Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonoses are animal diseases that may also be transmitted and affect humans. As you know, pets provide many benefits to us and are an important part of our family structure; they comfort us and provide loyal companionship. Learn some simple tips for preventing zoonotic disease in your home.
What every pet owner should know
Although the risk of contracting a zoonotic infection is quite low, the consequences of infections with zoonotic diseases should not be ignored.
Always dispose of your pet’s faeces promptly!
Worms
- Worm your pet regularly to prevent infection from intestinal worms. Adult dogs and cats should be wormed routinely every 3 months and more frequently for puppies and kittens.
- For a worming regime to suit your pet, please ask our healthcare team for more information.
- Take your pet for regular veterinary health check-ups.
- Do not feed your pet any uncooked offal.
- Prevent pets from wandering off and scavenging for food.
- Worm adult aged cats and dogs every 3 months.
Ringworm
This is a fungus and you can come into contact with ringworm via an animal or directly from soil.
Giardia
This parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals and their environment. Giardia can cause diarrhoea and intestinal problems.
Sarcoptes
Is a mite and when a human comes into contact with an affected animal the mites can crawl onto people or another pet. Minimal handling of affected pets until treatment is successful is the best prevention.
Cat Scratch Disease (CSD)
Is a bacterial infection which usually causes fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. It is transmitted to humans by scratches and bites. Prevent CSD by discouraging your cat from scratching and biting you; avoid rough play; keep your cat’s nails trimmed short; never allow a cat to lick open wounds on your body; and wash all bites and scratches with soap and water.
Wash your hands after touching, playing with or caring for your pet.
Toxoplasmosis
- Bath and groom your dog regularly.
- Keep your pet’s environment, including bedding clean.
- Dispose of your pet’s faeces promptly.
- Encourage good hygiene in children from a young age by encouraging them to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after handling pets or toys.
- Always wash children’s hands after playing in dirt or sandpits.
- Wear gloves when gardening and always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- If you are pregnant, ask another family member to change the cat’s litter box, do not handle unfamiliar cats (strays), and feed your cat a canned or dried commercial cat food instead of raw meat.
A final note…
Researchers have found that there are many health benefits of owning a pet.
Zoonotic diseases can be prevented by regular worming and by following good hygiene practices. By adopting the recommendations in this article your family and pets will enjoy a healthy and happy life together.