Protecting Your Entire Family From Parasites

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Rachel Beck, CVT

Did you know that pets can have parasites that can be passed from your pet to your human family? Disgusting as it sounds, this is true. These types of parasites are called zoonotic. Ticks and roundworms are examples of zoonotic parasites. Not only can these parasites infect humans, many of them also transmit disease. Vector-borne diseases include plague (transmitted by fleas) and lyme disease (transmitted by ticks). Although anyone can be infected by parasites and vector-borne diseases, children, elderly and those with weakened immune systems are especially at risk. Parasites are much more than a nuisance and cause serious illness in both pets and humans. Luckily, there are steps you decrease the risk of parasites affecting your family.

  • All pets need twice yearly physical examinations, including fecal examinations
  • All pets need year-round internal and external parasite control
  • Clean up pet feces immediately, especially in areas where children play
  • Wear gloves while gardening and wash hands well after working in the yard
  • Pregnant women and those with diminished immune systems should not clean litter boxes
  • Wash all fruit and vegetables from your garden thoroughly before consuming
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
  • Wear shoes when walking outside
  • Keep your pet’s environment clean- both inside and outside
  • Cover sandboxes when not in use to keep pets and wild animals from soiling them
  • Do not allow children to put dirt in their mouths

Pets greatly enhance our lives so keep them and your family healthy by following the above advice to prevent parasites. Talk to your veterinary medical team about keeping your pet parasite free.



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