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CDC
Celebrates National Pet Week by providing Ten Tips
for Responsible Pet Ownership. Your relationship
with your pet enriches your life. However there are a few
important tips to keep in mind when you own a pet. Some animals
may carry germs that may be transmitted to people. These
are called zoonoses. |
1) Pick
the right pet for your family. Before
you purchase or adopt a pet make sure that it is the right
one for your family. CDC recommends that households with children
under 5 years of age should not own reptiles, and pregnant
women should avoid contact with pet rodents to prevent
a virus that causes birth defects. Pregnant women should
follow other special precautions (see no. 6 below). Immune-compromised
persons and persons
with HIV or AIDS should take extra precautions when choosing
and handling pets.
Do
research about the specific needs of the animal. Some questions
to ask are: How much exercise does the pet need? How large
will it become? Is the type of animal aggressive? What
does the pet eat? How much will it cost for veterinary
care? Do I have enough time to properly care for and clean
up after the pet? What exactly does this pet need in its habitat
to be healthy? Are pets allowed in my apartment or condominium?
For
more information …
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2)
Wash hands thoroughly after playing with or handling your
pet. Also
wash hands after cleaning the cage or aquarium. Many pets,
such as dogs, cats, reptiles, rodents, and birds carry zoonoses.
Be sure to wash your hands before handling food or eating.
By keeping your pet healthy, you keep yourself and your family
healthy. For more information … |
3)
Get your pet early, regular, and life-long veterinary care.
This
tip is key to a healthy pet and a healthy family. Keep
up with vaccines,
deworming,
and flea and tick control. Provide a good diet, fresh water,
clean bedding, and exercise. Follow advice from your veterinarian,
who is devoted to your family’s
good health as well as your pet’s. Ask questions.
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4)
Avoid ticks on dogs and cats. Your pets may carry
ticks that can spread diseases like Rocky
Mountain spotted fever to people. Consult your veterinarian about ways to prevent ticks on your dogs and cats. |
5)
Practice good hygiene around your pet. Pick
up dog feces and dispose of properly. Keep young children
away from areas that may contain dog or cat feces to prevent
the spread of roundworms and hookworms. Change the cat
litter box daily. Cover sand boxes so cats don’t
use them as a litter box. If you are pregnant, have someone
else clean the litter box. Cats can carry a parasite that
causes toxoplasmosis,
a disease that can cause birth defects. Make sure to wash
your hands after cleaning up after your pet and before
eating or preparing food. Get more information on toxoplasmosis and birth
defects. |
6)
Prevent rabies. Rabies
is a deadly disease that can make both you and your pet
sick. Get your pets vaccinated for rabies. Make sure your
pet gets and wears a tag with its name and your phone number. Keep
your pet in a fenced yard or on a leash. For
more information on rabies … For
information on dog bites ... |
7)
Teach children how to appropriately care for pets. Children
under 5 years old should be supervised while interacting
with animals. Teach children to wash their hands after playing
with animals. Children under 5 years old should be extra cautious
when visiting farms and having direct contact with farm animals,
including animals at petting zoos and fairs. For
more information … |
8)
Keep wildlife wild. Though
they may be cute and cuddly, don’t encourage wild animals
such as raccoons, prairie dogs, or wild rodents to come into
your home by feeding them. Many wild animals carry zoonoses.
For
more information … |
9)
Spay and neuter. Spaying
or neutering your pet can prevent aggression or
behavioral problems and extend its life. For
more information ... |
10)
Enjoy your pet! There
are many health benefits of owning a pet. The companionship of
pets can help overcome loneliness and depression. Pets can increase
your opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities as well
as opportunities for socialization. Therefore, regular walking
or playing with pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol
levels, and triglyceride levels. Remember, healthy pets = healthy
people! For
more information … |
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Important
Links |
National
Pet Week
CDC:
Healthy Pets Healthy People
American
Veterinary Medical Association
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