The fact that we can catch unpleasant diseases from stray and even domestic animals is a proven fact. But can our beloved pets suffer from our illnesses?
Diseases that animals can contract from their owners are scientifically called reverse zoonoses. This is a group of common infections that can affect people and pets and can be fatal for the latter. People can transmit diseases such as influenza and tuberculosis to dogs, highlighting the importance of regular health checks. Using a dog dna kit will help identify predisposition to various diseases and improve the quality of life of pets. The same study can be done for cats.
The danger of these diseases also lies in the fact that when pathogenic viruses, bacteria, or other organisms enter the body of an animal or bird, they undergo mutations, becoming more resistant to treatment. What can we reward our pets with?
Reinfection is rare
Infection of domestic animals or livestock raised on your own farm occurs much less frequently than transmission of infection from pets to people. However similar cases are described in scientific publications and officially registered.
Flea infestation
Everyone knows that fleas do not live on humans. However, a person may find himself in the role of transport. Let’s say a neighbor’s flea-covered dog lives in the hallway. She walked along the entrance and scratched herself. Fleas, once on a concrete floor, are guided by heat. And any living creature passing by them becomes a desired object. A flea jumps on a person and rides it to a domestic cat.
Different types of flu
Back in 2009, a case of a cat being infected with the H1N1 pandemic strain of influenza from its owner was described. While the owner himself was in the hospital, the animal died from complications of the flu – pneumonia. Cases of influenza transmission from humans to dogs, ferrets, and cats have also been reported. The symptoms of influenza in animals are similar: respiratory symptoms, malaise, fever, loss of appetite, and possible death. Research into the immune system of animals suggests their susceptibility to influenza is higher than scientists previously thought.
Parotitis
This childhood infection is popularly called mumps. It affects glandular tissues due to the aggression of the virus: the salivary glands swell, and the pancreas and reproductive area may be damaged. Thanks to childhood vaccinations, mumps is uncommon today, but it is dangerous for domestic dogs. Thus, in England in 2017, during an outbreak of mumps in humans, more than 200 cases of mumps in dogs were described. The symptoms are largely similar.
Ringworm and other fungi
The disease is transmitted both from animals to humans and in the opposite direction. By petting a stray cat or dog on the street, you can bring the infection home to your pet. Moreover, this fungal infection can even be transmitted through objects: clothes, wool brushes, towels, etc. Animals develop round patches of skin with hair loss, redness, crusting, and thickening of the skin.
Tuberculosis
Although the bacterium can affect any part of the body, with the exception of hair and nails, the bronchopulmonary system is most often affected. Almost all warm-blooded animals are susceptible to tuberculosis. Among the main symptoms are the development of a cough, weight loss, abscesses and tumors, and long-term non-healing wounds, such as from bites. Animals can become infected with tuberculosis through contact with their owners, but such cases are still quite rare. However, if the animal is sick, this is a reason to check all family members – perhaps someone is sick or you are in contact with the same sources.
Dangerous staphylococci
Among the most dangerous bacteria known to medicine, staphylococcus occupies a special place, especially its methicillin-resistant strain. This is the most dangerous pathogen that is resistant to most known antibiotics and is extremely difficult to fight. Bacteria can be transmitted from people to animals, most often dogs, causing skin infections, septic lesions, pneumonia, and other types of manifestations. It is extremely difficult to fight this type of bacteria; they are deadly to the body.
How to avoid infecting your pet?
If you want to prevent your cat or dog from becoming infected with various infections, you should follow the simplest rules of hygiene and animal care:
- wash your hands thoroughly both before interacting with pets and after contact, after eating food and visiting the toilet;
- pets should not be allowed to drink water from toilets;
- prohibit animals from licking your face, avoid kissing;
- give up the habit of letting animals into your bed.
If you are sick, prevent your pets from having contact with you until you recover. Remember that caring for your pet primarily lies with the owners. Therefore, follow the rules of vaccination, disease prevention, and also carry out an annual check-up of your dog or cat.
Glossary
Reverse zoonoses: Refers to the transmission of diseases from humans to animals.
Mutations: Changes in the genetic material of an organism, which can make diseases more resistant to treatment.
H1N1 pandemic strain: A specific strain of influenza virus that caused a global pandemic in 2009.
Abscesses: Swollen areas in body tissue containing an accumulation of pus.
Staphylococcus (including methicillin-resistant strain): A group of bacteria, with methicillin-resistant strains being particularly hard to treat.
Septic lesions: Areas of tissue that have become infected and filled with bacteria, leading to severe inflammation.
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