Revealing the Dangers: Common Diseases Transmissible from Pets to Humans

Zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can be transmitted from pets to people, are more common than you may realize. At Brandt Veterinary Clinic, we want to emphasize the importance of understanding these risks. Even if your pet appears perfectly healthy, they could be carrying a transmissible condition. Therefore, it is crucial to stay up to date on your pet’s preventive care in order to avoid contracting various illnesses.

How can your pet pass diseases to you?

Pets can transmit germs to humans through various means, including:

1. Direct contact: Coming into contact with an infected pet’s saliva, blood, urine, feces, or other bodily fluids can result in disease transmission. For example, if you clean up your pet’s accident indoors or they lick a sore on your leg, you could contract an illness.

2. Indirect contact: Disease transmission can occur when you come into contact with something that has been contaminated by an infected pet. For instance, if your child plays in a sandbox that a stray cat has used as a litter box, they may contract a roundworm infection.

3. Vectors: Vectors such as ticks and fleas can be attracted to your pet and subsequently carried indoors, biting and transmitting diseases to you.

4. Food: Consuming undercooked meat or eggs, as well as raw fruits and vegetables contaminated with feces from an infected pet, are some of the most common causes of foodborne illnesses in both people and their pets.

5. Water: Drinking or coming into contact with water contaminated with feces or urine can lead to the transmission of diseases such as giardia or leptospirosis.

Which diseases can you get from your pet?

There are numerous illnesses that can be transmitted from pets to people, including:

1. Bacteria: Diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, E. coli, tick-borne diseases, and cat scratch disease can be caused by bacterial infections.

2. Viruses: Rabies is a well-known viral disease that can be transmitted from pets to humans.

3. Fungi: Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can be contracted from pets.

4. Intestinal parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, giardia, and toxoplasma are examples of intestinal parasites that can be passed from pets to humans.

5. External parasites: Scabies, fleas, and ticks are external parasites that can transmit diseases to both pets and humans.

This list is not exhaustive, so it is important to always practice good hygiene when handling your pet, their waste, and their belongings in order to prevent disease transmission.

Pets can pass a wide range of pathogens and parasites to their human and animal family members. The best way to protect everyone in your household, whether they have two or four legs, is through regular preventive care. Contact our team at Brandt Veterinary Clinic today to schedule your pet’s preventive care visit and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in your home.