They could trigger allergies
Love cuddling with your pet? Well, be careful: pets, especially cats and dogs, shed dander – which is essentially a combination of dead skin cells and hair (or feathers) – which can easily become airborne.
If you’re prone to allergies, this dander can be a significant irritant, causing a multitude of symptoms including sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes.
They might worsen your asthma symptoms
For asthmatics, the proteins that are found in pet saliva can sometimes act as triggers, worsening their symptoms. When these proteins dry out, they become a part of the household dust.
As we all know, dust and asthmatics don’t mix well. When inhaled, dust can lead to asthma flare-ups and difficulty breathing.
They can increase your stress levels
Yes, pets bring a lot of happiness, but they can also be a handful – especially if not trained correctly. If your pet is constantly misbehaving, it can be a constant source of worry: from ruined furniture and unexpected messes to concerns over how they’ll act toward visitors.
Over time, this can increase your stress levels. It’s always a good idea to invest in a good trainer to ease your day-to-day worries.
They might carry heartworm disease
Those pesky mosquitoes aren’t just annoying; they’re carriers of the heartworm parasite. If a mosquito bites an infected animal and then bites another, it can transmit this dangerous worm.
While dogs are the primary victims, humans can sometimes get infected, leading to serious lung diseases. Prevention is always better, so make sure your pets are protected from mosquitoes.
They bring in dirt from outdoors
Pets, especially dogs, love a good run around outdoors. But every time they set foot outdoors, there’s always that risk that they collect germs, bacteria, and pollutants on their paws.
And when they return, they can introduce these into your home environment. The result? Even if your home looks clean, it may not be as sanitary as you think.
They can carry rabies
Ok, rabies is rare and easily preventable, but still, it does remain a concern – particularly if you live in an area where wild animal interactions are common.
Bites or scratches from an infected animal can transmit this deadly virus, for which there is no known cure. So, ensure your pets are vaccinated and regularly checked, as rabies is a scary virus, and none of us want to see it transmitted.
They carry fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks aren’t just an annoyance; they can also be carriers of several diseases. For example, ticks can transmit Lyme disease, while fleas might spread the plague – yes, like the Black Death.
Pets increase the risk of these unwelcome guests making an appearance in your life. But the good news? They’re easy to prevent. Make sure you groom your pet regularly and take the necessary preventive measures.
They can contribute to indoor air pollution
Pets are adorable, and can make the house feel happier and lighter, but they can also be a source of indoor pollution. From litter boxes to bird cages, pet-related items can produce nasty odors and release particles into the air.
Over time, these particles can degrade your indoor air quality, posing risks to the lungs. So, make sure to keep them cleaned and sanitised regularly!
They might introduce and spread ear mites
Got an annoying itch in your ear? That might not be just an itch; it could be ear mites. These tiny parasites love the warm, dark environment of an animal’s ear canal. If left unchecked, they can spread from one pet to another, or even hop over to you.
Don’t panic: they are more irritating than they are dangerous, but they are another example of the unexpected health challenges our pets might introduce.
They could spread canine influenza
Did you know that man’s best friend isn’t exempt from the flu? Canine influenza (or dog flu) can be easily transmitted from one dog to another, especially in areas where there’s a lot of them – think parks or dog hotels.
Now, this one primarily affects dogs, but there’s some concern that it can occasionally jump to cats. And while the risk to us is minimal, a sick pet is never ideal.
They can be sources of the common cold
Yes, your pets can catch colds too! It is rare for pets to transmit colds to their owners (and vice versa), it’s actually not impossible.
There are certain viruses that can cross species barriers, which means you might find yourself and your fur baby reaching for the tissues together.
They can carry lice
On the topic of different species… while human lice and animal lice are different species, pets, especially those with fur, can sometimes be carriers of their own lice species.
While the risk of transmission from pets to humans is low, there’s still a risk, and an infestation can still be an uncomfortable experience for your pet and your household.
They can spread ringworm
Despite its name, ringworm isn’t a worm but a fungus, and it’s one that pets, especially cats, can contract and pass on to humans.
The symptoms? You might develop itchy circular rashes on your skin, which are not only uncomfortable but also contagious. Make sure your pet gets regular check ups.
They disturb your sleep
We all love an evening cuddle and sharing your bed with a pet might seem like a great way to bond, but it could be detrimental to your sleep. Pets, especially dogs and cats, have different sleep cycles and movement patterns to us which might interrupt your night’s sleep.
Those midnight play sessions or early morning wake-up nudges? They could be costing you precious hours of sleep.
They might give you Cat Scratch Fever
It’s not just a catchy song; Cat Scratch Fever is a real condition. Caused by the Bartonella henselae bacteria often carried in cat saliva, it can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches.
Now, the symptoms often mild, but be vigilant, as it can sometimes lead to symptoms like fever and exhaustion, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
They could spread the MRSA bacteria
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a concern in healthcare, but did you know pets can also be carriers? While they might not show symptoms themselves, they can transmit this antibiotic-resistant bacterium to you.
This can lead to hard-to-treat infections. Regular vet check-ups and maintaining good hygiene can minimize the risks.
They could pass on toxoplasmosis
Cats are known carriers of the parasite which causes toxoplasmosis. Humans can get infected through handling cat feces, often while cleaning the litter box.
While it’s not too much of a concern for most of us, as it’s asymptomatic for the most part, it can pose severe risks to pregnant women, as it can be transmitted to the fragile fetus. So, if you’re expecting, pass the litter tray duties to someone else in your household.
They could spread hookworms
Those little paws might look cute, but they can introduce some not-so-cute microscopic guests. Hookworms, which thrive in the intestines of pets, can be shed in the feces.
If you, unfortunately, come into contact with infected feces or contaminated soil, you might just become the worm’s new host, leading to skin and gastrointestinal problems.
Reptilian pets can carry salmonella
This is commonly associated with undercooked foods, but pets, especially reptiles like snakes, and lizards, can be carriers of salmonella bacteria. Even small snakes, often kept as pets, can carry the bacteria and transmit it to across to you.
If you handle your pets and then touch your mouth, or not don’t wash you hands properly, it can result in a salmonella infection. The symptoms? They can include diarrhea, fever, and cramps.
They might spread tapeworms
Did you know that the annoying fleas that hop onto your pets might also be carriers of tapeworm eggs? If your pet ingests these fleas when grooming themselves, it can lead to a tapeworm infection.
And yes, it’s rare, but humans can also get infected if they somehow accidentally ingest an infected flea or come in direct contact with contaminated feces. Cue the stomach cramps and the itches – nobody wants a wormy unwelcome guest.
They could be hosts to mites
Those microscopic mites can make themselves at home on your pets, especially dogs and birds. Some species of mites can cause conditions like scabies or bird mite infestations in humans.
This results in itchy and inflamed skin, which can take weeks to resolve. No one wants that, so make sure you keep your home clean and sanitary to help keep these pests at bay.
They might carry and spread giardia
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that can wreak havoc on the digestive system, causing stomach upsets in both pets and humans. Animals, particularly dogs, can pick it up from contaminated water sources, and then, through their feces, potentially spread it to us.
Seen your dog drinking from a murky puddle? If they then shows signs of a giardia infection, like foul-smelling diarrhea, it’s time to see the vet.
Birds are prone to carry parrot fever
Bird lovers, beware: psittacosis, or parrot fever, is a bacterial infection that can be contracted from infected birds, especially parrots, pigeons, and chickens. The symptoms of this can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia.
So, if you’re experiencing fatigue, fever, and chills after spending time with your feathered pet, it might be worth getting checked out.
Birds might also spread campylobacter infections
Campylobacter is a nasty bacterium that can lead to gastrointestinal infections. It’s most commonly found in the intestines of birds, but it can also be present in our cats and dogs.
Make sure when handling your pet or cleaning up after them that you’re cleaning your hands properly afterwards – otherwise you could be exposed to this bacteria. The symptoms? Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. No thanks.
They could spread leptospirosis through urine
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that both humans and animals can contract. Here’s how it can get to you: your cat drinks some contaminated water, they then pass urine in their litter box, it’s now introduced into your home, you then don’t wash your hands properly, and now you’ve got it.
The symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe kidney or liver disease. Unideal, right? It’s crucial to be cautious when cleaning litter boxes.
They might carry the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis
While human tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, our pets can be infected by other types of mycobacteria that can, albeit rarely, be transmitted to humans.
Scary stuff, isn’t it? It shows as similar symptoms, like a persistent cough, fever, and weight loss. Although the risk is low, do keep your pets healthy and get them regularly checked by the vet.
They could increase mold in your home
Those wet dog walks, the moist litter boxes, or even a fish tank can introduce excess moisture into your living spaces. This moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for molds which can aggravate allergies and respiratory conditions.
So, make sure to properly ventilate you house and clean it regularly to help counteract this unwanted mold.
They can spread mange to humans
Love your furry companion? Be wary, as sometimes they can play host to microscopic parasites that cause mange. While there are different forms, the most well-known is Sarcoptic mange, which can spread to humans.
The result? You might end up with a condition called ‘scabies’ that leads to red and itchy rashes. So, regular vet check-ups are crucial.
They might spread parvovirus
Canine parvovirus, a highly contagious virus among dogs, wreaks havoc on a dog’s digestive system. While it doesn’t usually spread to humans, a sick pet is a huge cause of concern and stress.
Plus, if one dog gets it, the chances of other dogs contracting it becomes super high, especially in multi-pet households.
They could spread brucellosis
Brucellosis, while more prevalent in farm animals, can also affect our pets, especially dogs. When humans contract it, typically from handling infected animal tissues or fluids, it results in flu-like symptoms.
In more serious cases, it can affect the central nervous system. It’s a zoonotic disease – which means it can jump from animals to humans – making its presence in pets a real, genuine concern.
They might spread histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that affects the lungs. Often, it’s contracted by inhaling spores from the environment, especially from areas with bird or bat droppings.
If your pets frequent such environments or even bring traces of it into your home, they could inadvertently expose you to this respiratory menace.
They might bring in chemicals or toxins from chewing on objects outside
Curiosity didn’t just kill the cat; it made the dog sick too! Pets are explorative in their nature. A sniff here, a lick there, or even a chew if it’s something that appeals to them.
Seen your pet chewing an object from outdoors? They might have ingested chemicals or toxins, which can not only harm them but also pose risks to you if they get transmitted through their saliva.
They can bring bedbugs into your home
The thought of bedbugs is enough to make anyone’s skin crawl. While these pests typically prefer humans, they may also hitch a ride on pets.
This means that your dog or cat could unknowingly introduce these blood-sucking pests into your home, leading to itchy nights followed by the cost of brand new bedsheets.
They can cause accidents
Ever tripped over your excited dog or got a scratch from your grumpy cat? These minor accidents, while often harmless, can sometimes pave the way for bacterial infections, sprains or broken bones.
Open wounds, however small, are gateways for bacteria, leading to swelling, redness, and even pus. Remember, it’s essential to clean and disinfect such injuries promptly.
They can bring in pollen
Springtime can be a nightmare for allergy sufferers, and pets might just add to your troubles. Their fur can trap pollen, which can then be transferred to your indoor environment.
This can make your seasonal allergy symptoms ever worse, leading to prolonged sneezing, itchy eyes, and just a general discomfort.
They might expose you to feline infectious peritonitis
While feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) primarily affects cats, having a sick pet can be distressing. It’s a viral disease that can prove fatal for our feline friends,
While it doesn’t transfer to humans, the stress of caring for a severely ill pet can of course indirectly impact your health.
They might carry and spread trichomoniasis
Bird owners, be cautious! Trichomoniasis, also known as canker, affects birds, particularly pigeons. Okay, this one is rare, but this parasite can actually infect humans.
If it does, it may lead to stomach problems or other issues. So, make sure you monitor your bird’s health and keep their living area clean and sanitary.
They can exacerbate eczema
For those with sensitive skin conditions like eczema, pet dander, saliva, and even the pollen they carry can trigger or worsen flare-ups.
The dry, itchy patches can become more inflamed and irritated, which of course leads to increased discomfort. But, it’s fairly easy to manage – just make sure your pet is regularly groomed and your living space clean.
They might introduce botflies
This is a gruesome thought, but pets, especially those that spend time outdoors, might become hosts for botfly larvae. Not to be too graphic, but these parasites can actually burrow into their skin, causing painful lumps and bumps.
In some rare cases, they might also find their way to you. If you notice unusual bumps on your pet’s skin, it’s time for a vet visit.
They can lead to bacterial infections if they lick open wounds
While it might seem endearing when your pet tries to ‘heal’ your wounds by licking them, but remember that their mouths are teeming with bacteria. Think of those outdoor explorations we mentioned earlier.
So, these actions can introduce these bacteria into open cuts or sores, leading to infections. Make sure your wounds are covered and keep your pets away from them.