With educated pet owners comes healthier pets. At Hills and Dales Veterinary Clinic, we believe in working together with pet owners in the care of their pet’s health. We take the time during each exam to make sure you understand exactly what is happening with your pet and why we prescribe the treatments that we do. With this education comes important knowledge about pet diseases that can affect your human family, too, and how to keep everyone safe.
What is a Zoonotic Disease?
Zoonotic diseases are those which can spread between animals and people. Viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi can all be the cause of a zoonotic disease. Common zoonotic diseases include:
Puppies and kittens are more likely to be infected with roundworms or hookworms, which could be transmitted through contact with infected feces or urine (such as in a contaminated water source).
These include fleas, ticks, and mosquitos which can all be vectors for diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Bacteria on your cat’s claws and teeth can be transmitted to you through scratches or bite wounds.
This fungal infection affects the skin and can be contracted through direct contact with an infected animal.
This viral disease is deadly and highly contagious. That’s why we offer rabies vaccines for cats and dogs, which protects them from contracting it from an infected wild animal and putting your family at risk.
This bacteria lives in soil and water contaminated with urine from an infected animal. It is transmissible from your pet, who may have been digging in infected soil or drinking standing water to your family. We offer a vaccine that protects pets and in turn, your family.
How to Protect Your Family
As mentioned above, some of these such as Rabies and Leptospirosis are preventable with regular vaccinations. Meanwhile, both types of parasites are avoidable with proper parasite preventatives all year round. Other important points include washing your hands, especially after handling fecal matter, always removing pet waste from your yard or the kitty litter promptly, and always practicing proper food-handling techniques such as washing fruit and veggies before eating them and preparing meats properly.
For more information about zoonotic diseases or more client education covering different topics, please get in touch today!
