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I know enough to make my kids wash their hands frequently when they return from their disease-infested schools and parks! But I never thought I’d have to watch out for what this guy may be giving me!
Even with that sweet face, he may be harboring infectious organisms that can make people in my home sick. New research shows that kids under age 5, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk for infections from their pets! Infections like hookworm, roundworm, salmonella, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria like the potentially lethal C difficile bacteria.
What are the highest risk animals to us? Reptiles, amphibians, hedgehogs, chinchillas, rodents, and young chickens. Yet one of the most common diseases, toxoplasmosis, is transmitted from the cat, and can cause birth defects and blindness in fetuses of pregnant women who come into contact with infected cat feces.
How can our pets theoretically transmit dozens of diseases to us? Through bites, scratches and contact with body fluids (like saliva or feces).
So, if you have an aquarium or cage to clean you should wear protective gloves. When you come home from walking your dog and picking up his poop remember to wash your hands!
The authors of a recent study recommend discouraging pets from face licking, but I just can’t promise I’ll adhere to this advice! However, if you fall into one of the high risk categories you should!
Of course, regular cleaning and disinfection of animal cages, feeding areas and bedding, as well as keeping litter boxes away from areas where eating and food preparation occurs is important.
Use common sense, above all. I don’t recommend avoiding that cuddle session with your puppy, but wash your hands immediately afterwards. Speak to your doctor before getting a puppy or kitten for your sick child who is missing out on school and play dates.
Pets under 6 months shed organisms that adult pets don’t. This can be deadly for kids with compromised immune systems whose parents are just trying to brighten their day.
As usual, knowledge is power! Pets give us so many health benefits, we need to make sure we avoid their potentially harmful effects.
