There are many different diseases and parasites that your pet can get – some of these can be transmitted to you and your family.

A zoonotic disease is one that is transferable from animals to humans. While many diseases are species specific that we cannot catch from our pets, there are some that pets can pass on to their owners.  The following list shows just a few examples of some common zoonotic diseases.

Cheyletiella – is a mite that lives on the skin and on the hair of an infected animal.  Also known as walking dandruff, this mite is transmitted by direct contact and can lead to itching, irritation and lesions.

Fleas – are external parasites that live on the skin of your pet.  They survive by biting and feeding off of the host’s blood causing itchiness, irritation and lesions.  Fleas are spread by close contact with an infected animal and can be dangerous to your family as they can transmit a variety of viral and bacterial diseases through biting.

Giardia – are parasitic protozoa that live in the small intestine.  Better known as Beaver fever, this parasite is transmitted from the stool of an infected animal and can contaminate the surrounding environment and water.

Hookworm – is a parasitic nematode that lives in the intestines. Infection generally occurs from ingesting eggs from the soil, but it can also enter through the skin which can cause skin lesions.

Leptospirosis – is a bacterial infection that can cause headaches, muscle pain, bleeding in the lungs, meningitis and kidney failure. Infection generally occurs through exposure to the urine of an infected animal (for example raccoons, skunk, and infected dogs).

Rabies – is a fatal viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain.  It is transmitted primarily through bite wounds and can cause fever, seizures and even death in people.

Ringworm – is a fungus that can affect the hair and skin of both you and your pet.  It often causes a classic circular skin lesion and is spread by direct contact with an infected animal.

Roundworm – is a long tubular parasitic worm that lives in the intestines.  Infection occurs from ingesting eggs that have been picked up from a contaminated soil.  Infected animals often have no symptoms but it can cause pneumonia, blindness, and flu-like illness in people.  Children are especially susceptible to this parasite.

Sarcoptic Mange – are parasitic mites also known as scabies that live in the skin of an infected animal.  These mites are transmitted by direct contact and invade the host’s skin causing severe itchiness and rashes.

Tapeworm – is a flat segmented parasitic worm that lives in the intestines. Depending on the species, infection can occur through ingesting eggs (shed in the feces or by eating preys such as infected birds) or through ingestion of an infected flea.

Toxoplasmosis – are parasitic protozoa that can be dangerous to pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system. Infection occurs through handling and ingesting the feces of an infected cat.

While it is possible to catch any one of these parasites or diseases, it is quite simple to avoid them by following these guidelines:

• Wash your hands: Proper hand washing after contact with any animal should be routine and an important lesson to teach children.
• Manage feces: Pick up feces immediately in your yard or litter box and try to avoid other pet feces while walking your pet.
• Avoid contact with wild animals: Wild animals can carry any number of diseases and parasites which could be brought home to your family via pet.
• Finally, speak to your veterinarian about routine deworming and flea control for your pet.  Many of these great products will also provide heartworm coverage!

Visit your veterinarian at Centrepointe Animal Hospital at least once yearly for a routine checkup, fecal analysis, vaccinations and to get a flea, deworming and heartworm program for your animal. Not only is it important for your pet’s health, but also for the health of you and your family!