Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in the dog is zoonotic, and can commonly affect the skin and other soft tissues causing abscesses or skin infections. It will rarely affect the joints, eyes, ears or urinary tract. The MRSA infection can be transferred to humans from their dogs by direct contact with the infection or by touching contaminated items. All dogs can contract MRSA but there are some that will be at a higher risk. MRSA is difficult to treat and precautions must be made when you are treating a dog diagnosed with MRSA. Some dogs will not show symptoms of having MRSA but they can still spread the bacteria.