Could Your Pet Endanger Your Health

Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects that pets have on our lives. They can lower our blood pressure, whittle cholesterol readings downward, and sometimes just give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

But the benefits need to be weighed against some of the potential risks, especially if you are immune compromised. Besides those afflicted with HIV, persons who have had organ transplants, are undergoing chemotherapy, are malnourished, or have chronic kidney or liver disease, may be at increased jeopardy of contracting a zoonotic disease. A zoonotic disease is one that an animal can give to humans. Rabies is one of the most common examples.

The majority of zoonotic diseases are not contracted directly from pets but actually from the environment or other non-animal sources. It is not uncommon for an immunocompromised person to be instructed to give away their cat for fear that they will contract Toxoplasmosis. After exhaustive studies, the vast number of cases did not originate with the cat. Cat feces is the source of the infection. The stool is only infective after it has been in the environment for two to four days. So how does someone become infected with this organism, usually from under cooked meat or gardening?

Some of the other more common zoonotic diseases attributed to pets are Giardia, which can be contracted from water or other people. Cryptococcosis is frequently found in wild pigeon droppings. Salmonella poisoning can come from undercooked meat, eggs and unpasteurized milk.

Some of the best ways to help safe guard the health of your pet and yourself is to have all pets undergo routine fecal analysis for internal parasites and deworm them at least twice a year. Keep all cats indoors, and do not feed them raw meat. Have someone else clean the cat box daily, or wear protective gloves and mask. Wear gloves while working in the garden. Eat properly prepared foods and like mom always said, wash your hands when you are done playing with the pets.

If you have questions concerning your immune status and risk of zoonotic diseases, contact your medical doctor and veterinarian for pet related questions. For most immunocompromised persons, the benefits of pet companionship far outweigh the risks. They offer unconditional love and support, when many times there is no one else.