Do you love your dog so much that you allow him to sleep with you? Do you allow him to snuggle close to you, and your ears and nose are in close contact with his body? Your dog too may love cuddling close to you at night while sleeping, as a mark of his affection and though it’s cute, but, do you think it’s healthy? Unfortunately that’s a big no, because your dog’s body harbors a number of germs that can be deadly and so infectious that it could also be fatal for you. Keeping a pet requires you to ensure a healthy and hygienic environment beneficial for both you and your pet.It’s a big damper for all pet lovers but it’s scientifically true, because a pet’s body is full of infectious germs and bacteria detrimental to your health. Read on to find out how sleeping with pets is dangerous for you.
1.Dogs can transfer a number of infectious diseases to you
As per Dr. Jane Heller, a veterinary expert at Charles Stuart University, you can get seriously ill or contract infection if you are constantly in close contact with your pet. The biggest problem lies in the fact that pets aren’t sterile and are host to a number of bacteria as well as parasites. Large dogs can also have a variety of parasitic organisms on their bodies such as crab ticks, raisin ticks, and fleas.Sarcoptic mange is another dangerous mite which cannot be seen by the naked eye, but is responsible for skin infections in pets that result in hair loss, scaly skin and scabs. Such infections can be transferred to you as well. Pet dander especially, is known to trigger allergies and sneezing.
2. Those with Low Immunity Are At a Greater Risk of Falling Sick from Pet Bacteria
It isn’t uncommon for humans with dogs as pets to find a tick clutched tightly on their skin. Such parasites can work their way upto your extremities where it is nice and warm. Ear mites that thrive in your pet’s ear canal can also migrate to your body if your pet is habituated in spending time on your bed. Such reasons are precisely why sleeping with pets is dangerous for your health.According to medical reports and studies, dogs and cats have a bug present in their mouths called Capnocytophaga canimorsus. Almost 75% of healthy dogs will contain these harmful bacteria, which can be transferred by saliva. Although, the animals themselves are not affected due to their immunity, but humans could be harmed by the germ. Those with reduced immunity especially, can suffer the ill-effects of the bacteria.
3. regular Hygiene, Grooming and Veterinary Check-Ups benefit your pet and your health
Salmonella, a common bacteria present in dog feces can cause severe gastrointestinal infection. Toxocara canis is another infectious bacteria also contracted from doggy poo, and it can cause blindness and visual impairment. Perhaps, the worst bacteria transmitted by pets are visceral larva migrans, which is a complicated version of the toxocara canis. In such a case, it is bacterial larvae that enter and migrate through body tissues, damaging them in the process.The only possible remedy to prevent any infection being contracted from your pets is to keep them away from stray animals and observe a thorough health and hygienic routine for them. Pets should be dewormed regularly. When bringing home a puppy, make sure it has had all its distemper and vaccination shots. Regular visits to the vet will ensure your that pet is free from infections.
4. A Pet Should Be Kept In Hygienic Conditions to Avoid Infection
When vaccinating your dog, always remember to ensure he is checked for diseases such as hepatitis. A parvo vaccination is a must as this is one killer disease can kill your dog, as well as cause a number of health concerns for you.Sleeping with your pet can be dangerous, but just as dogs can transmit pathogens to us, we too can transmit bacteria to our pets. Clinical studies have revealed that the variety of bacteria found in dogs consist of quite a few that have been transmitted to the dogs by humans.
5. The Pros and Cons of Keeping a Pet such as a Dog
However, all said and done, there are a number of benefits of keeping a dog, such as improved physical activity and social interaction. Certain universities across the globe also have a pet therapy room to remove the trauma and tension of ongoing exams. Pet therapy is a well-known procedure for treating psychological distress in hospitals, hospices and rehabilitation facilities.Although, speaking about infections from pets and benefits of keeping pets in the same breath sounds contradictory, it all amounts to infection control. Pets are delightful to keep if you know how to maintain one. The benefits of pet companionship outweigh the disadvantages, which can be controlled by practicing hygiene and controlling pet behavior with proper training.
