According to a Huffington Post as of 2012 there are over 69 million dogs and 36 million cats living in American homes. Needless to say, we love our pets! Furthermore, over 71 million people reportedly share their bed with their fur babies. These statistics beg the question, how much do we know about bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic diseases carried by our pets? And what is the likelihood of acquiring zoonotic diseases by way of sleeping together, licking and kissing or sharing food? Dogs and cats alike are susceptible to such ailments through drinking water polluted by other wildlife like raccoons, skunks or mice or contaminated dirt that can cause issues from diarrhea to kidney and liver diseases. One thing we do know is we are not going to give up our pets, so here are some tips to protect yourself and best monitor your pet’s health.
- Avoid leaving water bowl outside as it can easily be contaminated by other animals
- Teeth brushing and mouth cleaning should be part of your pet’s health routine
- Wash your hands constantly, especially after playing and petting your cat or dog
- Do not serve raw meat to avoid salmonella
- Provide stool samples to your vet a minimum of three times a year to check for worms, parasites or any other potential health issues
- Dispose of pet waste in a trash outside and never flush in the toilet to avoid contamination
- Use diluted bleach to clean soiled areas in your home
- Avoid pet kisses, allowing your pet to lick your face can potentially transmit fecal pathogens and other bacteria that can compromise your health
- Constantly clean paws or use booties to avoid tracking germs into your home
- Do not allow your pet to drink from natural water sources such as puddles, ponds, rivers, lakes, rain buckets etc.
- Protect your home from intrusive rodents and other wildlife that can carry diseases and come into contact with your pet