You are a dog lover and the dog to you and your family is no less than a family member. You should know how to show loving care for the dog, and at the same time ensure that the dog keeps healthy and does not pose a risk of any kind of infection to anybody in the family, especially your kids who find the dog a perfect companion at play.
Pets and infections
Pets are a potential source of many infections. These may be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. Bites and scratches are common with pets. These can become infected. Pasteurella multocida is a bacteria found in mouth and respiratory tract of several animals, mostly cats and can cause infection in bites, called pasteurellosis. Cat-scratch disease is another such infection caused by the germ called bartonella. The common infections of the gut that can be acquired from animals include those due to campylobacter, salmonella, yersinia, and parasites. Animals may even transmit skin infections. These may be caused by fungi like the dermatophytoses, or by parasites like scabies and cutaneous larva migrans. Some respiratory infections occur due to inhalation of dust and air contaminated with bird droppings, for example psittacosis. Some parasites cause multisystem involvement, as in toxoplasmosis, toxocariasis, leishmaniosis. Some people are at high risk of infection. Small children easily get worm infections and parasitic infections like toxocariasis. Pregnant women are more prone to infection with toxoplasma. People with weak disease fighting abilities, i.e. those with weak immune system, are susceptible to infections like cryptosporidiosis and salmonellosis. Infections can be transmitted by skin, gut or respiratory routes. Direct contact with animal excreta or dander can cause some infections.
Avoiding pet-to-people diseases
To avoid pet-to-person diseases, one needs to exercise some precautions. Hands should be washed after handling the pets. The home and yard should be cleared off the fecal wastes daily. Protective masks and gloves may be used for safety. The pets should be regularly taken to a veterinarian and examined for any possible infections. Pets should be vaccinated with punctuality to keep them well immunized and free from infections. Regular deworming of pets is very important. Keep the pet houses clean and feed the pets with precaution for hygiene. Hands need to be washed after feeding or handling any wastes. Sandboxes should be kept covered and clean. Pets should be bathed regularly and groomed well. The pet utensils or other belongings should not be washed in the home kitchen or bathroom. A separate wash basin may be assigned for pet cleaning. Do not allow the pets to climb on beds or enter the kitchen. Sharing of food with pets should be avoided and their feeding bowls should be kept clean.
Keeping the pets healthy
Pets should always be brought from shelters or stores that regularly vaccinate them, and keep them clean. The pet may then be taken to a veterinarian for general examination. The schedule for vaccinations and deworming the pets should be religiously followed. Review visits to the veterinarian should be made at least once in a year or more frequently if required. Fresh water and good clean food should be provided to pets. They should be trained not to just eat anything spilled on the floor or drink water from toilets. Raw meat is a source of infection and meat should always be cooked well before it is fed to pets.
Children and pets
Children are very fond of pets and would like to not only play with them but also to participate in caring for them. The first step is to choose the right pet. A huge dog may not be joy for a child as would be an aquarium with colorful fishes. Too aggressive breeds of animals should be avoided when there are young babies at home. Children and pets both need training on how to be together and to develop a bond. Involving children in pet care can make them more social and sensitive to the needs of the pet. Parents should be role models to train children how to take care of pets. Children should be taught how to gently handle pets, not to use any startling movements or loud voices when with pets. Pets should not be held with force. Any toy or food item should not be snatched away from them to avoid any instance of a bite. Animals should be caressed with long, smooth, and reassuring strokes. Kissing of animals should be avoided and pets should not be allowed to lick on the face of children. Any accidental lick should be washed immediately. Children should be trained not to share food, beddings, utensils, or personal belongings with the pets.
Outlook
Pets are joy and great companions. Animals, like humans, carry germs and can transmit them to humans. Gentle handling, loving care, and caution can let you be a proud owner of your pet and enjoy their love, loyalty, and affection.
