Can your child catch something from your pet?
The question:
Is there anything my child can "catch" from family pets?
The Pediatrician answers:
Very little, actually. Most germs are fairly species-specific. Bites can get infected, but human bites are much more dangerous. Occasional parasites, such as larvae cutaneous migrans, can be transmitted. Also, dogs can get Strep throat, and give it back if kissed.
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The only significant diseases from mammals are:
1) Rabies: If a raccoon or bat bites your pet, the pet can acquire rabies -- and they can, in turn, bite the master. Any animal bite must have the biting animal observed for behavioral changes for several weeks.
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2) Cat scratch disease (also known as cat scratch fever), which causes massive lymph node swelling and tiredness and fevers of unknown origin for months should really be called "kitten scratch fever" since it is mainly transmitted by cats less than 1 year old. It is transmitted by claw scratches, not by biting. This disease is not usually fatal, but it is lengthy, uncomfortable and does not cure easily -- even with antibiotics.
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3) Reptiles are more dangerous since they normally carry the salmonella bacteria in their mouth and skin. Always make sure kids wash their hands thoroughly (at least 15 seconds of running water) after playing with lizards, snakes or other reptiles, and that they never kiss or lick their pets.
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4) Birds -- including parrots, parakeets, canaries and other pet birds -- will occasionally transmit psittacosis (a flu-like syndrome) through handling their feces. Again, a good hand washing should prevent infection.
MORE ABOUT KIDS AND PETS
Pet Owner's Guide to Pets & Kids @ SheKnows.com
Pets: Introducing them to the new baby
Top 10 dog breeds for kids
