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a strain of the disease.

* Make sure you are taking your new pet for all their necessary shots and dewormers. Keep them up to date on their scheduled vaccinations.

* Give prompt and immediate care to a sick pet. Ignoring any health problems your pet may have will only make the situation worse.

* Wash your hands throughly after petting your animal or handling it's feces. This is one of the main ways infections can pass to humans - so wash your hands!

* If you are a cat owner - change your cat's litter box every day! Women who are pregnant or people with a compromised immune system should keep their cats indoors and avoid touching the cat litter.

If you are reading this, and you don't have a pet, I've got some tips for you too! If you are thinking about getting a pet here are some things to keep in mind:

* Adopt from a reputable shelter, or purchase from a licensed breeder. Sales made over the Internet are usually illegal and the animals may be imported from another country.

* Think carefully before buying an exotic pet. Although they can be very exciting, they also carry a risk for disease. Discuss any concerns you may have with a veterinarian and your doctor.

* DO NOT ADOPT WILD ANIMALS AS PETS. Wild animals such as wolves, raccoons, etc. can be extremely dangerous - not to mention disease carrying. You just don't know where they have been, or what types of diseases they have been exposed to. You are better off sticking with an adopted animal from your local Humane Society!

Learn more about this author, Danielle Sheffler.
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