Pets are like immediate family members; you love them unconditionally. They become so much as a part and parcel of your life that you cannot imagine a day without them. For most, pets are like their babies, their fur babies to be precise and they are more than happy to shoulder all the responsibilities that come with it. Pet parents share their beds, food and even tech gadgets with their furry companions. So, if you felt hurt at the topic of this article, we want to assure you that it is just being cautious that we suggest you to be. Just like other family members, they can even give you germs and that is why we want you to be alert when they are sick.
Rabies- Rabies is a deadly virus that gets transmitted from infected dogs and cat bites. It affects the central nervous system and has serious implications on health, also resulting in deaths. Before the 1960’s most animal cases of rabies were seen in domestic animals. The rabies vaccine for pets has considerably removed the risk of catching the virus as pet owners prevent this by making sure their pets are vaccinated against it.
Cat scratch disease- More than 40 percent of cats carry a type of bacteria called Bartonella henselae at some point in their lives. People in close proximity with an infected cat may get scratched or bitten by them and get infected themselves. Even if the cat with the bacteria licks an open wound of a person, they may get the “cat scratch disease.” Symptoms of the illness includes infection at the wound site, fever, headache, poor appetite, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes. To prevent this, people should wash cat bites and scratches right away with soap and running water.
The plague- The age-old dreaded disease caused by bacteria Yersinia pestis can infect both dogs and cats. People can catch the disease if they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal. In some cases, it is also probable that pets transfer the infection when people breathe in respiratory droplets from their pet that contain bacteria.
Toxoplasma gondii- Cats are the main hosts for a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. People might get infected with it through cat faeces while cleaning the litter box. There are chances that the infected person may not show any symptoms, but in severe cases the parasite may cause damage to brain, eyes and other organs. To avoid this, it is best to maintain hygiene at all times and a thorough washing of hands after cleaning the litter box.
These and some more on the list may lead you to fall ill when catching germs from your pet. Ensure that you get your pet vaccinated on time for all that your vet advises you to. Also, remember that prevention is better than cure. Keep your pets’ areas clean and wash hands if you tend to their wounds or litter. From us at Waggfluence, a happy pet parenting experience to all you lovely pet parents!
