Zoonotic diseases are those that people can get from animals. Some examples of zoonoses are: rabies, ringworm, cat-scratch, and salmonellosis.  Salmonellosis is a disease caused by the bacterium salmonella. While Salmonella is present in cats and dogs, there are no reported cases of humans contracting Salmonellosis from cats. There is a high concentration of Salmonella in the feces of reptiles (snakes, turtles, lizards). Humans are most likely to get Salmonellosis from improperly handling raw meat & poor hygiene.

While there are many other diseases, most are rare although possible. Good hygiene and preventive methods are imperative in protecting your family & pets. Here are 5 ways to ensure the health of you, your family and pets:

1. Control Your Pet’s Environment: Clean pet bedding and sanitize their kennel on a regular basis (i.e. each time you give them a bath). Use pet flea control products to prevent fleas and other insects from infesting your pet & your home.

2. Dispose of pet waste properly: Each an every time your pet defecates you need to pick it up and dispose of it in a trash can or in your toilet. Fact: One gram of pet feces contains 23 million bacteria that could spread diseases. To read more on how your pets waste can be making you, and your neighbors’ sick click here.

3. Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands with warm water & soap after handling pets, feces and cat litter.

4. Keep Your Pet Away From Dangerous Items: Don’t let your pet rummage through trashcans or eat spoiled food.

5. Annual check ups: Annual veterinary visits will play a key role in keeping your pet healthy through annual check ups, preventive care, fecal tests and vaccinations. Speak with your vet to determine the appropriate treatments for your pets based on their lifestyle and exposure to possible health risks.  The bottom line is prevention goes a long way and your family and wallet will thank you!