Protecting Your Well-Being From Pet-Transmitted Diseases
Are you aware of zoonotic diseases- sicknesses passed from pets to people- that are far more widespread than you think? Although pets may seem healthy, they can carry contagious conditions. Stay current on their preventive treatment to steer clear of contracting dangerous illnesses.
How can pets pass on these diseases?
Pets can transmit germs to people in many ways, such as:
- Direct contact – bodily fluids coming into contact, causing the spread of disease. Cleaning up pet accidents contaminated with bodily fluids or being licked by an infected animal can expose you to potential infection.
- Indirect contact – catching an illness through contact with a contaminated object. For example, children playing in sandboxes where pets have pooped may contract a roundworm infection.
- Vectors – arthropods such as ticks and fleas may be drawn to your pet and may bring diseases indoors, infecting humans.
- Food- raw meat, eggs, and raw fruits or vegetables contaminated with fecal matter from infected animals are the most common cause of foodborne illnesses.
- Water – drinking contaminated water or using infected water can cause diseases such as leptospirosis or giardia.
What are the illnesses my pet can transfer?
Pet-borne infections include:
- Bacteria (salmonella, E. coli, tick-borne disease, cat scratch fever, leptospirosis)
- Viruses (rabies)
- Fungi (ringworm)
- Intestinal parasites (giardia, tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, toxoplasma)
- External parasites (fleas, ticks, scabies)
The above-listed infections that pets can transmit are not exhaustive. Always practice good hygiene when handling your pet, their waste, and their belongings to prevent disease transmission.
Our team can assist you in safeguarding your health and that of your pets and family members. Schedule a preventive care visit for your pet to ensure that everyone in your household is secure and in glowing health. Give our team a call for more information.