Safeguarding Your Health: Vital Information on Pet-Transmitted Diseases
Zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from pets to humans, are more common than you might realize. Even if your pet appears healthy, they could carry a contagious condition. Stay informed about preventive measures to avoid contracting various illnesses.
How can pets transmit diseases to humans?
Pets can transmit germs to humans through various means, including:
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Direct contact: Coming into contact with an infected pet’s saliva, blood, urine, feces, or other bodily fluids can lead to disease transmission. For example, cleaning up after your pet’s accident indoors or being licked by your pet on a sore on your leg can result in illness.
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Indirect contact: Disease transmission can occur when you come into contact with something contaminated by an infected pet. For instance, if a stray cat uses your child’s sandbox as a litter box and your child subsequently plays in it, they may contract a roundworm infection.
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Vectors: Ticks and fleas, attracted to your pet, can carry disease and transmit it to humans when they bite.
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Food: Consuming undercooked meat or eggs, as well as raw fruits and vegetables contaminated with feces from an infected pet, can be a common cause of foodborne illnesses in both humans and their pets.
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Water: Drinking or coming into contact with water contaminated by feces or urine can lead to the transmission of diseases such as giardia or leptospirosis.
What diseases can humans get from pets?
Pets can transmit numerous diseases to humans, including:
- Bacteria (leptospirosis, salmonella, E. coli, tick-borne diseases, cat scratch disease)
- Viruses (rabies)
- Fungi (ringworm)
- Intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, giardia, toxoplasma)
- External parasites (scabies, fleas, ticks)
This list is not exhaustive, so it’s important to practice good hygiene when handling your pet, cleaning up after them, and interacting with their belongings to prevent disease transmission.
To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in your household, including both human and animal members, regular preventive care is crucial. Contact our team to schedule a preventive care visit for your pet and help keep everyone safe and healthy.