Good Pet Care is Important to Human Health

Did you say "I love you" to your pet today? If so, you are not alone; 91 percent of pet owners have said those words to their pets at least once. Additionally, surveys indicate that 76 percent of pet owners feel guilty about leaving their pets alone at home.

No doubt about it, animals are an important part of our lives. Almost 60 million American households include a companion animal, and while dogs and cats comprise the majority of the pet population, birds, ferrets, fish, horses, rabbits and an array of reptiles and rodents also deserve honorable mention.

With pets playing such a big part in our daily lives, keeping them healthy can go a long way in keeping ourselves and our families healthy as well. Good health and sanitation rules at home for the protection of your family also should include important rules about pets to prevent passing some diseases and parasites from animals to humans. For example, wash pet dishes separately from your own and rinse with boiling water. Children should never kiss animals or share eating dishes with them. Any reptile tanks, fish bowls or bird cages should be placed out of reach of children. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap after handling pets, their dishes, cages or litter boxes.

"It's also a good idea to learn first aid techniques and have some supplies on hand," says Pam Wilson, program specialist for the zoonosis control division of the Texas Department of Health (TDH). "Learn about poisons and store them out of reach, and keep emergency veterinary telephone numbers handy."

When you adopt an animal or if your pet has babies, put a visit to a veterinarian at the head of your list of things to do. In addition to having a general health assessment, many animals, especially dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses, require a variety of annual vaccinations. Some of the diseases pets are vaccinated against, such as rabies and leptospirosis, can be passed between animals and humans.

By protecting your animal, you are protecting yourself, family members and friends from potential exposure to certain diseases. Texas law requires that dogs and cats receive annual rabies vaccinations. Rabies is a killer and is present in wildlife, especially bats, skunks, foxes, coyotes and raccoons. More than 100 cases of rabies in animals were reported in Texas during the first two months of this year.

Many animal diseases caused by parasites also can be shared with people. Internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms as well as external parasites including fleas, ticks and lice can cause diseases and other health problems for both animals and people. An appropriate wormer for internal parasites and advice from a veterinarian can correct or prevent problems.

Don't forget that responsible pet owners get their animals spayed and castrated. "Overpopulation in dogs and cats in particular is a serious problem," says Wilson. "Sadly, about 15 million of these animals are euthanized yearly in animal shelters in this country because there are just not enough homes to go around." In addition to helping prevent unwanted animals, spaying females helps to avoid potential infections and, if done early, reduces the chances of mammary cancer. Castrating males diminishes fighting and subsequent injuries, roaming, prostate cancer, and, in cats, the dreaded art of marking territory through spraying.

Pet owners also should be aware that animal bites are a major public health concern. Approximately 400,000 dog bites occur annually in Texas, and half the victims are children. As a responsible pet owner, keep your dog confined in a fenced yard or on a leash. Protect babies and young children and do not leave them alone with a pet.

Pets are marvelous members of our families and offer companionship, protection and enjoyment. They can even improve our health by reducing stress levels and lowering blood pressure. For all that they offer, they must rely on us for responsible care. And that care ensures better health for our pets and every member of the family.

-Texas Department of Health

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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