If you’re like most pet owners, your furry, feathered, or scaly friend is an integral part of your life. From cuddles on the couch to outdoor adventures, the companionship of your pet brings joy and comfort. But, while we share our homes with them, it’s natural to wonder: Can pets pose a health risk to humans? The short answer is yes, but the risk is generally low, especially with the right precautions. Certain illnesses, known as zoonotic diseases, can be transmitted from animals to humans, and understanding these diseases is key to keeping both you and your pet safe. At AFC Farragut, we’re committed to providing the care and expertise you need if you suspect an illness related to pet exposure. If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, local veterinary practices like Lentz Veterinary Clinic are here to provide the guidance you need.

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What Are Zoonotic Diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be passed from animals to humans. While most pets don’t pose a significant health risk, some diseases can be transmitted through bites, scratches, saliva, feces, or even the environment where your pet lives. Certain individuals, including those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and young children, are more susceptible to these diseases. In this blog, we’ll explore common illnesses that humans can get from pets, their symptoms, prevention tips, and when to seek medical help.

Common Illnesses You Can Get from Pets

Rabies

Rabies is one of the most well-known zoonotic diseases. It’s a viral infection that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites. Though rare, rabies can be contracted from unvaccinated pets.

Symptoms in Humans: Fever, headache, confusion, agitation, paralysis, and difficulty swallowing.

Prevention: Ensure that your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations, avoid contact with wild animals, and seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an unknown or unvaccinated animal.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It’s most commonly transmitted through exposure to contaminated cat feces or soil. Pregnant women should take extra caution, as the parasite can cause birth defects.

Symptoms in Humans: Flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. In pregnant women, toxoplasmosis can lead to severe complications for the baby.

Prevention: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling cat litter, avoid handling cat litter if pregnant, and ensure that any meat you prepare is cooked to safe temperatures.

Cat Scratch Disease (Bartonellosis)

This illness is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae, which can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or flea infestations in cats.

Symptoms in Humans: Swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, and in rare cases, heart complications.

Prevention: Control fleas on your pets, wash scratches or bites with soap and water, and avoid rough play with cats, particularly those that are flea-infested.

Roundworms and Hookworms

Roundworms and hookworms are intestinal parasites found in the feces of infected animals. Humans can become infected if they ingest contaminated soil or come into contact with contaminated pet waste.

Symptoms in Humans: Hookworm infections can cause skin irritation and rashes, while roundworms can cause eye or nerve damage if left untreated.

Prevention: Regularly deworm your pets, wash your hands after pet contact, and avoid walking barefoot in areas where pets may have defecated.

Ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin, nails, and scalp. It is highly contagious and can be spread by direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms in Humans: Red, itchy, ring-shaped rashes, often found on the skin or scalp.

Prevention: Keep your pet clean, avoid sharing personal items with those infected, and wash your hands thoroughly after touching animals, especially if they show signs of infection.

Salmonella

Salmonella bacteria can be found in reptiles, birds, and some mammals. This infection is often contracted by handling pet feces or contaminated food and water.

Symptoms in Humans: Stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

Prevention: Always wash your hands after handling reptiles or cleaning up after your pet, and avoid contact with pet feces, especially from reptiles.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks, and while pets do not directly spread the bacteria to humans, they can carry infected ticks. When a tick bites you, it can transfer the bacteria.

Symptoms in Humans: Fever, headache, muscle pain, and a distinctive bull’s-eye rash at the site of the tick bite.

Prevention: Use tick prevention on pets, check for ticks after outdoor activities, and wear protective clothing in wooded areas.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you start experiencing unusual symptoms after handling your pet, it’s important to seek medical attention at AFC. Symptoms such as fever, fatigue, unexplained rashes, swollen lymph nodes, or gastrointestinal distress could be signs of a zoonotic illness. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.

Our clinic offers diagnostic testing, symptom management, and treatment for many zoonotic illnesses. If you suspect you may have contracted a disease from your pet, or if you’re worried about potential exposure, our team is here to provide expert care.

Keeping You and Your Pet Safe

While zoonotic diseases can sound concerning, the risk of contracting one from your pet is generally low when proper precautions are taken. Here are a few simple ways to reduce your risk:

1. Wash your hands after handling pets, cleaning litter boxes, or touching pet food and waste.
2. Keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date and schedule regular vet check-ups.
3. Use flea and tick preventatives to minimize exposure to parasites.
4. Avoid direct contact with pet feces and wear gloves when cleaning up after your pet.
5. Cook meat thoroughly and wash produce to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Pets bring us joy and companionship, but it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks they can pose. With the right precautions, the chances of contracting a zoonotic illness are minimal. Regular veterinary care, good hygiene, and responsible pet ownership go a long way in keeping both you and your pet healthy. If you experience symptoms related to pet exposure, or if you simply have questions about your health, AFC Farragut is here to help. Our team offers compassionate care and expert advice to keep your family and your pet safe and well.