Who can't have animals
It is well known that pets have a positive impact on the physical and emotional state of a person. And they even used to treat sick people with animals — dogs, cats, horses, dolphins. Close contact with animals works on people reassuring, improves mood, stimulates movement, and in children improves the sensitivity, there is a seriousness and responsibility. If the animal is healthy, well-groomed and regularly dewormed, it does not pose a threat to humans. But there are situations when you have to weigh the benefits of communicating with the animal and the possible risks.
Who can't have animals?
Persons with reduced immunity
This refers to people suffering from immunosuppression. This could be the result:
- receiving immunosuppressants after organ transplantation,
- hiv infection,
- chemotherapies,
- long-term administration of glucocorticosteroids.
Animals are a potential source of diseases, so-called zoonoses, which can be especially dangerous for people with immunosuppression. These are toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis, salmonellosis, giardiasis, bartonellosis, ornithosis, dermatophytosis, mycobacteriosis, cat scratch disease and many other infections. However, animals are not the only or even the most important source of infection. For example, toxoplasmosis is usually caused by eating raw meat or unprocessed vegetables, rather than contact with cat feces. The risk of Contracting toxoplasmosis from cats for pregnant women is actually extremely low.
It should be known that the most common and most important source of infection for people is contaminated water and food.
Highly allergic individual
The environment is full of allergens, and animals are just one of many sources. First of all, we need to determine which substances are allergens for us. Individuals who are allergic to pollen generally do not respond to animal allergens. Rat or mouse urine components may be neutral to us, while Guinea pig urine, for example, can cause a serious allergic reaction. Allergens can also be feed components: for example, hay eaten by rabbits and other rodents can be a strong allergen for humans, and for the animals themselves it is an important part of the diet.
The main source of allergens animals is at all not wool, and epidermis, and also saliva, urine and parasitic insects, living on animal.
Families with young children
There are certain risks if there are small children in the house. They are indefatigable and inquisitive, and take in their mouths everything that is within reach of their hands. In addition, if the child pressed too hard or roughly stroked the pet, it can be or scratched by a frightened animal. Here the role of parents is invaluable. If they guarantee that the animal will be properly taken care of, the pet will be healthy and regularly dewormed, that they will monitor the contact of the child with the animal and teach the baby how to handle the pet, then there will be no danger for anyone. Please keep in mind that animals have a positive impact on the development of children. And yet — presence in the house Pets means contact with a much greater variety of antigens. Therefore, children living with animals are less likely to suffer from allergies.
How to minimize the risk of infection?
All persons, especially those with immunosuppression, pregnant women and children, to protect themselves from possible zoonoses, should monitor personal hygiene and comply with the rules of animal welfare, namely:
- Wash hands thoroughly after each contact with animals especially before eating. It is necessary to accustom to it and children.
- Animal faeces, trays and cages are cleaned with gloves, and it is best to entrust this work to another person, if possible.
- If the animal is sick, you should contact your veterinarian, and this is especially important for young animals with diarrhea.
- To remember to give the animal antihelminthic, and also to protect him from fleas and ticks.
- Be sure to make your pet all the necessary vaccinations for him, especially rabies.
- Regularly circumcise pets overgrown claws, avoid situations where the animal may bite or scratch, and if this happens – immediately disinfect the wound and, if necessary, consult a doctor.