Zoonosis – Can I get sick from my pet?

Zoonosis – Can I get sick from my pet?

Animals do so much good that it is hard to believe anything bad can come from them. However, we need to be aware that we can contract some diseases from them and they can get diseases from us.

While most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals, many remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of playing with or snuggling up to a furry friend.  But the bigger issue is that far too many owners, and their families, are oblivious to both common and uncommon diseases and parasites that can be spread from the four legged family members to the human ones.  A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be transferred from animals to humans.

Licking is just one way your pet may spread a zoonotic disease to you.

Some people are more likely than others to get diseases from pets. A person's age and health status may affect his or her immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick. People who are more likely to get diseases from our animals include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and people being treated for cancer. Special advice is available for people who are at greater risk than others of getting diseases from animals.

Dogs and cats can carry a variety of germs that can make people sick. Some of these germs are common and some are rare. For example, puppies may pass the bacterium Campylobacter in their feces (stool). This germ can cause diarrhea in people. Puppies and some adult dogs often carry a variety of parasites that can cause rashes or illness in people.   Less often, dogs in urban or rural areas can carry the bacterium Leptospira. This germ causes the disease leptospirosis in people and animals. Some cat-related diseases that make people sick are common, such as cat scratch disease (or cat scratch fever), and others such as plague, are rare. Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can come from cats, but people are more likely to get it from eating raw meat or from gardening.

Dogs and cats can also carry rabies, a deadly viral disease. Rabies from dogs is rare in the United States, but we are see increasing reports of rabies in cats, both feral and even some owned cats.  Check out this previous blog post about rabies for more information!

Probably the most common zoonotic diseases that dogs and cats can pass to any person is infection with either hookworms or roundworms.  These intestinal parasites are found in almost every puppy and kitten and during stressful periods in their lives.  Dogs and cats can shed hundreds of thousands of microscopic eggs into the environment from these parasites.  Once in the grass, the sandbox, or even on the beach, these parasite eggs hatch into larva, ready to infect another warm-blooded animal.  Children are very susceptible to infection, as we all know that they rarely wash their hands after play.  Sun-worshipping beach lovers may find themselves the target of hookworm larva who can actually penetrate skin and cause a serious, intensely itchy skin condition.  Roundworm larva can cause vision problems, or even blindness.  Check out the CDC's information on hookworms and roundworms.

Hookworm egg

Roundworm eggs

         

If you are a “fan of feathers”, you should be aware of a few things as well.  For example, baby chicks and ducklings often carry the bacterium Salmonella. This germ causes salmonellosis in people. Parakeets and parrots can carry the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. This germ causes the disease psittacosis. Pigeon droppings can have germs that make people sick.

Like birds, reptiles and amphibians that are commonly kept as pets also harbor the Salmonella bacterium, and they can carry the bacteria without any symptoms of disease.

Red-eared slider, a common pet turtle.

It’s important to remember that although dogs, cats and other animals can pass germs to people, you are not likely to contract anything from touching or owning pets. To best protect yourself from getting sick, thoroughly wash your hands with running water and soap after contact with animals, their saliva, or feces (stool).  Teach younger children the importance of washing up after playing with their pets or out in the yard where the pets also roam.

Don’t feed or promote the feeding of wildlife. Many wild animals, like raccoons, coyotes and foxes, are adapting to a more urban environment and an easy food source will encourage the wildlife to return.  These animals often carry parasites and bacteria or viruses that can infect your pets or your family.

Finally, maintain a good relationship with your family veterinarian.  Routine physical examinations (we recommend twice a  year) and regular fecal sample checks (again, at least 2x per year) can help ensure that your pets are NOT harboring potentially dangerous germs.  Remember, here at Noah's we are the best friend of your best friend!