If you’ve ever snuggled up with your pet after a long day, you know the comfort and joy they bring. But have you ever wondered if your furry, feathered, or scaly friend could make you sick? While the risk of contracting an illness from a pet is generally low, certain diseases, known as zoonotic illnesses, can be transmitted from animals to humans. Understanding these illnesses, their symptoms, and how to prevent them can help keep you and your pet healthy. At AFC South Asheville, we provide expert care if you suspect an illness related to pet exposure. If you’re ever concerned about your pet’s health, the team at Bright Vet can guide you on keeping your pet healthy and disease-free.

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What Are Zoonotic Illnesses?

Zoonotic illnesses are infections that can spread between animals and humans. While most pets do not pose a significant health risk, some diseases can be passed through bites, scratches, feces, or even simply handling your pet. People with weakened immune systems, including young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses, should take extra precautions.

Common Illnesses You Can Get from Pets

Below are some of the more common zoonotic illnesses, their symptoms, and how to prevent them.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is spread through bites from infected animals, including unvaccinated pets.

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

Prevention: Ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies, avoid contact with wild animals, and seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an unknown or unvaccinated animal.

Toxoplasmosis

This disease, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, can be contracted from contaminated cat feces, raw meat, or soil.

Symptoms in Humans: Flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. In pregnant women, toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects.

Prevention: Wash hands thoroughly after handling cat litter, cook meat to safe temperatures, and avoid handling litter boxes if pregnant.

Cat Scratch Disease (Bartonellosis)

Caused by Bartonella bacteria, this illness spreads through bites, scratches, or flea-infested cats.

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

Prevention: Control fleas, wash scratches or bites with soap and water, and avoid rough play with cats.

Roundworms and Hookworms

These intestinal parasites are found in the feces of infected dogs and cats. People can contract them by accidentally ingesting contaminated soil or through skin contact.

Symptoms in Humans: Hookworm infections can cause skin irritation, while roundworm infections can lead to eye or nerve damage.

Prevention: Deworm pets regularly, wash hands after pet contact, and avoid walking barefoot in areas where pets defecate.

Ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin, nails, and scalp. It spreads through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms in Humans: Itchy, red, ring-shaped rashes on the skin or scalp.

Prevention: Keep pets clean, avoid sharing personal items with infected individuals, and wash hands after handling animals.

Salmonella

Salmonella bacteria can be found in reptiles, birds, and even some mammals. It spreads through direct contact with infected feces or contaminated food and water.

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

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

Lyme Disease

Although pets cannot directly transmit Lyme disease, they can carry infected ticks that spread the bacteria to humans.

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

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

When to Visit AFC

If you develop unexplained symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, or gastrointestinal distress, consult a medical professional. Early treatment can prevent complications. At AFC South Asheville, we provide diagnostic testing, symptom management, and treatment for many zoonotic illnesses. If you suspect a tick bite, animal scratch, or any unusual symptoms, visit us for prompt care.

Keeping You and Your Pet Healthy

Most zoonotic diseases are preventable with proper hygiene and pet care. Here are some key steps to reduce your risk:

• Wash hands after handling pets, cleaning litter boxes, or touching pet food.
• Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date and schedule regular vet visits.
• Practice flea and tick prevention to reduce exposure to parasites.
• Avoid direct contact with animal feces and wear gloves when cleaning litter boxes or handling pet waste.
• Cook meat thoroughly and wash produce to prevent foodborne illness.

While it is possible to contract certain illnesses from pets, the risk is low with proper precautions. Responsible pet ownership, regular vet care, and good hygiene practices significantly reduce the chances of illness. If you ever experience symptoms that could be related to pet exposure, AFC South Asheville is here to help. Our team provides expert medical care and guidance to keep you and your family safe. Enjoy the love and companionship of your pet while staying informed and proactive about your health!