Do you have pets in your house?
How would you feel if you were told that leptospirosis or hookworm infection that you have got is due to the pet you have in the house? Shocked right!!
Many of us have pets like dogs, cats and certain birds like parrots, pigeons etc in our houses. Bitter truth is that pets not only bring us huge happiness plus companionship etc but also bring viruses, bacteria etc. It is worthy to note that from pets humans can get certain diseases and these are termed as zoonotic diseases.
With proper handling of pets, regular visits to veterinary doctors, with good personal hygiene et, we could avoid most pet related diseases in us.
There are few diseases we could get from pets.
Ringworm infection:
Ringworm infections are fungal based infections that can affect our nails, skin scalp etc. Truth is that from pets like dogs and cats we could get ringworm infection directly. It is possible for us to avoid this infection by bathing pets daily plus grooming them. It is necessary to use disinfectants in those areas where pets visit the house. Finally, washing hands after handling pets is very important.
Toxoplasmosis:
A parasite that is found in cat faeces is responsible for getting toxoplasmosis. Those with weak immunity and pregnant women are at high risk. It is necessary to clean the litter box by using gloves etc/ pregnant women must avoid doing this. It is necessary to wash hands after completing the above said work.
Cat scratch disease or CSD:
Having pets like cats at home can also lead to CSD in us. Here, a scratch or bite from a cat can result in this bacterial infection in us. It is necessary that we try to avoid rough play with kittens especially. Point is that we must clean the scratches immediately with soap and water.
Salmonellosis:
By handling reptiles, birds etc we can get this Salmonellosis infection in us that is caused by Salmonella bacteria. Even contaminated pet foods can cause this. It is important to wash hands after touching pets or pet foods etc.
Leptospirosis:
From the urine of the infected dogs, a bacterial infection can spread easily and that is leptospirosis infection. Through contaminated d water or soil, humans can get this infection. Those having pets like dogs must vaccinate their dogs and they must try to avoid walking with their dogs in floodwater etc.
Campylobacteriosis:
There are possibilities of humans getting diarrhoea from pets. Campylobacteriosis is due to bacterial infection. When we handle kittens or puppies having diarrhoea issues, then we could also get diarrhoea. It is highly important to have good hygiene. Washing our hands before cooking or eating etc is essential.
Rabies:
From the bites of infected animals or pets like dogs etc, we can get this deadly viral infection. Our nervous system could get affected by rabies. We must seek immediate medical treatment if bitten by even our pet dogs.
