Like any living being, including humans, dogs may present certain risks for man, for example, the risk of bite wounds or the risk of catching a disease transmitted by dogs. This, however, is rare.
Risk of Being Bitten
A dog's mouth serves as a means of expression, but it is also his only means of defense. Consequently, any dog that feels threatened or afraid is apt to bite, even if he is the nicest dog in the world under other circumstances. Therefore, owners need to take the basic precautions with their dogs, especially in the presence of unknown children, who, through no fault of either their own or the dog, may startle the dog, causing him to give a little bite without intending to do harm. The problems that exist in urban settings and certain cities due to the increase in populations of large, ferocious dogs or dogs originally intended for combat (pit bull terriers, Boer bull, etc.) cannot be ignored. In this respect, however, it is important to make the public understand that the dog itself, no matter what breed, is not the problem. Rather, the problem is the use that these dogs are being trained for by ill-intentioned owners. This is what needs to be curbed, even penalized. No matter what health laws are involved, a dog that bites should be placed under health surveillance by a veterinarian for two weeks.
Risk of Zoonoses
By definition, zoonoses are infectious or parasitical diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They may involve bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. It is important to know them because of their health implications. The dog's mouth is a carrier of Pasteurella (bacteria). When the dog bites, these bacteria will infect the wound and if the wound is deep enough, they will cause severe and painful inflammation, which will turn into an abscess with an acute ganglionic reaction. Because of this risk, which is associated with the now all-but-nonexistent risk of rabies, a person who has been bitten should clean the wound(s) with soap and water, followed by a generous dose of antiseptic. Follow-up treatment with antibiotics is advised as a precaution.
Much more rare, though still possible, is the risk of transmission of Staphylococcus and other diseases such as leptospirosis (every dog should be vaccinated against this), tuberculosis, brucellosis and even leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean region.
Although benign, tenia can be transmitted from a dog to a person. Tenia is a skin disease linked to the growth of a microscopic fungus, which causes non-itching, circular lesions that require a lengthy and painful treatment for both dog and owner.
Finally, the possibility of transmitting digestive parasites to humans through dog excrement should also be noted. This is why dogs should be strictly forbidden from areas where young children play (sandboxes, for example).
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