Can your pet make you sick? yes!

The long lean stretch of a cat, her familiar purr… Happy puppy kisses… the beauty and song of a bird…Pets give us endless pleasure. Doctors say that stroking a pet lowers your heart rate and blood pressure.

Surveys say having a companion animal increases lifespan and alertness among the elderly. Having an animal is so good for people that there are now prison programs where inmates adopt and care for dogs as part of their rehabilitation. Programs bringing pets into hospital, hospices, and retirement homes abound. Having a dog or cat to pet, even for an afternoon, helps patients and shut-ins.

But don’t leave it all to your Vet. Be aware of the hidden dangers of having a pet. The animal to human disease exchange rate is only now being fully explored in medical science. We’ve all heard of cat-scratch fever, but how many people have heard of parrot fever?

Here are some Zoonoses (diseases you can get from pets):

BIRDS. Not every bird harbors infections, but some are carriers who won’t act sick when carrying a disease. So be aware. Better safe than sorry! People with compromised immune systems (HIV+ people, the elderly or chronically ill, those receiving Chemotherapy or who have had an organ transplant,) are most at risk.

Simple hygiene can prevent most of the diseases that birds and humans share. Always wash your hands after handling your bird and your bird’s bowl and toys. With good hygiene, it’s very unlikely that you or a family member will become ill. But… Chlamydiosis, also known as Psittacosis, can make your bird sick or he can simply be a carrier. This happen most often with Cockatiels. The disease causes flu-like symptoms in Humans; fever, chills, headache.

Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcus are fungal respiratory infections that occur in people who inhale invisible fungal spores from contaminated soil or dust. These fungi grow on bird feces, so it’s a good idea to change the cage often. Though rare, these diseases can be quite serious and even lead to meningitis or encephalitis (brain inflammation). So if you and your bird are both feeling sick, it might be time to think Zoonosis.

CATS (actually cat litter boxes) are rife with risks such as Toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems should never change a litter box. And everyone should try not to inhale the dust from clay litter boxes. Most people try not inhale at all when changing a litter box. For obvious reasons.

WORMS are the most common cat and canine problem. It seems all baby animals come with worms. Kittens get roundworms just by nursing from her mother! Signs of Roundworms: a scruffy dull coat, a potbelly, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Hookworms are more severe and can cause a weak kitten to die. This parasite is obtained in the usual way or from eating infected rodents. Outside cats are more susceptible. Dogs have these worms too and they also get whipworm.

People become infected too! Sticky eggs that fall on clothes or furniture, or lying about outside can accidentally contaminate food or drink. Fleas can bite you. Hookworms can enter through the soles of the feet! Children are most susceptible.

Signs of Roundworm in humans: fever, stomach pain, coughing, vision or neurological problems. The most common symptom of hookworm infection in people is a skin rash. Symptoms associated with a tapeworm infection include stomachache, lack of appetite, or itching around the rectum. These infestations are fairly rare in adults. But, again, make sure your doctor knows that you or your child is around animals a lot.

Groom your pets regularly. Use a broad-spectrum parasite preventive for your pet 12 months a year. Broad spectrum means a product that protects against intestinal worms, fleas and heartworm. Your Vet can prescribe the one that is right for you.

But that treatment can’t prevent everything. Ringworm is a fungal infection. If your animal had patchy hair loss, scaly skin, or is constantly grooming beware. Ringworm is highly infectious to other pets and humans. It’s easy to get the fungus on your hands or under your fingernails, and then pass it on. Itchy, reddened areas of skin, mostly circular, may be ringworm. Medicated cremes and salves to treat this condition.

If your dog comes home from the Vet or from Boarding with a cough and a temperature, chances are he has Kennel Cough. People can get it as well. That’s why you must never let Rover lick your mouth no matter how much he wants to! In humans, Kennel cough manifests as a lingering low grade upper respiratory infection and lo-grade temp. Antibiotics help. But be sure your doctor knows that you have animals!

Infectious disease specialists are often called in to look for “Pet Shop” diseases when a low grade fever has gone on and on unexplained or when people seem to get that same stubborn infection over and over. All of the diseases I have mentioned have treatments. Most can be easily treated with antibiotics as long as the doctor knows which antibiotic to choose.

According to the experts, here is what you can do to prevent infection.

* Never kiss your pets on the mouth.

* Promptly dispose of any fecal or other waste materials - avoid inhaling or extensive skin contact.

*Wear gloves when disposing of wastes and when gardening.

* Wear shoes outside. Especially at public places.

* Take your pet to the Vet. Regularly. And make sure s/he has broad spectrum parasite repellent all the time.

*And wash, wash, wash, those hands after cleaning up after your pet.

Love your pet and yourself and take precautions.