Think twice before you share space with your pet

May 23, 2010

SOME people love their pets so much that they will not only include them in their Will, but will also share a glass of milk with them or let them into their beds.<br>However, pets carry germs, bacteria, viruses, worms and illnesses.

By Gilbert Kidimu

SOME people love their pets so much that they will not only include them in their Will, but will also share a glass of milk with them or let them into their beds.
However, pets carry germs, bacteria, viruses, worms and illnesses.

Infections such as polio and canine parvovirus, can be transmitted to humans. Humans get animal-borne diseases when they are bitten or scratched or have contact with an animal waste, or saliva.

These diseases can affect humans, especially children, pregnant women and people whose immune systems have been compromised.

Infants and children younger than five years are particularly at risk because their immune system is still developing. Infections that might make an adult just mildly sick can be more serious.

Sharing a bed with pets, cats in particular, also poses a risk of infection. Dr Herbert Makanga, a veterinary doctor at Animal Clinic Ntinda, says when a cat has fleas, a good number of them will be left behind.

The danger
The commonest risks homes with pets face is worms and when they come from dogs they are worse, according to Dr Makanga.

“Rabies, worms, leptospirosis (a bacterial infection got through urine), tuberculosis, fleas and brucellosis are the commonest risks.” The worst is rabies which requires immediate attention or death might occur.

Makanga discloses that all warm-blooded animals, cats inclusive, can spread rabies.

In most cases, the owner is the first victim. Rabies is mainly spread through saliva and bites.

Homes with children below five years should either keep the pets away or put very strict hygiene guidelines. Children often have a soft spot for animals and so they will play with them, cuddle and sometimes share their bed and food.

This puts them at risk of infection.
He says children can also get scabies from untreated dogs. A dog with scabies loses its fur, while an infected person gets black spots on the skin.

The proteins from the hair, saliva or urine of household pets cause an allergic reaction that attacks the eyes and the airways and can result in allergic symptoms. It may also cause skin rash.

Johnson Kasigaire, the Kampala City Council’s (KCC) , officer, says Ebola, a contagious disease, first came to human beings when a person got into contact with a monkey infected with the disease. He says monkeys can also spread polio.

Certain breeds of dogs are very aggressive, for example the American Brutalia. Pythons, which are constrictors by nature, can suffocate the owner unintentionally.

When you share a room with your pet, a big problem arises. You most likely do not have someone staying around during the day to take care of the pet so you will either lock it up in the room or leave it roaming, making it vulnerable to infections.

People whose houses are not fenced should also think twice before keeping pets, since a treated pet is likely to get into contact with infected ones.

Kasigire says the KCC ordinance stipulates that one must get a licence for every pet plus periodical vaccination, at least every three months.

“When one is infected with rabies, they ought to get treatment immediately since delay might lead to death.”

Way out
Pets can enrich your family life and taking a few precautions can protect your family, especially children, from getting sick.

Always wash your hands, especially after touching your pet, handling its food, or cleaning its cage or tank.
Wear gloves when cleaning the pet’s waste and if you have a bird, wear a dust mask over your nose and mouth to avoid inhaling urine or faecal particles.

Also consider the health and age of your children before getting a pet. A pet that would require frequent handling is not recommended.

Animals are like human beings, when they fall sick they should not be left for dead but rather taken to a veterinary doctor for treatment.

Once you acquire a pet, it should be vaccinated immediately. Keep pets only as close as the living room, during day. Makanga says animals should never spend the night in the house.

When pets are kept clean, parasites are also kept away. When a dog is well trained, it will know the right time to empty its bowels.

Animals should not only be cleaned externally but internally as well by de-worming.

Feed them regularly so that they do not sneak out looking for food. Makanga says dogs turn rowdy when left to starve.

Advantages of pets
In many situations dogs are unreserved companions. Dogs have unconditional friendship; they will give company to the elderly, guide the blind and warn of impending danger.

According to Makanga, dogs have been found to have the ability to discover cancer cells in humans at initial stages.
Dogs are very bright animals, they will remember a scent or smell even months after.

For instance, when the thief is your visiting friend, while you will not suspect, a dog will know and will not hesitate to signal to you.

“Dogs are not only a good source of entertainment but also loyal,” Makanga says.

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