Doctors stressed adherence to vaccinations and periodic examinations

Pets transmit skin, bacterial and respiratory diseases to humans

• Prevention requires attention to animal hygiene and care to give it the necessary vaccinations.

  archival

picture

Many people keep pets, such as cats, dogs and rabbits in their homes, and surround them with feelings of love and care.

Although this behavior includes many advantages due to its positive effects, especially in the psychological aspect, it warns of many health risks.

Doctors confirm to «Emirates Today» that they receive patients continuously who suffer from skin, bacterial and respiratory diseases, which were transmitted to them from their pets, pointing to the need to adhere to specific health controls and standards, to ensure a healthy and safe relationship between a person and his pet, most notably conducting a periodic examination of animals to ensure their safety. .

Dermatology consultant Dr. Anwar Al-Hammadi said that there are many psychological benefits to raising pets, but there is a dark side to owning them, stressing that his clinic receives cases of patients daily, with diseases resulting from pets in the house, most notably body fungi, which are contagious. , and requires immediate treatment.

Al-Hammadi added, "Vaccinating animals does not protect them from all diseases, so preventive measures must be taken while dealing with them, especially for those with chronic diseases and those suffering from allergies, asthma or other diseases," stressing the need to conduct periodic examinations of animals to ensure their safety on an ongoing basis.

He pointed out that «the most prominent health problems caused by pets are fungi, which appear in the form of circular rings, which require two weeks of treatment».

Dr. Faiza Al Ali, a consultant dermatologist and skin pathologist and head of the dermatology department at Al Qasimi Hospital, said that the acquisition of pets has become widespread and common among people, and this is most likely due to their many benefits for children and adults alike, as they help reduce the risk of injury to a person. Heart disease, relieve anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness.

It can also improve the mood and help reduce obesity due to the constant movement and playing with it, and taking care of it improves children's behavior and teaches them to take care of others and take responsibility, and positively affects the biological aspect of the child, in terms of enhancing the secretion of the hormone of happiness, and enhancing self-confidence in the child through By performing and completing tasks, and overcoming fears.

And she continued, “Despite these advantages of raising pets, there are risks that must be wary of, as human contact with them may lead to some types of infections, including toxoplasmosis, which is a common parasitic infection associated with pets, ringworm or ringworm, and allergic diseases.” In people who are allergic to animals, rabies, and cat scratch disease, in addition to that exposure to cats infected with fleas is a risk factor for infection with Bartonella bacteria, which leads to swollen lymph nodes, and it often affects children and people who suffer from immunodeficiency.

She pointed out that the balance between the human dimension in owning pets and maintaining health requires attention to specific matters, most notably ensuring that there is no allergy in any of the family members, obtaining the approval of all family members before taking this step, and making sure that the place is suitable in terms of Space and safety, so that the animal does not suffer any harm, and estimate the extent of responsibility regarding the availability of time and the ability to make the necessary effort to care for the pet, and follow-up with a veterinarian periodically to maintain the health of the animal.

She stated that there are different types of pets, the most important of which are cats, dogs, birds, fish, turtles, etc., and it is necessary to educate and know the basics of care, and ask experienced people according to the type of animal or bird before purchasing it.

She said that the method of raising pets boils down to full awareness and understanding of all their psychological and physical needs, stressing knowledge of prevention methods and methods, which include periodic vaccination of animals, ensuring that the affected animal is diagnosed and treated, washing hands after touching it, using sterilizers, prompt disposal of animal feces, and cleaning Place the excrement, sterilize it with hot water and disinfectants, and it is preferable to use protective gloves when disposing of excrement and excrement.

In the event that the same person suffers any wounds, he must stay away from animals, due to the possibility of animal infection being transmitted through the wound.

She confirmed receiving cases of diseases resulting from the acquisition of pets, most of which are infected with ringworm, which is a fungus in the superficial layers of the skin. It is treated with topical antifungals, and it recovers within days, and there are no complications.

Dr. Badriya Al-Harami, Public Health Consultant and Vice President of the Emirates Society for Public Health, said that one of the most common types of infection that is transmitted from animals to humans is Salmonella infection, which infects the intestines and causes vomiting, and children are the most vulnerable members of the family to infection, as they may eat animal food without awareness of its danger.

And she added that the risks also include the transmission of parasites, such as tapeworms or hookworms, through handling or contact with animal feces, as well as the transmission of fleas and ticks, and the incidence of allergic diseases and bronchitis, in addition to the risks of being bitten.

Al-Harami pointed out that raising pets brings joy and pleasure to the home, and strengthens the sense of responsibility in children through caring for the animal, in addition to enhancing mental health and giving children energy and vitality.

But on the other hand, there are harms from animal husbandry.

Hence the responsibility to preserve the health of family members, by following preventive measures to protect them from various diseases.

The most prominent of these procedures is caring for the cleanliness of the animal, ensuring that it is given the necessary vaccinations or medicines that it needs to prevent diseases, and paying attention to the cleanliness and disinfection of the house on a regular basis.

And pregnant women called for caution when dealing with cats, because they could carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a disease that can cause dangerous complications during pregnancy.

• “Human contact with pets can lead to infection with ringworm, ringworm or toxoplasmosis, a common parasitic infection.”

• «The most prominent health problems caused by pets.. are fungi, which appear in the form of circular rings, which require two weeks of treatment».

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news