Simple ways to protect your family
Proven ways to protect your pet
Owning a pet can be a wonderful, rewarding experience for you and your family. However, pets can transmit diseases that may be harmful
to humans - especially young children and people with certain medical conditions. These are called zoonotic diseases or zoonoses
(pronounced zoo-NO-ses).
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans - like leptospirosis. They also include diseases that infect both people and pets - like Lyme disease. That's why it's important to take precautions to protect both your family and your pet from zoonotic diseases. You share a lot of things with your pet, but disease shouldn't be one of them. [Back to top]
Zoonotic diseases of concern to pet owners.
Cat scratch disease -- Also known as "cat scratch fever," this flea-borne infection is typically transmitted from a
cat's scratch or bite. Signs include pimples at the scratch site and swollen lymph nodes that may persist for six weeks or longer.Ehrlichiosis - Transmitted by ticks, this bacterial disease can cause fever, muscle aches, vomiting and other, more serious symptoms. As many as half of all patients require hospitalization.
Giardia - People and pets are infected when they drink water containing the parasite Giardia Iamblia. You can also become infected by putting something in your mouth that has come into contact with a pet's stool. Signs include diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea.
Leptospirosis - "Lepto" is a bacterial disease spread by contact with urine from an infected animal, including dogs, raccoons, squirrels and skunks. Lepto can cause high fever, severe headache, vomiting and, if left untreated, kidney damage or liver failure.
Lyme disease -- Spread by ticks, Lyme disease can cause arthritis and kidney damage in both people and dogs. The number of Lyme disease cases has nearly tripled since 1990, and the disease is now found in every state.
Rabies -- This well-known disease is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals and transmitted to pets and people by bites. It is invariably fatal if not promptly treated.
Ringworm -- Ringworm is a fungal infection -- not a worm -- transmitted by contact with the skin or fur of an infected dog or cat. Signs include a bald patch of scaly skin on the scalp, or a ring-shaped, itchy rash on the skin. Rocky Mountain spotted fever -- A very serious, tick-borne disease that causes fever, headache, muscle pain, followed by a rash. May be fatal if left untreated.
Toxoplasmosis -- This is a parasitic disease spread by contact with cat feces in soil or litter, although the major route to transmission is contaminated meat. It can cause serious health problems in pregnant women or in people with compromised immune systems.
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Simple ways to protect your family.
Wash your hands with soap and water after touching, playing with or caring for pets.
Never touch the stool of any animal without wearing disposable gloves.
Do not kiss your pet or let your pet lick your face.
Do daily "tick checks" on yourself, your kids and your pet. If you find a tick, use tweezers to
slowly pull it out. Immerse the tick in rubbing alcohol, apply antiseptic to the bitten area and wash your hands.
If you are pregnant, ask someone else in the family to clean the cat's litter box. If you must do
it yourself, wear gloves and immediately wash your hands after changing the litter.
Wash your hands after gardening or working in soil where pets may have relieved themselves.
If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area with soap and water right away and contact your physician.
See your veterinarian and make sure your pet is protected against zoonoses and other disease threats in your area.
[Back to top] Proven ways to protect your pet.
Many zoonotic diseases can be prevented by vaccination. Vaccines are now available to protect against leptospirosis,
Lyme disease, rabies and giardia. In addition, twice-a-year wellness exams performed by your veterinarian can help
detect and treat zoonotic infections before they become serious, or are transmitted to other pets or people in your household.Don't forget to take these other steps to protect your pet:
Ask your veterinarian about tick and flea control
Brush and inspect your pet for ticks after each outing
Do not let your pet drink from standing water outdoors
Do not let your pet come into contact with feces or urine of other animals
Remove food, garbage or nesting materials that may attract wildlife
For more information about zoonotic disease protection for your family - and your pet
- contact your veterinarian today.
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