Sharing your life with a pet brings a lot of joy—but it also comes with a bit of responsibility when it comes to health and hygiene. One topic many pet owners don’t hear enough about is zoonotic diseases—those that can be transmitted between animals and humans. While most pets pose minimal risk with proper care, it’s important to understand the potential and how to keep everyone in the home—two- and four-legged—safe.
At Killarney Animal Hospital, we believe that informed pet ownership is the key to prevention. With a few smart habits, most zoonotic risks can be minimized or eliminated entirely.
What Exactly Are Zoonotic Diseases?
Zoonotic diseases are infections that can pass between animals and humans. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, and they don’t always make your pet visibly sick—which is part of what makes them tricky.
Some common zoonotic diseases include:
- Ringworm – A fungal infection that can spread from cats, dogs, or even guinea pigs through skin contact.
- Salmonella – Often linked to reptiles, but also found in raw food diets and contaminated feces.
- Toxoplasmosis – A parasite that can be transmitted from cats, particularly through litter boxes.
- Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection often spread through contaminated water or the urine of infected animals.
- Rabies – Rare but always serious, transmitted through bites from infected animals.
- Campylobacteriosis – A bacterial infection that can be picked up through exposure to infected stool, especially from puppies or kittens.
- Giardiasis – A parasite that affects both humans and pets and is spread through water or fecal contact.
Who’s Most at Risk?
For most healthy adults, zoonotic diseases are a low risk, especially with good hygiene. But extra precautions should be taken for:
- Young children
- Seniors
- Pregnant women
- Immunocompromised individuals
In homes with vulnerable individuals, it’s important to follow vet-recommended parasite prevention, ensure pets are up to date on vaccines, and take litter box or cage-cleaning hygiene seriously.
Signs to Watch For in Your Pet
Sometimes pets show signs of illness that can be tied to a zoonotic disease. These can include:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Coughing or sneezing
- Skin lesions or bald patches
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lethargy or reduced appetite
However, some pets may appear completely healthy while still carrying a pathogen, especially in the early stages. That’s why regular check-ups and parasite prevention are essential. At Killarney Animal Hospital, we tailor wellness plans based on your pet’s age, species, and lifestyle to help reduce risk.
Simple Steps to Keep Everyone Healthy
Reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission doesn’t require drastic changes—just smart habits. Here’s what we recommend:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling pets, cleaning up after them, or touching food bowls and litter boxes.
- Clean bedding and enclosures regularly, especially for small mammals and reptiles.
- Avoid feeding raw diets unless they are veterinary-approved and handled with strict hygiene protocols.
- Pick up pet waste promptly—especially in multi-pet or multi-species households.
- Keep vaccinations and deworming schedules up to date.
- Don’t let pets drink from standing or contaminated water sources.
- Seek veterinary care at the first sign of illness, even if symptoms seem minor.
Our team at Killarney Animal Hospital can help set up a prevention schedule and recommend specific steps if anyone in your household is in a higher-risk group.
Don’t Let Fear Get in the Way of Pet Ownership
While the term “zoonotic disease” might sound alarming, it’s not a reason to avoid pet companionship—it’s a reason to stay informed. The vast majority of pet owners live healthy, safe lives with their animals simply by staying proactive.
If you’re unsure whether your current routine is enough—or if you have specific health concerns for your family—feel free to give Killarney Animal Hospital a call at 604-433-5500. We’re here to help make sure every member of your household, furry or not, stays safe and healthy.
