Sometimes, pets can be more than just a sloppy kiss or endless affection. Pets can transmit diseases called zoonoses if they aren’t properly cared for. This makes children, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems especially vulnerable.
Purdue University research has shown that between 5 and 20 percent of children infected with dog roundworm larvae are at risk. Additionally, approximately 10,000 cases of Toxocara infections in humans occur annually in the United States. Fleas and intestinal parasites can transmit zoonotic diseases such as hookworms and roundworms. This is why the Companion Animal Parasite Council was established.www.petsandparasites.com) recommends year-round protection for pets.
Transmission can be caused by casual contact between your pet and the parasite. A parasitic zoonotic disorder can still be contracted even if your pet doesn’t have intestinal parasites. Many areas that are accessible to wildlife, including backyards, sandboxes and public parks, can be contaminated by parasite eggs from infected animals’ feces. These tips are provided by the Companion Animal Parasite Council to reduce the possibility of your child contracting parasitic zoonotic diseases.
* Minimize your child’s exposure to potentially contaminated environments, such as uncovered sandboxes.
* Clean up your pets’ feces.
* Decontaminate soiled concrete surfaces with bleach or ammonia.
* Practice good personal hygiene and have children wash their hands after playing with pets or after playing in potentially infected environments.
* Treat your pet year-round for intestinal and external parasites. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on a monthly heartworm preventative. This is the most effective and pet-friendly dewormer.
* Ask your veterinarian to perform fecal examinations each year (two to four times for puppies or kittens) to assist with diagnosis of potential zoonotic infections.
* If your pet is diagnosed with a zoonotic parasite, inform your physician and pediatrician immediately.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), treatment for parasitic Zoonosis is not required in most cases. However, serious health problems such as blindness, swelling of the central nervous system or organs, or even death, may occur.
To prevent children from becoming infected, prevention is the best option. Talk to your pediatrician and veterinarian about zoonotic symptoms and risks. Visit this website to assess the risk of zoonosis in your family. www.noworms.comYou can also visit the following website for additional information: www.petparents.com.
