Did I make my pet sick? - News - The Times - The Times

Did I make my pet sick? - News - The Times - The Times

Did I make my pet sick? - News - The Times - The Times

Posted: 23 Feb 2020 09:02 PM PST

It is possible that respiratory bacterial illnesses or the secondary bacterial illness, which may be present after or during a viral infection or Influenza, can spread to a pet that is snuggling and being coughed on.

During treatment of sick pets, I am frequently asked by owners, "Did my pet get this illness from a family member or me?"

Less frequently, I am asked by clients if their illness or disease could have been transmitted by a pet.

What they are asking about are actually called zoonotic illnesses. The term zoonosis applies to any infectious disease that can be spread between people and animals. The illness can originate in any animal species and spread to a human or vice versa.

Commonly, owners recovering from respiratory illnesses with coughs and sore throats will ask if they could have spread anything to their dogs or cats. The answer is yes. It is possible that respiratory bacterial illnesses or the secondary bacterial illness, which may be present after or during a viral infection or Influenza, can spread to a pet that is snuggling and being coughed on.

If you want to protect your pet from a respiratory bacterial infection you are battling, keep pets away from your face until you recover and wash your hands frequently.

Current strains of influenza that have been infecting people in our region, and the strains which can infect pet dogs and cats, have not been identified as zoonotic strains. Though some influenza may rarely be zoonotic with pets, it is most likely that you and your dog or cat are not going to share the flu virus. And though dogs and cats have their own flu viruses, so far, your risk is minimal.

Veterinarians spend a great deal of time studying how to prevent zoonotic illnesses, and how to protect humans and their pets from these infections.

For pets and humans, those most vulnerable to contracting zoonoses are the elderly, very young, stressed, and immune-compromised patients with conditions like HIV, AIDS, and those undergoing chemotherapy. Patients on immunosuppressant drugs, like medications for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and autoimmune blood disorders, are also at risk for contracting a zoonotic disorder.

If you know someone who is immunocompromised, including those who are pregnant or have received an organ transplant, be certain any pets they come in contact with are being treated with parasite preventives that will protect them and the people they are contacting.

Assure that pets have regular dental cleanings to maintain a healthy oral cavity with minimal bacteria in the mouth. Also be certain to keep pet's nails trimmed short to prevent scratches and breaks in the skin.

When it comes to cohabitating with pets and working with therapy animals, vets have the following top zoonotic concerns they will discuss with you and your family.

Intestinal parasites:

1. Roundworms.

2. Hookworms.

3. Tapeworms.

4. Giardia.

5. Cryptosporidium.

Ringworm, which is a skin infection caused by a variety of fungal organisms, and is not a worm.

Intestinal pathogenic bacteria:

1. Salmonella.

2. Campylobacter.

Rabies: This viral illness is fatal in all species, so it is absolutely vital your pets receive vaccine for protection of humans and animals.

Tick-borne illnesses:

1. Lyme disease.

2. Bartonella (spread by fleas and ticks).

Leptospirosis: There are many varieties of this spirochete bacteria, which causes a serious or fatal infection when urine-contaminated water with organisms comes in contact with a person's broken/abraded skin.

Toxoplasmosis: a protozoal disease that often infects people through undercooked meat, but humans can also be infected through the litter box when it is not scooped daily.

This listing is only the most common zoonoses and is not a complete list. For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/basics/zoonotic-diseases.html

The primary focus of a small-animal veterinarian is to keep your pets healthy, so that you and your family remain healthy. We do so by performing regular exams, fecal testing, monthly preventives for heartworms, which also prevent intestinal parasites, and vaccine programs. External parasite prevention, to prevent flea and tick infestation, is important in protecting your family from Lyme disease and Bartonella infections.

You can protect your family and pets by following your veterinarian's recommendations for preventive care, practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with wild animals, and avoiding scratches and bites.

If you are ill, avoid close contact with your pets and practice good hygiene and hand washing. You can spread organisms to your pets, which cause sore throats and enteritis.

If you think your pet has become infected with a zoonotic illness or has signs of skin, intestinal, parasitic (including a single flea or tick), or other infections, do not delay scheduling a veterinary visit. Prompt attention will keep all members of your family healthy.

Dr. Cynthia Maro is a veterinarian at the Ellwood Animal Hospital in Ellwood City and the Chippewa Animal Hospital in Chippewa Township. She writes a biweekly column on pet care and health issues. If you have a topic you'd like addressed, please email ellwoodvet@msn.com.

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