Proper Vet Care for your Pets Protects Your Family’s Health as well

- Private group -
Mon, 08/31/2015 - 6:30am

Although pets are beneficial to our mental and physical health, they can also pose some risks through the transmission of zoonotic diseases.  Zoonotic disease is a term used to describe an infection or disease that can be transmitted from an animal to a human being.  Current evidence supports the fact that pets pose a minimal zoonotic risk to their human companions.  Your risk may be slightly higher if you fall into one the following groups:

 

-       People with compromised immune systems from disease or medication

-       People who are elderly or have chronic diseases

-       Pregnant women and young children

 

If you fall into one of these categories it doesn’t mean you have to give up you pet!  It simply means that you should take some basic precautions.  The doctors at PenBay Veterinary Associates recommend that all pet owners take the following precautions: 

 

-       Ensure that your pet receives an annual wellness check by a veterinarian

-       Have your veterinarian analyze a stool sample from your pet every six months to check for signs of parasites

-       Keep your pets current on vaccines

-       Wash your hands after extensive handling of your pet

-       Don’t contact your pet’s feces directly

-       Monitor for any signs of illness in your pet, including loose stools or diarrhea

-       Feed your pet AAFCO approved pet food

-       Clean litter boxes daily

 

It is important to keep in mind that numerous studies prove that the benefits of having a pet far outweigh the risks.  Sharing your home with a pet is often just what your doctor ordered!

 

 

PenBay Veterinary Associates is a proud member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). For more information please visit www.penbayvets.com or call 594-8300.

We invite you to visit and “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/penbayvets 

"When they are more than pets, choose PenBay Vets"