The pets are the best friends of a person but a person needs to be careful while handling them. Due to the proximity with human beings the animals are capable of transmitting not only the love but also the disease. According to the simplest definition zoonotic diseases are the diseases that can be passed between the animals and human beings.

Image Source: https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/basics/zoonotic-diseases.html

Some of the Zoonotic Diseases include:

• Amoebic Dysentery
• Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
• Rabies Virus
• Tularemia
• Herpesvirus
• Tuberculosis
• Melioidosis
• Relapsing Fever
• Salmonellosis
• Leptospirosis
• Brucellosis

A few facts…

• Reptiles are known to contain a large variety of germs. Especially if you have babies under 5 at home it is highly recommendable to avoid owning a reptile like frogs, turtles or amphibians.
• Contact with the pet rodents can expose you to a virus called Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. It can cause birth defects.
• Cleaning litter boxes is a major No, if you are expecting. It can be detrimental for the well being of your to-be born baby.
• If you have any disease that is directly related to the dysfunction of immune system then you should be extremely careful in choosing the pets for yourself. That is because if you contract the infectious disease it would be extremely difficult for you to fight the same.

How to Take Care of Your Pet

• Though we would not tell you not to love your pets, as soon as you have refinished caressing them, you should wash your hands right away. And it is always better to wash the sink where you wash your hands.
• Apart from being unconditional affectionate and extremely loving, these pets are also the best companions of a lone human being. However, their way of expressing love is a bit...Physical! Don't get us wrong here! We mean they use licking, touching with muzzle and cuddling as the ways of expressing their affection. When they lick or smooch or cuddle, they transmit loads of love...and lots of bacteria too!
• Due to their long hair and natural smell, animals’ bodies are the favorite houses of licks, fleas and various kinds of bacteria’s. In fact it is not rare to find your pet's body housing several generations of licks and fleas: parents, children grand children, etc. So whenever they lick you smooch you or cuddle, many of these bacteria’s and fleas are transported to your body too. Now, your body do not have the luxury of big bushy hair or a certain thickness (you won't pray for it either, we suppose!). So, the effect of these bacteria can be intensely dangerous to you making you prone to various diseases including rabies!
• But it won't be possible for you to resist the excited look of your waggling Tommy who wants to "peck you cheek" or "lick your hand"! So what you should do then? Though there is a very long, formidable list of diseases you can get from contact with your pets, with a few simple precautions you are off the risk.
• The studies have found that shaking a hand with Tom (or dick, or harry!) is equally likely to transmit germs. And you cannot stop shaking hands! Nor can you stop getting smooched by or shaking hands with your pets. All you need is a little care.

Simple steps for avoiding infections from dogs and cats

1. The pets that transfer the bacteria’s may look completely healthy but as soon as these bacteria come into contact with human beings they can become harmful.
2. Get your pet treated against infectious diseases.
3. Consult your veterinary doctor for the best flea (or tick) prevention product for your pet and use it as recommended.
4. If you come into contact with a flea or tick, you should instantly remove it and wash that part immediately. Afterwards wash your hands thoroughly. Use the medicated soap for best results.
5. Get your pet periodically tested for any kind of veterinary diseases. Also check for the recommended vaccinations and other kind of treatments.
6. Use the services of a poop scooper to get your pet's poop off the home promptly. Avoid your voluntary services here. That can compromise with your own health.
7. Most of the pets are receptive of toilet training. So it is best to train them to purge their stomach at a safe place outside home. Don't worry, once trained properly and after a few days of following the regime, the pets will make sure to wait (and at times even "hold") till you take them to their "public toilets".
8. In case you unintentionally touch the processed contents out of your pet's stomach, wash your hands instantly with an anti-bacterial medicated soap.  Repeat it thrice.
9. If you encounter fever or other abnormal health conditions after being licked or smooched by your pet you should call the doctor immediately.
10. As opposed to popular belief, it is less likely that you will get cold transmitted by your pet's sneeze.
11. Cats’ bites look less formidable than those by the dogs. However contrary to the belief, dog bites are less serious. The germs from the cat's bite can infect you with a variety of diseases that is less likely in the case of dog's bite. However it is highly recommendable to see your doctor as soon as you are bitten by your pet.
12. Do not feed yourself and your pet at the same time. It is best to feed your pet properly and then wash your hands and face thoroughly with antibacterial soap before eating yourself.
13. Get the place of your pet cleaned on a daily basis. Ask the veterinary about the ideal disinfectant to use at the place of your pet and use it with extreme care so as keep your pet safe. These disinfectants contain poison and can be extremely harmful. However use them carefully so that you pet should not ingest the same as it can be life threatening to the pet.

We connect you with the best veterinary doctors who provide affordable Veterinary Care for your Dogs, Cats & Small Pets at Mr n Mrs Pet. Our certified veterinarians can provide quality care to ensure your furry friend is healthy. Book a vet for your home visit or schedule a dog vaccination appointment.