With the weather changing from summer to fall, allergies, colds, and sometimes the flu are starting to appear. While taking care of yourself, you also need to ensure your pet doesn’t get sick because, believe it or not, there are some illnesses that he or she can contract from you. Here are three illnesses humans can pass on to their pets.
The Flu
Most pet owners probably don’t think about their pets getting sick when they do, but there are a number of illnesses that humans can pass on to animals. Since the flu is transmitted to others through the air, your dog can catch the flu from you. If you notice him or her being lethargic or not wanting to eat or play and you’ve recently had the flu, take your pet to the veterinary clinic in Lenexa, KS and let them know you’ve recently been ill.
The Mumps
Although it is rare, a dog can get the mumps from a human companion. The mumps is a virus that infects the salivary glands and makes them swell. It can cause muscle aches and fever, and you may feel tired. Since it’s a virus, your dog can get it too. His or her glands will usually swell and he or she may have a fever, feel lethargic, and not want to eat or drink anything. If you notice these symptoms, take your dog to the veterinary clinic right away.
MRSA
Both cats and dogs can get Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, from their owners. Studies show infected pets had owners who worked in healthcare, were hospitalized, or had family in the hospital.
If you notice a skin infection on your dog or cat that’s not healing with treatment, you need to get him or her to the veterinary clinic to have him or her re-examined and checked for MRSA.
