When it comes to protecting the health of our pets, most people are aware they should visit a veterinarian regularly and keep vaccinations up to date. However, many people are not aware of the full range of diseases which animals can carry that can affect pets and people. National Public Health Week is 5-11 April so now is the perfect time to educate yourself on possible illnesses and treatments. 

The most obvious public health danger posed by pets is the transmission of rabies.  Each year there are several reported cases of rabies in Colorado. These are almost always cases of infected wild animals, which makes it even more important to keep your pet up to date on rabies vaccinations (mandatory by Colorado law).  Even with a vaccination, if you suspect you or your pet has come into contact with an infected animal, you MUST seek medical attention and report the contact to your veterinarian. 

Another danger are tick-borne illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Domestic pets who wander outside can easily pick up ticks.  Those ticks can bite the animal or fall off and bite a human family member. It is important to routinely check your pets for the presence of ticks, especially if they’ve been wandering through tall grasses. Removal of ticks can be tricky so if you are unsure of what to do, it’s always a good idea to call your veterinarian for advice. If you or a family member is bitten, seek medical attention. 

Additionally, there are a number of bacterial or viral illnesses which can be passed between humans and pets. Norovirus can cause intestinal distress and can be passed through contact with feces. Bordetella is a bacterium which can cause upper respiratory tract infections in both dogs and humans. Dogs can also carry MRSA (an antibiotic-resistant infection) which can be fatal in weaker human population such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. 

This is not an all-inclusive list and although there are many sicknesses which can be passed from pet to human, don’t let this deter you from pet ownership. Maintaining vaccinations for your pet and routine medical care for all human and animals in your household is the best defense. If you start to notice symptoms of illness, seek medical advice. You could not only save your own family from an unpleasant situation; you could be stopping a public health crisis.