{"id":396,"date":"2021-01-11T13:29:52","date_gmt":"2021-01-11T18:29:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=396"},"modified":"2021-01-11T13:29:53","modified_gmt":"2021-01-11T18:29:53","slug":"responsible-pet-ownership-includes-preventing-zoonotic-diseases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/responsible-pet-ownership-includes-preventing-zoonotic-diseases\/","title":{"rendered":"Responsible Pet Ownership Includes Preventing Zoonotic Diseases"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"zoonic<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The best relationships have a give-and-take dynamic, and the bond shared between pets and their people is no exception. Our pets positively impact our physical and mental health – the least we can do is maintain their health and wellbeing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disease prevention (including routine vaccinations and year round parasite prevention medication) is a major component of responsible ownership. Equally important is an owner\u2019s awareness \u2013 and hindrance \u2013 of dangerous zoonotic diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Risks of Closeness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A deep appreciation of a pet\u2019s needs can have a tremendous influence on their long term health, but also makes a difference in their environment. While most of us are guilty of allowing a few slobbery kisses every once in a while, this closeness can come at a price if a four-legged friend isn\u2019t protected from environmental pathogens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, preventive medicine<\/a> (including vaccinations and parasite prevention<\/a>), sanitation, and hygiene can stamp out communicable diseases between pets and their people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reading Between the Lines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Zoonotic diseases are those passed between animals and people. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and have the potential to cause human deaths every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoonotic disease can be picked up in the soil, via contaminated surfaces (like communal food and water bowls), water, in livestock pens and cages, in the urine of an infected animal, unwashed fruits and vegetables, undercooked meats, and through vectors like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spread by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, zoonotic diseases include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n