5 Germs/Viruses That Your Pet Can Transfer To You

Pets are loved by a lot of people. these are animals that vary from chickens, cats, dogs, turtles, snakes, rats etc. as long as they are or can be tamed. In as much as they are taken care of properly they can be easy carriers of germs, viruses that end up affecting and infecting their owners. here are some of the germs and viruses that cause harmful diseases to you;

is one of those terrible diseases that can cause horrific skin and ocular lesions in affected humans. Although we don’t get to hear about this incidence everyday, it is higher in areas where population density puts children more likely to come in contact with the feces of infected pets. It is, therefore, important to note that careful handling of animal feces is imperative. Also, the importance of washing your hands after handling feces or the dog prior to eating should be emphasized.

Giardia
which is a Protozoal parasite, is often gotten from contaminated drinking water. Unfortunately, infected dogs can transmit this disease to humans. On the other hand, humans that are infected can also serve as a source for their dogs. Symptoms are the same in pets as they are in people and can include nausea, diarrhea, gas, and other intestinal based signs. Some animals and people may have this disease with no symptoms at all. This disease is not particular to dogs alone because it can be transmitted to people from different types of animals.

Ringworm
is caused by a fungus and typically results in skin lesions that are red, itchy and crusty. it is usually transmitted by direct contact with infected animals. However, if upon observation you find out that your pet has a skin lesion, it is important to see your vet quickly to properly diagnose the cause of the lesion and avoid potential exposure to ringworm. Symptoms in pets: Diarrhea, visible worms in stool, vomiting, constipation, coughing, bloody stool Symptoms in humans: Cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, blood in stool

Leptospirosis
is a bacterial infection caused by a particular type of bacteria called a spirochete. This disease can be spread through contact with the urine of an infected animal. Just like ringworm, leptospirosis is not particular to only dogs. Potential sources can also be mice and rats. Also, contaminated standing water is thought to be a carrier of leptospirosis. However, infected dogs can be a source for humans handling their urine. So if your dog is sick with fever, lethargy +/- jaundice, do not hesitate to contact your vet immediately. Symptoms in pets: fever, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, and blood in the urine. More serious infections can cause jaundice and blood clotting problems. Symptoms in people: High fever, headache chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain.
Rabies
It is impossible to talk about dog transmitted diseases without adding rabies to the list. Although this disease is more common in wild animals, dogs and cats are the potential carriers. Rabies is typically transmitted to people through the bite of an infected animal. After a bite wound, it may take people up to years to exhibit symptoms, but generally, symptoms develop within a few months. Symptoms in humans: Signs may include fever and achiness, but quickly change to include neurologic disease. And when neurologic symptoms occur, they generally become fatal.