I was very concerned as I listened to a "claimed" expert on pets on a recent network television program answer a call-in question from a viewer:
"Can my dog or cat make me sick?"
The "expert" said: "No, there is nothing to worry about. Humans cannot get sick from pets."
Informed pet owners are the answer . . .
Not only is this not correct, but of even more concern is that this type of
incorrect information is typical of what you will hear from many self-proclaimed
pet experts that have reached some notoriety by appearing on broadcast media
or writing a book. Many dog trainers have very little experience with dogs and
have no experience working with problem dogs. They tell people what they want
to hear about training their pets. You do not need to live in fear about contracting
a disease from your pet, but you should use good sense. There are some diseases
or parasites that can be transmitted from pets to humans.
It has always been my feeling that responsible pet owners want to know about their pet and be informed about any problems that may arise. I always refer clients directly to their veterinarians for health information about their animals and never try to diagnose problems. Knowledge is the key, however. It is unusual for your dog or cat to transfer a disease to you or a member of your family, but it is possible. Probably some of the most widely known problems with puppies and children are round worms. If humans accidentally ingest them such as children playing in the ground, they can cause serious illness and even death. Ocular toxocariasis from a puppy to a child has been known to cause blindness in the child. Parasitic diseases like psittacosis and toxocara cati from cats and cani from dogs can happen.
Rabies is probably the most common know disease that can be transmitted from dog to human, but cats my also carry this disease. One of the most common diseases is ringworm, a type of skin fungus. Some people have heard that pregnant women should not clean a cat box. Some diseases the placenta and infect the fetus. One of the more common problems caused by cats id toxoplasmosis. Cats, dogs, and humans can also give and get giardia, an intestinal infection.
Visit your veterinarian on a regular basis . . .
You should not fear getting diseases from your pet. In fact, common diseases
like the cold or flu are not transmitted directly. You should take some time
to understand the possible problems parasites can cause. Prevention is the best
medicine. See you veterinarian regularly and keep you pet in good health. Do
not wait until you pet is sick to visit your veterinarian. Establish a yearly
routine of preventative steps with your veterinarian to keep your pet healthy.