Pets are easily prone to illnesses, just like humans. Severe diseases can happen not just to our dogs and cat but also to other pets like reptiles, hamsters, birds, and such. Small changes in the behavior of your pets can already lead to severe problems. It is why many prevention methods are available. Safety materials like home testing kits for pets are also offered to help us pet owners identify what is wrong with our loved animals. Either way, many ways can help us when it concerns our pet’s health.
How to prevent illnesses from my pets?
Taking care of your pet’s health is not only for the good of our animals but also for our good as pet owners.
- Handwashing
Although it may seem obvious, handwashing (also sanitizing works!) is essential for halting the spread of disease. As pet owners, we must wash out hands after handling our pets, giving them food, cleaning their cages, and managing their wastes. Any person, whether friends or family members, must also wash their hands properly after handling their pets.
- Have easy contact with a vet
When your pet’s behavior is off, it is better to talk to a professional about it. Have easy contact with a local vet near you. Get your pets a check-up and protect your pets against sickness. If your pet still needs to get a vaccine, get it as soon as possible and keep the record. Have your pets vaccinated appropriately based on their lifestyle and environment, and make sure to have them on time as much as possible.
If your pets are taking meds or antibiotics, always finish the entire course of antibiotics that your pet’s veterinarian has prescribed. The bacteria in and around your pet could develop antibiotic resistance if you discontinue treatment before it is prescribed. Also, don’t administer antibiotics recommended for pets other than those they were named.
- Keep your pets in a healthy environment.
The safest and most straightforward method of keeping your pet healthy is, of course, giving your pet a healthy environment. For example, if your pet lives in a cage, clean the cage regularly to avoid parasites and germs living in its area. In addition, avoid letting your pet consume rotten food, contaminated water, or soil that may contain parasites, bacteria, or viruses that other animals carry.
Common Diseases that spread from Animals to Humans
- Cats and Dogs
- The most typical bacterial cause of gastroenteritis is campylobacter (infectious diarrhea)
- Skin infections caused by the bacteria “cat scratch disease” (Bartonella)
- a parasite called Cryptosporidium that causes a very contagious intestinal illness
- Giardia is a parasite that infects the bowels and makes people ill.
- The rabies virus targets the brain.
- Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) is a variety of fungi that can result in a rash.
- Parasites called roundworms (Toxocariasis or larvae migrants) can infect the intestine or the eyes.
- A parasite is to blame for toxoplasmosis.
- Birds
Birds carry Campylobacter, Giardia, ringworm, and salmonella. They also may carry Psittacosis, bacterial pneumonia caused by Chlamydophila, often known as parrot fever.
- Ferrets and Rabbits.
Salmonella, Campylobacter, ringworm, and rabies can all be carried and spread by ferrets. Rabbits can also harbor and spread Salmonella, ringworm, and rabies.
- Reptiles
They can also transport and spread Giardia, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium.
More information about Home Testing Kits
No matter if your pet is healthy or suffering from a chronic ailment, home testing kits can be beneficial. Home testing kits provide you access to additional health-related data about your pet, which can help them live happier and healthier lives. Home testing kits can help us identify the following:
- Bacterial ear and skin infections
- Fungal (yeast) ear and skin infections
- Ear mites
- Skin mites
- Genetic markers for disease
- Blood glucose levels
