Can my dog catch a disease by killing rats?

Question

She loves to hunt them in Hyde Park. She kills them but doesnt break the skin to make them bleed, she just breaks the neck or crushes the skull. Can a rat disease be transferred to a dog, and could it be transferred to me?

This is Hyde Park in Sydney, so I'm almost positive she cant get rabies...She's an Australian Terrier x Jack Russell, she's basicly bred to be a ratter. She never eats them, she kills it quickly and moves on to the next hunt. She's never been bitten either, though it is a concern I have had.

Answer 1

Yes. Rats can be source of Leptospira infection. This is a bacterial infection in which rats are often carriers (they dont appear sick) and this bacteria is released in the urine by rats. If the dog gets the bacteria and become infected, it will have a kidney problem because this bacteria settles in the kidney and damages the kidney (causing renal failure). This bacteria also infects human beings and so is also dangerous for humans.
Tapeworms are also transmitted by rats especially if the dog eats the rat. Merely biting will not transmit the tapeworm because the tapeworms are in the muscles of the rat; he has to eat it.
But how sure are you that the rat did not bleed when bitten by your dog. There is a great possibility that one day your dog will get disease from rats.
So I would advice you to keep your dog away from those rats for her safety and yours.

Answer 2

Broadly speaking, the answer is yes to both parts of your question, but this must be qualified. .

First, it is a myth that all rats carry infectious disease, although it does happen.

The frequency and the range of diseases would be subject to many local variables, so there cannot be a definitive answer that covers every part of the world, or even every part of a country .

Hyde Park sounds like you may be in London, so you might inquire of the RSPCA or a government body that knows more about your local area for specific information.

A few diseases may be exclusive to the rat, but others can be transferred to animals and humans, if circumstances suit transference. Sometimes, blood will be the transfer agent, but, if a small amount of blood is released, the disease organism may not survive the conditions inside your dog's mouth, and if your dog NEVER breaks the skin, this may not even occur.

It is possible that some could survive on the skin/fur of the rat, but this should not be a serious concern.

The much larger concern would would apply if and when a rat manages to bite your dog, as transference through saliva is considerably more probable than the dog acquiring disease through any other means.

Transfer from the dog to you would require first that the disease managed to survive and incubate inside your dog, and then the dog would have to transfer it to you, with a bite being the most likely means. In most cases, the dog would get sick and need medical attention, but no transfer would take place.

History has shown us that Plague was largely spread by rats, and rabies can still be transmitted by them, and by any fanged animal, to humans.


Perhaps you could consider a different area of the park, or even use a leash, and greatly reduce your concerns?

Answer 3

I would most defiantly not encourage that behavior. Of course deseases can be recieved through urine when the rat dies and of course you have to worry about other parasites that might be lurking deep within the fur of that dirty little bundle in the park. Also, if the dog does happen to get something you could possibly catch it but most likely it will only affect the dog unless it happens to be tapeworms. Then, my asker, you will have a little problem on your hands.

Answer 4

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After I started training my dog, he became very attached to me and loves to stay by side as long as he can. But just going to them won't help. You have to practice what they teach you outside of the class and you need to keep up with it at least every now and then after the class ends otherwise they'll just go back to previous habits. This course is a really good place to go for dog obedience classes. It get's your dog around other people and dogs to socialize while getting the training you need. As for electric collars, I would say to not get one. In my experience, they're only a negative effect on your dog. I mean of course you're going to need to correct your dog, but being positive and encouraging your dog works a lot faster and easier.

Every dog is different, so unless you have a german shepherd or a really smart dog, it might take a while to train her. You might get frustrated with her, but go easy. She's still a puppy and has a lot of energy. A backyard or somewhere to run will help her get rid of a lot of energy that might cause her to misbehave from boredom.

Answer 5

I'm not a Veterinarian but yes. I had a black lab who got parvo from playing with a fly in my home while licking the window. Flies travel from feces to feces, then came into my home and played with my puppies mouth and boom. I have a $2000 Vet bill and a puppy who barely survived. My theory is the same thing can happen between the rat and your cat. Not to mention the lovely lice the rat could share with your cat who can in turn share it with you in your bed on your pillow. It's just me theory with logical reasoning.

Answer 6

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Obedience training, generally speaking, is comprised of several different stages. Dog trainers start with the basics, and build on that. There are no shortcuts when it comes to training your dog. If your dog doesn't understand the basic commands like 'sit', 'stand', 'come' and 'stay' then there's no point in teaching it more advanced commands. Advanced commands can range in anything from asking your dog to fetch to making it roll over or sit up and beg.

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Is Dog Training Really Worth it?

The answer would be a resounding YES! As a pet owner you are responsible for the well-being and maintenance of your dog. While this includes the basics such as food, shelter and love, it also includes the time and effort you put into making your dog safer around your family and community.

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Answer 7

just make sure that the dog has good fleas and tick protection. since it can get fleas from the rats. as long he is not eating the rats it should be ok. what kind of dog is it.

Answer 8

Yes, they can get diseases from their urine and worms. They can also learn that killing small animals is ok. They also have the risk of being bitten, which could lead to infections.

Answer 9

Mine never has and they both enjoy killing mice and rats. Of course my boys have their shots which I think will prevent any problems from developing. Good luck!! DOGS RULE!!

Answer 10

Dog's can get tapeworms from rats. I would not encourage this behavior at all. It is never good to encourage animal aggression in a dog.