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can dogs be carriers of strep throat? Medline/Medscape says no but my children's pediatrician says Maybe? My 6yr old son has had strep 6X in past year, 3yr old daughter 2X. Would a vet even do a GAS quick test if you asked them??

Submitted: 840 days and 7 hours ago.

Category: Health

Value: $9

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Optional Information:
Male, Age: 39, Texas

Already Tried:
google/medscape

Posted by MD doc 840 days and 7 hours ago.

Answer

Hi,
There have been several articles which have presumably identified the family dog or cat as the source of strep infections. However, a more recent article has challenged this notion due to the fact that the original studies may have incorrectly identified the bacteria as the strep bug. So the MEDSCAPE seems to be right on the money there...
The more recent article, which was well done, really casts a doubt that the family dog is the source of the strep infections. However, that doesn't mean you couldn't investigate the possibility.
So YES you could talk to your vet about culturing the dog looking specifically for GAS.
Source
Regards
Dr. Gupta

Accepted Answer

I have been treating both children and adults for over 22 years. During this time I have had SEVERAL cases where multiple family members (adult and children) have had recurrent Strep infections - which have resolved after the dog was treated.

There are many thing to consider: Toothbrushes may be a source of reinfection (I usually recommend getting new toothbrushes OR soaking them in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for 10-15 minutes)

I also recommend testing EACH member of the family at the same time (even those who do not have a single symptom). It is more likely that another FAMILY member is a "carrier" than the dog.

Here is one of the case report articles
Recurrent pharyngitis in family of four. Household pet as reservoir of group A streptococci

In this article the source was the pet's eyes:
Group A streptococci in household pets' eyes--a source of infection in humans?
(It is not common - 2 out of 61 pets)

This is the article that the other expert mentioned:
The family pet as an unlikely source of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection in humans

I would suggest EVERYONE get tested/treated together, and then as a last resort - as the vet to either test or treat the dog.

Expert:	Family Physician
Pos. Feedback:	98.7 %
Accepts:	4547
Answered:	10/23/2007

Doctor (MD)

Physician with 22 years experience in Emergency Medicine / Family Medicine

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