Caissie Canine Instruction: Zoonotic Diseases

We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful golden retriever named Dolly.

Hello, my name is Dolly. My mommy decided to keep the name that was given to me at the shelter as it goes well with brothers Tyler, Randy Travis and now me Dolly Parton.

I come from far away as my birth mommy needed to be taken care of since she lost her other companion Garth Brooks. I was afraid to be in this big metal crate called a plane.

As I come out of my “crate”, I then realized this big white fluffy rain falling from the sky…..I’m in love with this thing called snow. As soon as we arrived home we went for a walk. I was trying to eat the snow falling, but soon as it was on my tongue, it turned to water.

I sure do love rolling and making snow angels in the snow with my big brother Randy.

Welcome Doggie Dialogue

Our clients have asked us over the years, is it possible to about get an infectious disease from my pets? The answer is yes. These infectious diseases are known as zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic disease can spread from animal to humans. They can be bacterial, viral or a parasite.

Number #1 viral disease that can spend from animal to humans is rabies.

Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted by animals such as reptiles and amphibians.

Giardiasis is a gastrointestinal illness that is transmitted by beavers.

The best way to protect yourself from zoonotic diseases is to always wear gloves when handling animals, wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals, and follow safe food preparation practices.

Remember to protect yourself to bug bites as well.

Some symptoms of zoonotic diseases may vary on specific illness.

Symptoms may include:

1.    Body aches

2.    Diarrhea

3.    Fever

4.    Vomiting

5.    Rash

Bacterial zoonoses is a bacterium which is small, single-celled organisms that release toxins that make you sick, such as Lyme disease, Salmonella or Tuberculosis.

Treatment for zoonotic illness depends on the infection. Most bacterial infections can be treated by antibiotics. Antifungals can be used for the treatment of ringworm.

If you encounter an animal with suspected rabies, your healthcare provider will treat your wound and give you a vaccine.

When in doubt, always seek out medical attention.