can a dog be infected with HIV?

Answer 1

Well who's to say. Given that everyone says 'HIV' antibodies are super-duper, extra bucket of crispy specific; and the 'HIV' antibody tests are enourmously accurate, then as far back as 1990 it was known that either:

1) the 'HIV' antibody tests, including the Western Blot, are non-specific; or
2) dogs are or can be infected with 'HIV' yet not develop AIDS.

From a paper called "Studies with canine sera that contain antibodies which recognize human immunodeficiency virus structural proteins."1

They say, "In a serological survey, using the immunoblotting technique, we found that substantial numbers of dog sera from both normal and diseased dogs, including dogs with neoplasia, reacted with one or more human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) recombinant proteins. A total of 144 dog sera were tested, and 72 (50%) of them reacted with one or more HIV recombinant structural proteins."

So while RNcalledEd said, 'Dog, cats, and humans CANNOT pass any form of HIV between them' he may have missed this research showing that antibody reactivity can be less than specific.

The question I would post for Ed is, do antibodies reacting on the 'HIV' antibody tests ALWAYS mean a person is infected? If so, how does he or anyone distinguish between 'real' or cross-reactive antibodies? Clearly since dogs have antibodies that can react on these 'highly accurate' antibody tests, it's clear this opens a big can of worms. It should be noted that these researchers also found some reactivity between dog sera and FIV and SIV.

It's also known that antibodies to many fungi can also react on these 'highly specific and accurate' 'HIV' antibody tests.2

"Sera from leprosy patients and leprosy contacts were often false-positive for HIV-1 by ELISA and were indeterminate by Western blot. LAM IgM and PGL-I IgM antibodies in sera from leprosy patients yielded significant cross-reactivities with HIV-1 pol and gag proteins. These data suggest that mycobacterial cell wall antigens may share common epitopes with HIV. Caution should be exercised when interpreting HIV-1 ELISA and Western blot data from regions where leprosy or other mycobacterial diseases are endemic."2

Answer 2

Well conventional wisdom would say it is impossible but when given a western blot, some dogs produced a reaction. So either dogs can be carriers of HIV or the tests prove that the proteins (namely p24) are NOT specific to HIV.

After thinking about this again today, (and since sites like avert, aidstruth, and thebody claim the tests are accurate and specific) It begs the question of how these dogs got infected. Are dogs truly "mans best friend" in more ways than previously thought? Have we seen reports of canines with belts strapped to their arms with syringe in mouth? Or maybe dogs are secretly hopping trade ships to africa in order to have sex with monkeys. With the "explosion of heterosexual AIDS in America" maybe the dogs are just raping our white home maker soccer moms.

If you think my answer is completely absurd, do some research on to what these test will actually react to. It isnt just dogs. Goats have been shown to react as well.

Answer 3

No, it only infects humans! Similar viruses can infect other animals, for example cats can get FIV. In dogs there have been cases of immunodeficiency from which viruses similar to HIV have been isolated, but they don't really know much about it or whether it's really a canine immunodeficiency virus. So it's possible a dog can be infected with a virus like HIV (but not actually HIV), but it's not common and it can't be spread between dogs and humans.

Answer 4

Cats can get FIV (NOT HIV) and according to a couple sites, there is a version for dogs as well... a few other sites said there were still no proven cases of a canine version of HIV, but they seemed to be older so...

Dog, cats, and humans CANNOT pass any form of HIV between them (only certain moneys can give HIV to humans).

PaulKing above is full of sh*t... these diseases are quite real.

Google "canine HIV" for more info and some of those sites I mentioned...

Ed, RN

Answer 5

There is dog and cat types of HIV but it can not be passed to a human. But the answer to you question is yes.

Answer 6

It only makes sense that any animal could be infected with hiv. HIV is contracted by infected body fluids. Sexual contact, infected blood threw blood transfusion.

Answer 7

It's called HUMAN Immunodeficiency Virus for a reason. But maybe dogs got their own version?

Answer 8

HIV/AIDS and Pet Ownership


Veterinarians answer important questions regarding benefits and risks of pet ownership for people infected with HIV/AIDS.

People infected with Human Immunodefinciency virus (HIV) that may result in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) face many changes in their lives. Some experience the loss of health, employment and friends. When this happens, the companionship of a beloved pet can offer real emotional and psychological benefits. Many pets offer unconditional and dependable love and affection.

Sometimes people with HIV are advised by well-meaning friends and health care providers to get rid of their pets because of misconceptions about the health risks of pet ownership. Sometimes infected individuals have difficulty caring for their pets due to the financial and physical challenges that may result from their HIV-related conditions.

With proper care and understanding, pet owners infected with HIV may be able to live with their animals longer than they first imagined. In fact, if the pet is healthy and behaves appropriately, the potential human health risks of pet companionship have been shown to be minimal.

Both the person's physician and the pet's veterinarian should be consulted in order to explore all options before making the individually appropriate decision.

The following are answers to questions frequently asked by those infected with HIV.
Could I have been infected by a cat or dog? Can I infect my cat or dog?

No. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus only infects human and other primates and, therefore, cannot be spread from or to dogs, cats, or even birds, fish or reptiles.

I've had pets all my life and never had any problems. Why should I be worried now that I am infected with HIV?

Pets can carry zoonotic infections, that is, infections that are shared by people and pets. Because your resistance is low, you are more susceptible to these diseases now. The good news is that you can minimize your risk by working with your veterinarian to test, medicate and care appropriately for your pet.

Just how dangerous is it for me to own a pet?

HIV-infected individuals contract zoonotic infections more often from contaminated food, water, soil or even other people than from pets. Thus, for you, the advantages of pet ownership may far outweigh the risks. You will want to gather as much information as you can so that you can make the decision that is best for you and your pet.

Can my friends get my HIV infection by playing with my dog, cat, or bird or by helping me take care of him?

No. There is no evidence to suggest that dogs, cats or birds can carry or transmit HIV to people.

I've thought it over and have decided to live with a pet. How can a veterinarian help me?

A veterinarian can provide valuable information about how to keep your pet healthy. If you do not own a pet, a veterinarian can provide intelligent guidance on pet selection, care, feeding and environmental management. All of these factors are important to help you gain the maximum benefits of pet ownership while minimizing your health risks.

Should your pet become sick, a veterinarian can provide appropriate medical and surgical care to help your pet recover from its illness.

I don't yet have a pet? What should I look for?

New pets present a risk because they may come to you with little or no health history. You must take extra precautions. A veterinarian should examine all new pets for parasites and other diseases transmissible to people. Be especially careful with puppies, kittens and reptiles who are more likely to carry infections.

For your pet's sake, select one whose energy level and exercise requirement match yours.

What other precautions should I take?

It is best to avoid contact with all sick animals, especially those with diarrhea. Also, avoid stray, exotic, and wild animals; reptiles and monkeys.

Find someone who, at a moment's notice, can help care for your pet. Be sure your friend will follow the pet care guidelines in this brochure.

What diseases might I get from a pet? How common are these infections?

Several agents known to infect both people and domestic animals have been found in HIV-infected people. However, medical scientists believe that people infected with HIV rarely get these agents directly from a pet. More often, they are acquired from contaminated soil, food, water, wild birds or infected people.

When evaluating the risk of pet ownership, consider the following infectious agents diagnosed in people with HIV and the evidence for their transmission directly from pets to people:

Disease Transmission Risk Infectious agent? Occurrence in HIV-patients? Risk of direct transmission from pet?
Toxoplasma gondii Common Low
Maycobactyeriumavium-intracellulare Common Very Low
Cryprosporidium sp. Moderate Unknown Probably low
Giaridia lamblia Moderate Low
Cryptococcus neoformans Moderate Very Low
Salmonellae sp. (non-typhi) Low Unknown Probably low
Campylobacter sp. Low Unknown Probably low
Rachalimaea henselae Low High

Answer 9

No mang. but who knows it could mutate to affect dogs.

Answer 10

http://www.petcareglobal.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/resources_HIV_and_pet_owners