How to Avoid Germs From Your Pets
Smooching with your pooch or kitty always seemed pretty harmless -- 'cept for a little drool on the face, right? Well, there's a little more to it according to a recent article in "The New York Times."
The drug-resistant germ Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA, which was almost exclusively a concern of humans, usually in hospitals and other health care settings, has in recent years shown an increasing number of infections turning up in pets such as birds, cats, dogs, horses, pigs, rabbits and rodents.
"What's happened for the first time that we've noticed is that you're getting flip back and forth," says Scott Shaw, head of the infection control committee at Tuft University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
Although it is unknown how much of a role pets actually play in human infections (physicians and veterinarians don't routinely trace it to the source) -- scientific observation of multiple or recurring infections does suggest a strong link.
Now, don't get the wrong idea -- experts don't recommend constantly testing yourself and your pet -- or becoming a relentless germaphobe of Howard Hughes magnitude. They simply suggest you take the same common sense approach you would take in a public restroom, gym -- or say, hanging out with Amy Winehouse.
Dr. Richard Oehler, an infectious disease specialist at the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, has reviewed cases of MRSA's jumping between people and animals -- and offers the following tips to protect yourself and your pet -- from what would normally seem like a harmless act of bonding.
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Instructions
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Follow the same protocol and precautions you would in preventing the spread of any other germs. Wash your hands with soap and water or sanitize with a hand gel before and after playing with a pet.
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Don't allow your pet to lick around your face. (This is Dr. Oehler's suggestion to be on the safe side, although other studies show no linkage between the spread of bacteria and face licking.) If you do like to let your pet shower you with affection in the best way he knows how, just try to avoid your nose and mouth area and amp up the hygiene practices a bit; it won't kill ya.
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Wash pet food and water bowls in a separate sink from one food is prepared in. (If you don't have the luxury of two sinks, be sure to sanitize the sink after washing the pet bowls.)
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Wear gloves when attending to a pet with an open wound and keep your own broken skin and wounds bandaged.
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Be attentive to your pet's general health by taking her for routine exams and having any wounds evaluated by a veterinarian. Routine exams are normally scheduled every 6 months to a year.
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Tips & Warnings
In case you don't have access to a sink or hand sanitizing gel, it's always a good idea to carry antibacterial wipes in your purse or pocket.
This article by no means suggests giving up your pet or banishing your indoor pet to a life outdoors; it just means taking a few added precautions. Same way you would with your child or significant other. (Except with an S.O., giving up may occasionally be the way to go.)
Cat owners were eight times more likely than others to have MRSA at home. But again, with extra precautions, there shouldn't be a whole lot to worry about with Kitty.
Contrary to popular belief that pets spread germs to people, research suggests it is more likely to be the other way around. So don't share a plate with your pet -- you never know where your mouth has been.
