No doubt, the pandemic is giving testing our mental health. All the deaths that kept coming are becoming a hellish nightmare fresh out of a thriller movie. It’s unbelievable that over 600,000 Americans have passed because of the virus. And true enough, stats shows 4 in 10 adults in America reported symptoms of depressive disorder or anxiety. If you look at the news, suicides are rampant while suicidal tendencies are rising.
Truth be told, it’s Pandora’s box that has come to haunt us. Still, we have our ways of coping. The top of that list is our pets as household companions. At a time of the virus, dogs and cats and all animals we hold dear helped kept us sane.
And as 65% of American households (or the equivalent of 79.7 million homes) own a pet, they truly are a blessing. Those numbers speak for themselves. Think about it. Going home after a long day at work is definitely a lot better when you’re greeted with all that slobbery and wet kisses.
But alas and alack, our furry friends don’t just give us comfort and warmth. They are a health risk too. While you may cherish them as a source of joy, they can be an untimely source of sickness. The worse part is they not only can give you minor skin infections, but also major illnesses. And no less than the CDC says so.
Well, forewarned is forearmed. Listed below are some of the most common health issues you can have that could come from your furry friends.
Scratches of Cats
Own this feline animal? Guess what, how cute their licks are also is how hazardous their scratches or bites. They can transmit bacterial infection which could cause disease. Symptoms of this include rash, fever, swollen glands, or fatigue.
While it is a fun thing to see your children play with your cats, it is also important to be wary. If you’ve observed rough playing, it’s time you tell your child to observe some distance. Also, have your kids wash their hands right after playing with cats.
If by chance they caught a scratch, immediately wash the area with water and soap. But if things go severe, a call to your doctor should be in order.
Don’t Forget About the Ticks
Taking your favorite dog for a walk outside sure is a great thing to bond with. Be careful though, once home you may realize tiny ticks have managed to attach themselves to your fur ball of a friend.
What’s so sad about ticks is that they carry disease. Worse, they are hard to detect and may be transferred to you. If you find one, chances are more are hiding in plain sight. A good way to ensure you won’t be bothered by these pesky pests is by calling tick control services. Not only do they have the expertise to rid your precious abode of these bloodsuckers but also they can do it quickly without using harmful substances.
May Carry Salmonella
Pet food could carry salmonella-inducing bacteria which may infect the small intestine. And yes, if you have toddlers or young crawlers, pet foods must be kept out of reach. Make sure they are out of children’s reach. Mind you, salmonella infection spells trouble for an adult’s stomach, how much more for a child. It can be devastating.
Take note that reptile pets (lizards, turtles) do carry salmonella via their stool. Your child should wash their hands after touching them. Or better, pets like reptiles should be put inside cages to avoid bacteria being contracted from them.
Water Containers
When your pets drink on their water containers such as bowls, they just curl their tongues on it to be hydrated. This could be a problem, if your children may drink on it as well.
Not only that, if left unattended, they may also drink in that bowl. Gross right? But the solution is actually simple, just keep your pet’s bowl as far away from your kid’s area as possible.
Lotions and Flea Collars
One way to ward off fleas and ticks is through insecticides. This may offer a solution, but this also pose threat as its potential poison for your family.
You may resort to a far safer way. Good grooming habits are also effective in preventing fleas and ticks. And yes, bathe your pet often using a recommended shampoo to keep their fur free of ticks. Keeping their nails trimmed and short enough also helps.
Possible Parasites
Pooches and any other pets do share zoonotic diseases with human families. Parasites such as hookworms may be contracted by your children by just running barefoot on grass.
But where do these parasites develop? Well, your dog’s poo is a good place to start.
One best way to reduce risk is taking care of your animal. Safety treatments such as lifetime parasite control are highly recommended. No matter what the breed is. Not only does it protect your family, but it also protects your whole family.
Our pets do provide us that special sense of companionship. But you need not forget about possible health hazards they give. Prevention is definitely better than cure. When you do, everyone in the family will thank you for it, your children first and foremost.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
