I can get that?

Guest post by Dr. Broel

Has your veterinarian ever told you that there are some diseases your pet can give you?  Did you know that many of the recommended vaccines and treatments for pets also help to protect us from diseases as well?  This concept, called One Health, recognizes that the health of the human population is directly tied to the health of animals and the environment.  

Ebola.  This single word struck fear throughout the world in 2014.  A deadly disease, it spread like wildfire across West Africa and resulted in three confirmed cases, including one death, in the USA.  The outbreak was eventually contained, but not before killing over 11,000 people.

How does Ebola relate to you and your pet?  Ebola, like many diseases of our domestic dogs and cats, is considered a zoonotic disease.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a zoonotic disease as a disease that can be passed between humans and animals.  Zoonotic diseases can be viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic, and according to the CDC more than 60% of human infectious diseases are spread by animals.  While Ebola is not an immediate threat to pet owners here inUSA, there are many other zoonotic diseases that do put us, as animal handlers and owners, at risk. 

Rabies. One of the most well-known and feared zoonotic diseases of cats and dogs is Rabies.   Rabies is a virus that is spread through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through a bite wound.  While all species of mammals are susceptible to Rabies, the most common sources of the virus that Union County veterinarians see are from exposure to raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and bats.  If you enjoy reading, check out Stephen King’s Cujo, a fictional story about a dog that turns rabid and terrorizes a small town in Maine: if that book doesn’t scare you then I don’t know what will!

Leptospirosis. Another zoonotic disease that veterinarians often discuss with their clients is Leptospirosis.  Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is seen most commonly in small rodents, and is spread to humans and domestic animals through the urine of infected animals.

 

 

Intestinal parasites (worms). Does your veterinarian recommend a yearly fecal?  This is to screen for intestinal parasites.  Many intestinal parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms, can be transmitted to us through infected feces.  Small children are particularly at risk since for contracting these diseases so it is very important to make sure your pet is parasite-free with regular screening.

While many zoonotic diseases exist, regular veterinary care can help protect you and your pets from becoming infected.  For a more comprehensive list of zoonotic diseases, or if you would like more information on how to be a healthy pet owner, please refer to the CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website at http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/

 

 

Next time you see your veterinarian, remember to thank him or her not only for keeping your pet healthy, but for keeping you healthy as well!

 

Picture credits:

Dog swim: http://bit.ly/1UVsaKM

Cat and mouse: http://bit.ly/22oxRjm

Pet Can Get Depressed Too

Guest post by Mariah G.

 

Getting a pet can seem like a great idea because they can be such beneficial companions. Just the thought of coming home to a wagging tail, purring, and snuggling can seem like the ideal way to end a long day. Pets can be the best therapy for us humans at times, especially since they can sense our emotional changes. But sometimes our pets need us because they can get sad too. Pet depression is very real and should be concerning to owners. There are several things that can cause our furry friends to become not so excited anymore.

 

Pets are very similar to people in that they get used to the presence of others. They interact not only with humans but with other animals as well. So just like humans, when someone they are very close to is no longer present, they can start to become depressed. It may not be very obvious at first, but subtle changes in the way your pet does certain things may be an indication that they are depressed.

 

Causes of depression can include, but are not limited to:

• A family member moving out
• A family member dying
• A pet companion passing away or leaving the home 
• Being left alone for long periods of time
• Lack of attention (i.e. newborn baby, demanding job, etc.)
• Moving to a different place
• Emotional change in an owner

 

Signs and Symptoms of depression can include, but are not limited to:

• Changes in eating habits
• Lack of energy or excitement
• Anxiety
• Weight loss
• Withdrawn behavior

If you know that there are upcoming changes in your household that might trigger depression in your pet, then you may want to try something to prevent that from happening. You could start a new routine with your pet that makes them happy to try and keep them engaged in the new activity and not pay as much attention to the changes. If you have a senior pet that might pass away soon, you can try introducing a new animal into the home and see if your current pets like the new companion. Or you can even visit a Holistic Vet here at Carolina Pets Animal Hospital and get some advice about possible preventative methods.

Although your pet may become depressed, there are several things you can do to try and get them back to their normal self. Keep in mind that the timeframe in which it takes them to bounce back can vary depending on the animal, as well as the severity of the event that caused the depression. Try engaging your pet in activities that they normally like. Go for walks/runs with them. Give them extra TLC and attention. Bring out their favorite toys and have play sessions. Take them for a car ride and give them praise if they start to show signs of happiness. Alternative methods such as medicine may be needed to assist your pet with its depression. The staff at Carolina Pets offers a variety of affordable vet services to make it easy on you and your pet!

 

Picture Credits:

Bernese: http://bit.ly/1W6iZ7F

Beagle:  http://bit.ly/1p5jHH9

Brittany Mielcarek- Callisto with Tennis Ball