dog is a reason to look into it.

Ask your vet for a culture and sensitivity test of the dog's foot lesions, which identifies the exact bacteria and which antibiotics work. Tell your doctors about the dog so they can test your infections too. Deep, recurring paw boils in dogs often need a long antibiotic course chosen by culture, plus treatment of the underlying allergy.

Until it's controlled, wash hands after handling him, wear gloves when treating his feet, cover any cuts, and wash his bedding often.

See staph infections in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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