Sleeping with pets can be dangerous to health

Sleeping with pets can be dangerous to health

Sleeping with a pet may not be a good idea, because according to a new study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, dogs and cats can transmit diseases to their owners. Apparently pets have parasites, bacteria or viruses that cause diseases, some minor and others potentially fatal in humans.

People whose immune system is weakened (the elderly, children under five years, patients with HIV / AIDS and cancer patients) are those most at risk from infection of an animal.

Dr. Bruno Chomel, veterinarian, author and a professor of zoonoses at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, said of the 250 zoonotic diseases (infections transmitted between animals and people) are more than 100 derived from domestic animals, and although the infection is low compared to the number of people who sleep with their pets, the vet said that risks remain.

According to the report, some infections transmitted to humans by sleeping with pets, kissing or licking receive are: anquilosotoma, roundworms, ringworm, cat scratch disease and infections by drug-resistant staph.

Benefits vs. risks
Although you may get sick from a pet, have a also has health benefits, as research has shown that pets, and offer psychological support and friendship, help reduce blood pressure, reduce stress, increase physical activity and improve mood, among others.

Hygiene, the best prevention
Pet-borne diseases can be prevented with proper hygiene habits such as washing hands with soap and warm water after playing with them, especially with puppies, kittens or older dog or cat with diarrhea. You should also immediately wash any areas that have been licked by a pet.

To prevent and detect disease early, the report recommends keeping pets free of fleas, ticks and worms and have them tested regularly by a veterinarian. The report's authors also discourage owners kiss their dogs or cats, as well as sharing the bed with them.