Does MRSA occur in dogs?

It is possible for the bacteria Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, or MRSA, to occur in dogs. Although it was first seen only in humans, in 1972 the infection appeared in a cow. Since then, MRSA has been found in horses, cats, pet birds, cattle, pigs and dogs.

MRSA is transmittable from human to animal, as well as animal to human. Risk factors for dogs include living with people with compromised immune systems, living with human or animal health care workers and participating in therapeutic visits. Common symptoms include mild to severe skin conditions. Some people or animals with MRSA show no symptoms but still carry the bacteria and are able to pass along the infection to others.