Pets and Sickness

Ah-choo! Ah-choo, ah-choo! You're lying in bed, stuffy head, sore throat, feeling miserable. Little Rover or Fluffy wanders into the room and jumps on the bed, sniffing at tissues and cold medications. You're happy to see them, but wait! Is it safe for them to be around you? After all, the last thing you need during your illness is to be cleaning up after a barfing cat or dog...
    
Most people understand that we catch colds and flu from other people. But many people wonder if we can catch these things from our pets? And can our pets catch illness and disease from us?
    
Let's start with the common cold. I'm happy to say that colds and respiratory infections in people can't be transmitted to your pets. So cuddle up with your favorite bundle of fur night after night with that stuffy nose of yours and don't worry about infecting them.

In fact, it's rare for our pets to catch some thing from us. The exception is ringworm and fleas, which can move in both directions between people and pets. (But I haven't met too many people willing to admit they were the ones to give their dog ringworm or fleas!)

But what can pets pass to us?

Basically, we can inherit parasites like giardia, roundworms, and even hookworms from our pets. It's not uncommon to see conjunctivitis-sometimes called "pink-eye" come to us via our pets.

The more important question is, what can pets transmit to other pets?

Pets can give pets almost anything-viruses, conjunctivitis, upper respiratory infections and fleas; to name a few-so make sure if your pet is sick to take every precaution. Not only for his sake, but for the health and well being of his pet brothers and sisters as well.

So again, if you're lying sick in bed surrounded by tissues and your pet wants to cuddle by your side-no problem. I'm sure such attentions make you healthier, faster, and make the little guy's day!

Article by Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM