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Is Your Pet Making You Sick?

by Dr. Dawn Bookmyer, DVM

My client sat with her Beagle puppy, Sam, on her lap, letting him lick her face. When I informed her that I had just discovered roundworms in his fecal sample, she pulled away from the puppy in surprise. “Oh no, I let him kiss me on the mouth! Does that mean he’s given me worms?”

Although rare, pet-to-people infections – called zoonoses – are a hidden hazard of pet ownership. Children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of serious complications. Children, of course, are also the ones most likely to handle fecal matter or put contaminated soil or grass in their mouths! Let’s take a look at some of the most common zoonoses and the symptoms you might see in your pet or family:

Roundworm, hookworm and whipworms are all internal parasites. Your pet’s symptoms could vary, but may include vomiting and diarrhea. You may also actually see worms in your pet’s feces. Human symptoms may be similar to the pet’s, but are sometimes mistaken for the flu. Be alert to lesions, especially on the feet – often a telltale sign of hookworms, which are frequently transmitted when a child walks barefoot through contaminated soil or sand.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that may cause lesions and hair loss in infected animals, although animals can be asymptomatic. It is transmitted to humans through casual contact and causes a red, circular lesion.
Toxoplasmosis is tied to cats and is transmitted through the cat’s feces. Toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects, which is why pregnant women should never handle cat fecal material. Let someone else take on litter box duty until baby is born! Also, use gloves when working in the garden, as stray cats have been known to use gardens as a “litter box.”
Some veterinarians estimate that up to 90% of all turtles, snakes and iguanas carry the salmonellosis bacteria, although it is present in other animals, including dogs and cats. Human symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramping.
Campylobacteriosis causes symptoms similar to salmonellosis, and while most people contract this bacteria from handling uncooked poultry, it can be passed through infected animals.
Because of the bacteria in their mouths, cat and dog bites or scratches always pose a threat of infection. Wash bites and scratches thoroughly with warm soapy water. Puncture wounds or deep injuries should be evaluated by a physician, as they may require an antibiotic to prevent infection. Also, remember to keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations!

To reduce your pet’s risk of contracting and transmitting zoonotic infections, talk to your veterinarian. And while it is unlikely that your pet will transmit an infection to you by “kissing” your face or hands, protect yourself by washing your hands often, especially after petting your cat or dog.