How to Protect Your Family From Pet-Related Diseases

Pets may harbor diseases transmissible to people. Follow the directions presented here to reduce the risk involved with pet ownership.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gardening Gloves
• Antibacterial Soaps

1. Have your pet vaccinated against rabies following national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Your local veterinarian will have this information.

2. Resist making impulse purchases of baby turtles and chicks at fairs, carnivals or roadside stands. These animals can transmit salmonella and other bacteria.

3. Avoid cleaning the litter box when you are pregnant. Cat feces may contain infectious organisms or parasites.

4. Keep children out of sandboxes possibly contaminated with pet feces.

5. Stay away from stray cats and dogs that appear to have skin disease. Sarcoptic mange and ringworm are common and highly contagious.

6. Call animal control when you encounter a stray. They know how to handle the animal safely.

7. Avoid adoption of a non-domesticated animal as a pet.

8. Consult a physician or veterinarian on potential disease risk before choosing a pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves when gardening or digging in soil that may contain pet feces.
• Wear shoes when walking on bare soil that may harbor parasite eggs or larva.
• Wash your hands after handling pets or pet toys, dishes or bedding.

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