Oct. 5, 2023 | Pets provide a number of benefits to their owners, from companionship to exercise. To find the right pet for you and your family, it’s important to do some research about the specific needs of the animal. Some things to consider include how long will this animal live, how big will they get and what kind of food do they eat? You should take into consideration the cost of veterinary care and whether or not you have the time to properly care for and clean up after the pet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that homes with children under the age of 5 should not have reptiles, amphibians or poultry as pets because of the risk of serious illness from germs shared between children and these animals. Pregnant women should avoid adopting or handling cats as they can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a disease that can cause birth defects. It’s a good idea to talk to a veterinarian or your physician to find the best pet for you.

Oct. 5, 2023 | You’ve just finished having a big meal with your family and you’re wondering what to do with the bones from the steaks or ham. Before you toss one of those bones to the family dog, consider this. Unlike many of the commercially produced treats for dogs that resemble bones, butcher-type bones are uncooked and unprocessed. For this reason, they pose a choking threat for dogs and can cause blockage in the animal’s digestive tract. They can also cause cuts and wounds in the mouth or tonsils, vomiting and diarrhea. Gnawing on a bone can often lead to cracks in a dog’s teeth. Bone fragments can be sharp and scrape the inside of a dog’s large intestine, causing severe pain or bleeding. Be sure to properly dispose of any bones or meat remnants after a meal as dogs can sometimes dig through kitchen trash in search of food. And take care when walking your dog that they don’t pick up any bones or objects that they could easily swallow.

Oct. 5, 2023 | A turtle may seem like a low-maintenance pet but they can, like many animals found in the wild, can transmit diseases to humans. The selling of small turtles, those with shells less than four inches long, was actually banned in the United States in 1975 to prevent the spread of salmonella, a type of bacteria that live in the intestines of people and animals. Salmonella infections are usually caused by eating undercooked meats or eggs. A salmonella infection can last anywhere from two seven days, causing nausea, vomiting and fever. If maintained properly, however, turtles can live for decades and grow to be a foot long. That’s a lifetime responsibility that many people are not prepared to meet. If you’ve done research and are prepared for the commitment and responsibility of a turtle, consider adopting one from a local animal shelter or rescue group instead of creating more demand for turtles by purchasing one from a pet store.

Oct. 5, 2023 | They may seem friendly, but wild animals are exactly that, wild. Children should be discouraged from trying to pet wild animals, even if they appear docile. A young animal may appear to be abandoned and in need of rescue, but a parent is often nearby and may feel threatened by the presence of humans near their young. Don’t encourage wild animals such as raccoons, prairie dogs or wild rodents to come into your home by feeding them. The Humane Society of the United States warns potential pet owners that wild animals are not domesticated simply by being kept in captivity. It’s a different story with dogs and cats, who have been domesticated by selective breeding for desired traits over thousands of years. These animal companions depend on humans for food, shelter and care. Wild animals, by nature, are self-sufficient and fare best without our interference. The instinctive behavior of these animals makes them unsuitable as pets.

Oct. 5, 2023 | Washing your hands is the best way to avoid the spread of germs during the cold and flu season. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands after coming in contact with your pet to reduce the risk of illnesses that can be caused by germs that can be shared between people and pets. Using running water and soap is the best way to clean your hands, but a hand sanitizer will serve the same purpose if they aren’t available. You should always wash your hands after leaving an area where animals live, like a barn or coop, even if you didn’t touch an animal. And wash your hands after using the bathroom, before eating and after removing soiled clothes or shoes. If a family member becomes ill, be sure to mention to your health care provider any pets they may have come in contact with. And contact your veterinarian with any concerns you may have about your pet’s health, they can be a valuable source of information on diseases people can share with pets.