What can be transmitted from rats to a dog?

What can be transmitted from rats to a dog? - briefly

Rats can convey bacterial agents (e.g., Salmonella, Leptospira), viral infections such as rabies, and parasitic loads including fleas, mites, and tapeworms to dogs. Transmission typically occurs via contaminated food, water, or direct contact with rat saliva, urine, or feces.

What can be transmitted from rats to a dog? - in detail

Rats serve as reservoirs for a wide range of infectious agents that can affect canines. Transmission occurs through direct contact, ingestion of contaminated material, or exposure to ectoparasites that move between species.

• Bacterial pathogens

  • Leptospira interrogans – causes leptospirosis; dogs acquire the organism via contact with urine‑contaminated water or soil.
  • Salmonella spp. – leads to gastroenteritis; infection follows ingestion of feces or food tainted by rat droppings.
  • Streptobacillus moniliformis – responsible for rat‑bite fever; can be introduced through bite wounds or scratches.

• Viral agents

  • Hantavirus – rare in dogs but possible through inhalation of aerosolized rodent excreta.
  • Rat coronavirus (RCV) – experimental evidence suggests cross‑species potential, though clinical relevance in dogs remains uncertain.

• Parasitic infestations

  • Toxoplasma gondii – rodents act as intermediate hosts; dogs may become infected by consuming infected tissue.
  • Echinococcus multilocularis – tapeworm larvae develop in rats; dogs ingest cysts when hunting or scavenging.
  • Trichinella spiralis – muscle larvae present in rat meat; dogs acquire trichinellosis through ingestion of raw or undercooked rodent tissue.

• Fungal organisms

  • Cryptococcus neoformans – found in rodent droppings; inhalation of spores can lead to respiratory infection in dogs.

• External parasites

  • Fleas (e.g., Ctenocephalides felis) – feed on rats and can later bite dogs, transmitting Rickettsia spp. or Bartonella.
  • Ticks (e.g., Ixodes ricinus) – occasionally attach to rats and later to dogs, serving as vectors for bacterial and viral agents.

Preventive measures include limiting rodent access to canine environments, proper disposal of waste, regular deworming and ectoparasite control, and vaccination against leptospirosis where available. Prompt veterinary evaluation is essential if a dog shows signs of illness after exposure to rodents.