What are Some Infections That Pets Carry?

Although your pet is most often a source of enjoyment, lurking behind that lovable, furry exterior can be a number of nasty germs that can make you and your family sick. Virtually all pets, including dogs, cats, birds, rodents and reptiles, carry illnesses that can be transmitted to humans. Some of the infections pets carry include fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses. Infections pets carry can be transmitted through scratching, biting, saliva, waste, dander and ticks or fleas.

Most infections pets carry are fairly harmless to adults. Young children and infants can be at particular risk from these illnesses, because their immune systems are not as well developed. Pregnant women and their fetuses, as well, are at increased risk from the infections pets carry.

The following is a list of the most common types of infections pets carry:

Of all the potential infections pets carry, many experts are particularly concerned with the infections that reptiles carry. If you have small children, it may be a good idea to hold off on reptile pets until your child is older.

Although there are many infections pets carry, if you follow certain precautions, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about contracting them. First and foremost, keep your pets up to date on their vaccinations. Avoid feeding pets raw meat, which may carry bacteria, and make sure to sanitize areas where a pet may have defecated or urinated. Avoid contact with a pet’s mouth, and teach your child to do the same.

Proper handwashing will help ward off potential infections as well. If your pet goes outside often, make sure to clean up poop in the yard and keep cats out of children’s sandboxes. Shampooing your dog or cat on a regular basis can help prevent illnesses from fleas and ticks from affecting you and your pets.

Common infections transmitted from pets to humans include zoonotic diseases such as rabies, toxoplasmosis, and ringworm. According to the CDC, rabies, although rare in pets, is a fatal virus if not treated promptly. Toxoplasmosis, caused by a parasite, is of particular concern for pregnant women due to potential effects on the fetus. Ringworm, a fungal infection, can cause skin lesions and is easily spread through contact.

To protect yourself from pet-borne infections, practice good hygiene by washing hands after handling animals, especially before eating. Keep pets vaccinated and regularly visit the vet for check-ups. Prevent pets from roaming freely outdoors to reduce their exposure to infectious agents. The American Veterinary Medical Association also recommends prompt cleaning of pet waste and avoiding rough play to prevent bites and scratches.

Yes, indoor pets can still carry infections. Even exclusively indoor pets can be exposed to infectious agents through contact with contaminated objects, other pets, or humans. For instance, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) notes that indoor cats can contract diseases like feline leukemia virus if exposed to an infected cat. Regular veterinary care and hygiene can mitigate these risks.

Certain pets may be more prone to carrying specific infections due to their behavior and biology. Reptiles and amphibians often carry Salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact. According to the CDC, young animals, like puppies and kittens, are more likely to have parasites and infectious diseases due to their developing immune systems and behaviors such as nipping and scratching.

If you suspect your pet has an infectious disease, isolate them from other animals and humans, especially those with weakened immune systems, and contact your veterinarian immediately. Provide detailed information about your pet's symptoms and any potential exposure to infectious agents. Follow your vet's advice for treatment and prevention of transmission, as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Pets should be screened for infections during their regular veterinary check-ups, which may occur annually or biannually depending on the pet's age and health status. The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests more frequent screenings for pets with outdoor access or those in multi-pet households. Additionally, any new pets should be screened before being introduced to other animals in the home.