Chagas can be life threatening as it is a parasitic infection that can affect people with weakened immune systems. This infection can affect the heart and digestive system. Besides chagas there were less common parasite infections such as pin worms and ring worms. The veterinarians looked through years of journals to find out whom if any had a major or minor disease from animals. Although they did find a very small amount of major diseases, the threat is till real.
A 9 year old boy from New Mexico caught the bubonic plague from a flea infested cat. A 44 y ear old woman and a baby both caught meningitis which only goes to prove that the animal infection problem is not limited to age or race and can be transferred if the owners are not sensible in their treatment of the animals.
Will Million of Pet Owners Listen to the New Study?
Approximately 14 % - 62% of pet owners sleep with their pets or allow them to lie on their beds. Will these new revelations sway many owners from cuddling with their loved ones? The general consensus is "No." Most pet owners who treat Fido or Muffy with loving care and tenderness will not change their habits, but may keep the bed area cleaner and safe as possible.
Will Muffy be happy with his own bed next to the owner's bed? Again most pets are habit creatures and even if offered a nice soft bed next to the owner, the pet will jump on the bed every time.
Kissing Pets on the Mouth
The other practice discussed as being hazardous was the practice of kissing pets on the mouth. This is a dangerous practice and even if the owner could not force Muffy and Fido to sleep on the floor, refraining from contacting the saliva of pets is highly recommended. It is much better to kiss the pet on top of the head.
A Healthy Pet is Less Dangerous to Humans
The report goes on to talk about keeping animals healthy. The safest pets are those kept in doors and ones that are taken to vets regularly. Simple and easy practices can and should be utilized such as de-worming the pet regularly, getting rid of all fleas and feeding a natural raw diet to the animal.
Pet foods sometimes cause more damage than good and should be used with caution. Training your pet to switch to raw meat is not an easy task, but one that is workable. Cats are carnivorous animals and love meat. Many cats will prefer chicken, liver and fish opposed to beef. With trial and error and a bit of luck any pet can be healthy and safer.
Benefits of Pet Ownership
The veterinarians did say that there are many benefits of having animals and pets also. According to Chomel and Sun, "Pets have become an integral part of the family and are often considered to be extended family. Having pets brings many benefits, such as psychological support, friendship, and even good health practices (exercising or reducing stress).
Pet ownership has long been touted as a way to help the elderly feel less lonely and a source of companionship also. Pets are protectors and pets have become part of the family and many pet owners treat their pets as a child would be treated in other families. Although there are many benefits to having a pet, it must be stated that the benefits will not out weigh the hazards if you or a loved one becomes ill. Caution should be used in all situations and new and improved hygiene practices should be implemented.
Resources
Chomel and Sun, (Feb 2, 2011) "Zoonoses in the Bedroom," CDC
Photo courtesy of Photobucket Akeeber
