We dog owners know how active our dogs are and how much they love playing in the yard. This makes them dirty and in contact with flies. Then we see red spots and pimples on their bodies and assume that can dogs get chicken pox.
Chickenpox also looks like pimples and blisters filled with fluid. However, this disease brings coughs and fevers as a bonus. Although dogs can show signs of chickenpox, they can never have it. Because it has a specific virus that can’t attack dogs but only humans cause chickenpox,
There is more to transpire about chickenpox and similar diseases that dogs can have.
Table of Contents
What Is Chicken Pox?
Chickenpox is a contagious disease that looks like blister rashes. A virus named Varicella-Zoster Virus (ZVC) causes it. The victim feels itchy and gets red spots all over his body, like his face, back, chest, etc.
Chickenpox mostly attacks children, but it can be serious for pregnant women, toddlers, and people struggling with their immune systems.
While having chickenpox, the patient will remain sick for 4 to 7 days. Also, he will get itchy blisters that turn into stabs after some days. These will not only be visible on the body but also inside the eyes, mouth, and other genital areas. Some symptoms of chickenpox are headaches, tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, and so on.
Chickenpox is highly contagious and can spread from person to person in a click. It mainly spreads through close contact with the victim. But if it vaccinated you for chickenpox, you will get lesions by staying with the chickenpox patient.
Can Dogs Get Chicken Pox?
Chickenpox is a “species-specific” disease. It means it can’t spread to all species. When you are close to a chickenpox patient, his sneeze and cough can get you affected by his disease, but that won’t affect a dog.
As said before, chickenpox takes place when you get the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Fortunately, this virus cannot harm animals, but only humans.
What Infections Can Dogs Have?
Almost all dogs get rashes and spots on their bodies that look like chicken pox. For that reason, dog owners predict chicken pox has affected their dogs. Well, that is not chicken pox; that must be some other disease or infection. Let’s see what those skin issues can be.
Hot Spots
We commonly see hot spots in dogs. It occurs from bug bites, cuts, allergens, and so on. Most often, you will see your dog’s limbs having hot spots, which again occur by licking that area. Then they turn into red sores.
Bites
Dogs who roam outside often get fly bites, which result in blisters and red spots like chickenpox. You can easily detect it; fly bites don’t cause fever, but chickenpox does.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infection mostly seen in the hair follicles. It also looks like red spots and inflammation.
Fleas And Ticks
Fleas and ticks are sometimes mistaken for chickenpox as they look like raised red bumps. Humans face it in their eyes, whereas dogs get in on their skin.
Allergies
When dogs get allergies, they get rashes all over their bodies. Alongside, they get bumps filled with fluids that look like chickenpox.
Impetigo
Impetigo is common in puppies who have thin fur. It leads to itchiness, rashes, and blisters, which we see as symptoms of chickenpox.
How Do You Treat Them?
Let’s say it does not infect your dog with chicken pox, but that doesn’t mean you can skip giving them treatment. The infections and diseases that look like chickenpox can arm dogs.
For instance, if your dog has fleas and ticks, treat them with antibiotics. Also, keep your house clean so that the fleas don’t come to it. Again, for hot spots, use a collar for your dog so he doesn’t lick the affected area. Also, wash your dog to keep him clean.
For folliculitis, you must use antimicrobial shampoo for your dog. Your vet may suggest some medicines for it. This treatment implies treating impetigo too.
You must treat allergies and fly bites according to the vet’s recommendation. He may give you some ointments and medications to heal them.
Can Dogs Get Chicken Pox If Not Treated?
You may think that not treating this minor infection in your dog can cause him to get chicken pox. Well, no, dogs can never have chickenpox, no matter what. If you don’t treat him for his current infections, it will get worse, but that won’t lead to chickenpox.
Don’t think that your dog will not have chickenpox, so you are tension-free. The infections that he can have are not less risky than the risks of chickenpox.
Can Dogs Get Dog Pox?
Dogs cannot have chicken pox, but they can have dog pox, which is also known as the Canine Herpes Virus (CHV). It is most visible in adult dogs.
CHV looks like chickenpox, as it appears as raised sores. These symptoms are also similar to those of chickenpox, such as coughing, fever, etc.
Like chickenpox, CHV is also a contagious virus for dogs. It transmits by nasal discharge, giving birth, having sex, etc. If a puppy has CHV, it must have gotten it from his mother.
Treating the CHV in dogs won’t call it a day for you. You just need to keep your dog clean and use disinfectant on him. Also, keep him away from other dogs and visit the vet for further recommendations. Don’t worry, his virus won’t infect you; it will only infect other dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Get Chicken Pox?
Is there anything like dog pox?
Dogs can have dog pox, which is known as the Canine Herpes Virus (CHV). It is as serious as chickenpox but is contagious for dogs only, not humans. So you can treat your dog with the utmost care while he is having dog pox.
Can you touch your dog if you have chicken pox?
Chickenpox does not spread from humans to animals. Even if you have chickenpox and your dog cuddles with you, this disease won’t affect him.
Is chicken pox harmful?
Chickenpox is a mild disease. It doesn’t have a crucial effect on adults. However, it can be harmful for pregnant women, patients, and kids under the age of 12.
What does dog pox look like?
Dog pox looks like chicken pox. Dogs get pimples and blisters filled with fluid all over their bodies during dog pox. Its symptoms are also similar to those of chickenpox, like coughing, sneezing, fever, etc.
Final Thoughts
If you still have confusion, can dogs get chicken pox? The answer is no. Dogs can get other infections and diseases that look like chickenpox, but they can’t get chickenpox. Besides, chickenpox brings fever, cough, tiredness, etc. with it. If your dog is not suffering from them, it must be allergies, bites, or hot spots.
Whenever you see any signs of rashes, blisters, or red spots, consult your vet immediately. Hopefully, he will tell you to keep your dog clean and treat it with some medications and antimicrobial shampoos.
