Can Your Pet’s Health Affect Your Health?

Pets are great, an excellent source of companionship and it’s important to keep your pet healthy for his sake as well as your family’s sake.

It’s a well-known fact that people who have pets typically are happier and live longer than the non-pet owners.  They make us feel better when we are sick, but when your pet get sick, it often leaves us wondering whether we might be able to catch whatever it is that is making your pet sick.

Most of the common illnesses that affect humans do not affect pets in the same way and vice-versa.  If your cat has a cold, you aren’t going to catch it from her.  The viruses affecting humans and animals are different and don’t spread between humans and animals.

There are several serious illnesses that you can catch from your pet. Some of these illnesses will make your pet sick as well, but some will not.  Lime disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, both serious diseases, can be passed to you from an infected pet.  Pets should be regularly checked for ticks if they have been outside.

Your pet can become seriously ill from these diseases just like humans.

Lice are also a problem for both pets and their human owners.  Lice can be a very serious threat to your pet’s health while they are usually just an itchy nuisance to humans.

Any pet you have in your home can harbor diseases that can be transmitted to their owners, even birds.  Basic treatment and health care is important for any pet in your household.