From the Guidelines
If both an owner and their dog have diarrhea simultaneously, testing for Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Salmonella, and Campylobacter infections should be a priority. Both should provide stool samples to their respective healthcare providers - the human to their physician and the dog to a veterinarian. For humans, a stool ova and parasite examination is typically ordered, while veterinarians may perform a fecal flotation test or ELISA test for the dog 1. Other important tests include screening for E. coli, as these bacterial infections can affect both species. The timing of symptoms is important to note - if both developed diarrhea around the same time, it suggests a common source like contaminated water or food.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the owner and dog for diarrhea include:
- The owner's symptoms, such as severity of diarrhea, presence of blood or mucus, and systemic symptoms like fever or abdominal pain
- The dog's symptoms, such as severity of diarrhea, presence of blood or mucus, and systemic symptoms like vomiting or lethargy
- The owner's and dog's exposure history, including travel, contact with other animals, and consumption of potentially contaminated food or water
- The need for proper hydration and hand hygiene to prevent further transmission of potential pathogens
While waiting for test results, ensure proper hydration, practice meticulous hand hygiene after bathroom use and before food preparation, and temporarily avoid close contact with the dog, especially around the face. This comprehensive testing approach is necessary because several zoonotic pathogens can cause cross-species infection, and identifying the specific cause will determine the appropriate treatment for both patient and pet 1.
It's also important to note that the 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea recommend testing for specific pathogens based on the patient's symptoms, exposure history, and risk factors 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 should be prioritized when making a definitive recommendation.
From the Research
Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs and Owners
- Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by various factors, including infectious diseases, dietary indiscretion, endocrine diseases, and stress 2
- In owners, diarrhea can be caused by similar factors, including infectious diseases, dietary indiscretion, and stress
- It is essential to identify the underlying cause of diarrhea in both dogs and owners to provide appropriate treatment
Treatment Options for Diarrhea
- Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that can be used to control diarrhea symptoms in humans 3
- Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can be used to manage acute diarrhea in humans, and their use has revolutionized the treatment of this condition 4
- In dogs, the treatment of diarrhea depends on the underlying cause, and may include dietary changes, antibiotics, or other medications 2
Effectiveness of Treatment Options
- The use of loperamide plus ORT for the management of traveler's diarrhea has been shown to offer no benefit over administration of loperamide alone 5
- The effectiveness of ORS in treating diarrhea has been questioned, with some studies suggesting that glucose-based ORS may not appreciably reduce diarrheal stool volume 6
- Further research is needed to determine the most effective treatment options for diarrhea in both humans and dogs
Considerations for Owners and Dogs with Diarrhea
- It is crucial to ensure that both owners and dogs stay hydrated when experiencing diarrhea
- Owners should seek veterinary care for their dogs if diarrhea persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, blood in the stool, or lethargy 2
- Owners should also seek medical attention if they experience severe or persistent diarrhea, or if they have underlying medical conditions that may be exacerbated by diarrhea 3, 4