Dog Diseases

People and animals both get sick. Although, there is little transmission between the two species, sometimes unwanted germs and bacteria slip through. There is no reason to get rid of your pet just because you are worried about contracting a disease. Instead, there are ways you can protect yourself from any health risks that your pet may pose.

Diseases and illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans (and vice versa) have been studied for a number of years. Referred to as zoonotic diseases, there are a number of domestic and wild animals that can carry and transmit these diseases. Common household pets that could pass on illnesses include birds, cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and fish. You normally won’t catch an infectious disease just by petting your pet, so don’t be alarmed. Problems arise when you come in contact with saliva or feces.

Some people are more susceptible to contracting something from an animal than others. Normally, these people are experiencing a weakened immune system for one reason or another. The Centers for Disease Control report that infants, young children, HIV/AIDS positive patients, cancer patients, and people who have undergone organ transplants are more likely to catch an illness from an animal. These people need to take extra precautions whenever they come in contact with an animal.

Each pet can carry a different set of diseases. Dogs have been known to transmit the Campylobacter bacteria to people through stool. Basically, a person who comes in contact with the dog’s feces picks up the bacteria that then enter the person’s body. The person then experiences a case of diarrhea. Not too bad of a problem, heh? As simple as it sounds, there are other, more serious problems that can arise from zoonosis. For instance, contracting tapeworm from your pet would not be a great situation.

Cats carry their own problems, too. Cat scratch fever is one illness that many people are familiar with, which, of course, comes from a cat scratch. Other illnesses associated with cats include ringworm and Salmonella. Birds can also cause cases of Salmonella. Other bird problems include Psittacosis (pneumonia-like symptoms in humans) and Cryptococcosis which affects the brain and spinal cord.

As mentioned before, there is no reason for you to get rid of your pet! Instead, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from contracting any type of bacteria. If you have a pet, then always wash your hands after touching feces. Even if you use a plastic bag or scoop to gather the stool, you should still wash your hands immediately after exposure. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands after playing or petting your animal. You don’t have to wash your hands every time, but washing multiple times throughout the day is a safe bet. This is especially true for people who are more likely to catch something from their pets.

If you are scratched or bitten by your cat or dog, then attend to the wound immediately. Wash it out with warm water and soap, and then apply an antibacterial or antifungal cream. Using peroxide after you wash the wound is not a bad idea, either. If the wound is deep, then seek medical attention as soon as possible. Keep all your pets up to date on their medications and vaccinations. That way, if a bite were to occur, you are less likely to be infected. If you have a bird, then make sure you keep the cage cleaned often. Disinfect all toys, food, or water bowls on a regular basis. If a toy is covered in droppings and cleaning isn’t doing the trick, then visit your local pet store and get some new toys!

Our pets can carry a number of illnesses and disease, but that is no reason to get rid of them! People who are more likely to catch something from an animal include those that have weakened immune systems. Your best bet is to practice proper sanitation. Wash your hands after coming in contact with feces and throughout the day. If your pet bites or scratches you, then take care of the wound immediately. Keep your pet’s area cleaned often, and keep toys rotated. Be careful, and you’ll be fine!

This article was written and provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring orthopedic dog beds & aluminum dog crates.