As a dog owner, I always worry when my pup seems a little off. A few weeks ago, my Labrador, Max, became really lethargic and didn’t want to eat. He had a bit of a fever and was sleeping more than usual. Naturally, I panicked and went down a rabbit hole of internet searches. One thing that popped up was mononucleosis, commonly called “mono,” and I started wondering: can dogs get mononucleosis? So I decided to dig deep into this topic, and here’s what I found out.
What is Mononucleosis in Humans?
Before we even dive into whether dogs can get mono, let’s understand what it is in the first place. Mononucleosis, often called the “kissing disease,” is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus family. It’s common in teenagers and young adults and is typically spread through saliva.
Symptoms in humans include fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and in some cases, an enlarged spleen. It’s highly contagious among people, especially in close quarters like schools or shared living spaces. The virus stays dormant in the body even after symptoms go away, which is a key trait of herpesviruses [1].
Can Dogs Actually Get Mononucleosis?
After speaking with my vet and doing a lot of research, I found out that dogs do not get mono the same way humans do. They are not affected by the Epstein-Barr virus. So technically, dogs cannot get human mononucleosis.
That led me to a very specific and important question: can dogs get mononucleosis at all? Based on current veterinary science, the answer is no. There is no evidence to suggest that dogs can contract the Epstein-Barr virus or suffer from the exact disease known as mononucleosis [2].
However, that doesn’t mean they can’t experience similar symptoms. Lethargy, fever, and swollen lymph nodes can occur in dogs due to other infections or diseases, some of which are also caused by viruses. But mono, specifically the kind we think of in humans, is not something our canine friends catch from us.
Why Do Dogs Show Mono-Like Symptoms Then?
When Max was sick, he had almost every symptom you’d expect from mono: low energy, high temperature, and he didn’t want to play or eat. These symptoms can look a lot like mono, but in dogs, they usually stem from other causes.
Common reasons include:
- Canine Distemper Virus: This is a serious viral disease that causes fever, coughing, and lethargy. It’s preventable through vaccination.
- Canine Influenza: Like the human flu, this virus can knock your dog out with fatigue and fever.
- Tick-borne illnesses: Diseases like Ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease also cause fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Bacterial infections: Things like tonsillitis or abscesses in the mouth can make a dog feel really crummy.
So, when dogs show symptoms similar to mono, it’s usually something else entirely. That’s why it’s so important to go to a vet rather than self-diagnosing based on Google, which I definitely learned the hard way.
Can Humans Give Epstein-Barr or Mono to Dogs?
One thing I was super curious (and honestly worried) about was whether I could make Max sick if I had mono. It turns out, humans cannot transmit EBV to dogs. The Epstein-Barr virus is species-specific, which means it only affects humans. It doesn’t jump from people to pets, unlike some zoonotic diseases (like ringworm or certain parasites) that can be shared.
That said, good hygiene is always important. While mono itself won’t spread from you to your dog, other bacterial infections might. So if you’re feeling sick, try to avoid sharing food, kissing your dog on the mouth (I know, it’s hard), or letting them lick your face until you’re better [3].
What Should You Do if Your Dog Has Symptoms Like Mono?
When Max was sick, I took him to the vet as soon as I realized he wasn’t bouncing back. The vet ran some blood tests and found he had a mild case of canine flu. With some rest and medication, he was back to his old self in a week.
If your dog shows symptoms like:
- Persistent fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Red or irritated eyes
…then it’s time to see a veterinarian. They may recommend a complete blood count (CBC), a viral panel, or tick-borne disease screening to get to the bottom of it. Early diagnosis is key to keeping your pup healthy and avoiding complications.
Even though the symptoms may make you ask yourself again, can dogs get mononucleosis?, it’s almost always due to another cause.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe From Similar Infections
The good news is that you can take several steps to protect your dog from illnesses that mimic mono.
- Vaccinate Regularly: Diseases like distemper and canine influenza can be prevented with vaccines. Make sure your dog is up-to-date.
- Prevent Tick Bites: Use a reliable flea and tick preventive year-round.
- Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep food and water bowls clean, and wash your hands before and after feeding or petting your dog, especially if you’re sick.
- Limit Contact With Sick Dogs: If you go to dog parks or daycares, make sure the facility screens for illness.
Being proactive goes a long way. I now make sure Max gets all his shots and keep a close eye on any unusual symptoms.
Conclusion: Dogs Can’t Get Mono, But They Can Get Sick
So, can dogs get mononucleosis? The short answer is no. Dogs do not get Epstein-Barr virus or “mono” like humans do. But they can develop symptoms that look a lot like mono, often due to viral or bacterial infections. If your dog is feeling off, don’t assume the worst, but definitely consult a veterinarian.
Taking care of Max when he was sick was nerve-wracking, but it reminded me how important it is to stay informed and act quickly when something seems wrong. Hopefully, this helps you feel more prepared if your furry friend starts acting a bit under the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mono in dogs?
Mono in dogs isn’t a recognized condition like it is in humans. While dogs can show similar symptoms such as fatigue or fever, they cannot contract the Epstein-Barr virus that causes mono in humans. Instead, these signs often point to other viral or bacterial illnesses.
What does mono turn into if untreated?
In humans, untreated mono can sometimes lead to complications like an enlarged spleen, liver inflammation, or chronic fatigue. While dogs don’t get mono itself, ignoring similar symptoms may allow underlying infections—like distemper or Lyme disease—to worsen and lead to serious health risks or long-term complications.
What is the kissing disease in dogs?
The “kissing disease” refers to mononucleosis in humans, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Dogs cannot catch this virus or the disease itself. However, they can experience similar symptoms from different infections. Good hygiene helps avoid spreading other germs, even though dogs aren’t at risk for human mono.
Can dogs catch viruses from humans?
Dogs generally don’t catch human viruses like mono or the flu, but some bacteria, parasites, and rare zoonotic diseases can transfer between species. While Epstein-Barr doesn’t pose a risk, it’s still smart to avoid close contact—like kissing or sharing food—when you’re feeling sick.
Is mono good for dogs?
No, mono is not good for dogs—though the term is misleading, as dogs don’t actually get mono. If your dog has symptoms like fatigue or fever, it’s likely due to another infection, which could be harmful if untreated. Always consult a vet for proper diagnosis and care.
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References:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis. https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-ebv.html
[2] American Kennel Club. (2022). Can Dogs Catch Human Illnesses? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-catch-human-illnesses/
[3] Veterinary Partner. (2021). Zoonotic Disease: What Can I Catch from My Pet? https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952033