Pet Disease Hazards

Sleeping with your dog? Beware. There is increasing evidence that getting too friendly with Fido and Fluffy may be detrimental to your health.

For many people, their pets are the only living thing they share their life with. Particularly for those who are handicapped or living in an isolated environment, a pet provides companionship, exercise, and safety, plus a sense of purpose. The health benefits of pet ownership are often recommended by doctors.

Some people will sleep with their pets, kiss them, or let their pets lick them. This could open the door to a mild malady or a life-threatening condition. Depending if the pet is always kept indoors in a clean environment, or allowed to go outside and mingle with other animals, makes a big difference.

Washing hands frequently when handling pets, and keeping them out of the bedroom, is a wise precaution. Preventing them from licking or kissing may be difficult if the pet is jumpy. Dogs that spend the day alone while the owner is at work will be exploding with affection as soon as they hear their owner approaching the door.

Such frequent schmoozing with pets puts us at risk for bacterial, viral, and parasitic infection that could become meningitis or other serious diseases. Pet disease such as hookworm and roundworm could cause respiratory problems. Good veterinary care, plus oral care for both humans and pets are good preventive ideas.

Diseases transmitted by pets are called zoonotic diseases, which can be harmful to young children who still don't have many antibodies in their immune system like adults do. Children who often play outside in the dirt will commonly put their hands in their mouth, providing an easy route for harmful germs to enter.

Salmonellosis, diseases from cats such as cat scratch fever, and roundworms can wreak havoc on anyone with a weak immune system. Thorough frequent cleaning of hands and face, plus continued pet health, is essential prevention.