Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be passed from animals to people (and back and forth). The most common one is Rabies, though we don’t see that disease much anymore, which is a good thing.
However, many other diseases can be passed from one to another. Some that you need to know about include:
Rabies.
This is a life-threatening disease that can be passed from many different animals to people. Unfortunately, most people who get rabies and don’t get treated right away end up dying. For this reason, it is important to keep your pets vaccinated for this preventable disease. In many states, it is legally required.
Leptospirosis.
Though this disease isn’t prevalent, it has become more common over the past few years. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium and is passed through the urine of infected animals. It is passed by wildlife and through both running and standing water, where infected wildlife pass by. It can cause liver and kidney failure in all animals and humans.
Intestinal parasites.
Dogs and cats can pass any worms onto a human, especially those who handle them regularly. They can pass roundworms, hookworms, and even tapeworms through their stools. It is more common in children, older people, and those who are immunodeficient.
Giardia infection.
Like intestinal parasites, Giardia is passed through feces. It is an organism that comes from infected water. It can also live in the soil and feces after ingestion. Not only that, but it causes digestive problems, including diarrhea.
Lyme disease.
Lyme disease can be quite severe in both humans and dogs. A tick bite passes it and can affect someone for years. Some of the most common signs include fever, pain, and joint inflammation. If left untreated, it can start to affect vital organs like your kidneys and heart.
Scabies and other mites.
Our dogs and cats who are outside can pick up scabies and other mites, and then pass them on to the humans who want to cuddle up with them. This can be pretty itchy and irritating to the skin of anyone who comes in contact with the mites.
Because you aren’t going to want to worry about your children and your pets with these diseases, you have to do a few things to protect everyone.
Clean up your dog’s stool in the yard.
Not only is it disgusting to walk through a yard full of poop, but it can also be unhealthy. The longer that the stools stay in the yard, the more likely it is that the intestinal parasites can move into the ground and continue to infect your pets repeatedly.
Please wash your hands after handling your animals and their stools.
Good hygiene is essential to keep everyone as healthy as possible. So, make sure that you wash your hands often when you are handling your pets. You also need to wash your hands after you clean out the yard and the litter pan
Wear gloves when working outside in the dirt.
Since the soil can be infected by stool, you shouldn’t garden or work in the dirt without gloves. Even when wearing them, you should wash your hands after you are finished. You could pick something up from a stray animal that wanders through your yard.
Vaccinate your pet.
You should vaccinate your dog and cat to protect them. However, if he or she has a Leptospirosis and a Rabies vaccine, you are less likely to get the disease.
You also want to keep them on preventatives.
Your dogs and cats should be on flea and tick protection to help keep fleas and ticks out of your home (and on you). These preventatives can also help with mites. You should also deworm your pets routinely to ensure that they don’t get any intestinal parasites that they could pass on to you.
Though zoonotic diseases can be scary, they don’t have to be. You can easily keep your pet (and your family) safe, just with a few easy things. You should always wash your hands and wear gloves when handling dirt and stool. Likewise, you should also make sure that your dogs and cats are vaccinated against the diseases that can easily be prevented.
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Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.