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Pets, children and health risks...

Companionship and comfort are some of the many benefits that pets provide us. There are many others, such as the extraordinary help that trained dogs can provide to disabled people. However, we have to be careful while handling our pets, because they can carry germs and diseases that can be transmitted to humans [Zoonoses].

Animals can carry many germs, including some that are dangerous to humans; we may also be exposed to them from contaminated food and water. Wild animals can carry germs causing serious diseases to humans; we should not have direct contact with wildlife, avoid adopting wild animals as pets or bring them home. Children must never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear to be clean and friendly.

Diseases from Dogs - Dogs can pass germs to humans, particularly to children; it is a good idea to wash our hands [and our children's hands] with running water and soap after contact with dogs, dog saliva, or dog feces. Although it is a very common occurrence, we should never kiss a pet in the mouth or face; they may appear clean, but we must remember that dogs and cats lick their genitals and anal area, and some even eat their [and other pets] feces, contaminating their mouths and faces with many germs that can cause serious diseases to children and adults alike.
Dogs can carry a number of germs that can make us sick. Some of them are fairly common. Puppies and young dogs may pass the bacterium 'Campylobacter' in their stools; these germs can cause severe diarrhea in humans. Another germ is 'Leptospira', causing 'leptospirosis' in humans.
As we know, dogs may contract [and pass it to humans] rabies from other dogs and wild animals such as raccoons, bats, etc. Rabies is fatal, unless properly treated right away after contact with a rabid animal has occurred. Recently, a group of girl scouts in Virginia came in contact with bats while getting ready to spend a few days at camp and, because of the possibility of rabies, they must all receive immunization shots. The actual possibility of contracting rabies in this situation is remote; however, considering that rabies is fatal in most cases, we should take all available precautions to avoid contact with the causing viruses. Affected patients who survive may do so with severe brain damage.

Scarlet Fever and Rheumatic Fever are also diseases important to mention here because they are caused by germs frequently carried by otherwise healthy household pets,

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