Healthy Pets, Healthy Family

Growing up with a menagerie of animals from turtles, birds and lizards to dogs, cats, and horses I have had my share of licks, bites, and scratches from the animal kingdom. My cat Jasper awakens every morning with one thing on his mind – playing. The problem, Jasper’s eyes peel open between five and six in the morning searching for anything to fetch, throw, or chase. Before the fog in my head could clear a few mornings ago, Jasper returned with his toy of choice. As I rearranged myself beneath the covers, Jasper leaped into action as his imagination ran wild seeing my covered feet more interesting for interactive play. As quick as a blink, Jasper sprung high into the air as he pounced on my feet with all his might. On examination of my foot, I found a small cut; it did not cause much pain or concern so on with my day I went.

There are few relationships in life that are as strong and unconditional as the bond with our pets. Our pets accept us unconditionally even if we are fat, skinny, sick, healthy, moody, and are there to bring us joy through thick and thin in the best and worst of times. Because of our pet’s strong unconditional bond, they become a significant extension of our family and our health.

The devoted unconditional companionship we build with our pets is only the beginning of the benefits we reap from a human animal bond. According to Mayo Clinic cancer specialist, Dr. Edward Creagan, “seniors with pets have twenty one percent fewer physician visits, lower blood pressure and better coping skills.” The U S Department of Health concluded pets increased survival rates of heart attack victims by 28% vs. only 6%for non-pet owners. Other health benefits of pet ownership include: decreases in blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the feelings of loneliness while increasing opportunities for exercise, socialization and outdoor activities.

Obviously, there are many benefits to pet ownership. However, there are also risks our pets may transmit infections to their human families. The good news is, this does not happen often. Most pet-to-people diseases can be avoided if we follow a few common-sense rules.

• Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on pet vaccinations and deworming

• Control flea and tick populations both in the home and on the pet

• Do not feed raw meat to your pet

• Do not allow your cat or dog to hunt or eat wild animals

• Keep your pet away from stray animals that may not be properly vaccinated

• Try not to touch urine or stool or objects soiled with urine or stool with your bare hands. Always wash your hands carefully including under the fingernails after contact with pet waste.

• Avoid oral contact with your pet, especially sharing food or kissing your pet on the mouth

• Do not allow small children to play in uncovered sandboxes that might be used by cats as a litter box

It is important to minimize the risk of transferring germs from our pets to their human families. The cut on my foot I received from Jasper while playing, bought me a visit with my healthcare provider to get a tetanus booster and some antibiotics. It is important even with a small cut or bite to wash the wound with soap and water at least once or twice a day. Keep the wound clean and covered with a bandage. Watch for signs of infections such as redness, pain, red streaks, hot to the touch or drainage from the site; and seek medical attention immediately.

For a particular concern about your health and pet ownership contact a veterinarian. Please, be a responsible pet owner by properly vaccinating, deworming, and neutering your pet. Remember, your health and the health of your pet relies on using a little common sense.

Resources: The American veterinary Medical Association www.avma.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov

Howard Baker, RN BSN

For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com