Diseases You Can Get From Dogs & Cats

It is important to keep pets safe and healthy, for both the animal's well being and our own. There are some diseases and infections that dogs and cats can transfer to their human family. This is especially true for people whose immune system has been compromised for some reason. Some of the illnesses that people can get from their pets are mild and easily treated, but some can prove fatal and must be recognized and treated quickly.

Campylobacteriosis

• Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Campylobacter coli bacteria. These bacteria infect the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, cramps, bloody diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Dogs, cats and farm animals can all be infected with the Campylobacter coli bacteria and can transmit the bacteria to humans through their feces. The best way to avoid contracting Campylobacteriosis from pets is to always wash your hands after cleaning up after them and make sure pets with diarrhea see a veterinarian.

Tapeworms

• Dogs and cats can both get tapeworms by swallowing a flea that contains a tapeworm larva. This often happens when an animal grooms himself. Tapeworms can cause an animal to lose weight but are often diagnosed when the animal vomits or defecates sections of the worm. It is possible for humans to contract tapeworms if they accidentally swallow a larva containing flea when interacting with their pet. This is especially common in children who may pet animals and then place their hands near their mouth. Tapeworms in both animals and humans are easily treated with medication and can be avoided with proper flea control.

Rabies

• Perhaps the most well-known disease that humans can get from pets is rabies. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system. Early symptoms are fever and headache. Agitation, confusion, tiredness and aggressive behavior follow, as the nervous system becomes more damaged. Rabies is always fatal if not treated early and should be taken very seriously. Any mammal can get and transmit rabies, so it is important to have all pets vaccinated. Avoid contact with unknown and wild animals and always see a doctor immediately if you are bitten by a wild or unvaccinated animal.