Take Sensible Precautions As a Pet Owner!

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A common concern for many people while considering purchasing a pet to bring into their home is the possibility that this animal could get their family sick. It’s true that animals do carry germs that can spread to adults and children. Children under the age 5 are typically more susceptible.  This is a reason to be more cautious with animals, not a reason to not have a pet!   

There are some common germs that we can take conscious steps to avoid.  Streptococcus is a form of bacteria that causes strep throat and skin infections. Your pet can carry ticks that cause Lyme disease; these ticks can hop from your pet to you and put you in risk.  Salmonella, Campylobacter  e. Coli, Giardia and Cryptosporidium can spread through anything contaminated with an infected pets stool.  Toxoplasma is a germ found in cat stool, that can affect the brain and eyes in infants, and a pregnant mother can pass these effects to her unborn child.  Worms, which can also be spread through contact with infected stool, can cause fever, rash, allergic reactions, eye, liver and lung disease, and brain infections.  Finally rabies, which is usually found in wild animals, can also affect your pet and can be transmitted to humans through scratches and bites.  Now all these disease and germs can seem overwhelming, but they can all be avoided quite easily. 

To prevent getting an illness from your pet, take new pets to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Take them back to the vet regularly for checkups and shots. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning their stool.  Clean litter boxes daily and never let your children play where your pet goes to the bathroom.  Also eating raw meat or drinking from the toilet is very unhealthy and unsanitary. 

This all seems like a lot of work and a lot to remember, but once you get into a routine its is very simple.  The reward is much more than the slim risk you take when adopting a pet.  Pets make wonderful playmates for children! They keep them physically active and teach them responsibility!