The happy bark and waggling of the tail of our dog when we get home... the long lean stretch of our cat, while he purrs contently... the beautiful song our bird sings every time... Pets sure gives us a great deal of pleasure. Having a company that doesn't judge and accepts us the way we are, and that shows happiness for being around us, it's great! Not only for our soul, but for our body and mind as well. Medical surveys states that interaction with a pet relieves stress and lowers your heart rate and blood pressure.

But that isn't the only benefit of having an animal. Several studies indicate that having a companion animal increases lifespan in general and alertness among the elderly. Having a dog or cat to pet, even for an afternoon, helps patients and shut-ins. Even in prisons there are now programs where inmates adopt and care for dogs as part of their rehabilitation!

Like any good thing in life, there are dangers. No matter how loved, pets can make you sick. Several animal diseases cross over to humans. The animal to human disease exchange rate is only now being fully explored by science. It is important to be aware of these risks and protect yourself and your pet from exposure.

Here are some examples of diseases you can get from pets (Zoonoses):

If your DOG comes home from outside - or even from the Vet - with a cough and a temperature, chances are he has Kennel Cough. People can get it as well. In humans, Kennel cough manifests as a lingering low grade upper respiratory infection and lo-grade temp.

CAT litter boxes are rife with potential health risks such as Toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems should never change a litter box. It's important not to inhale the dust from clay litter boxes. And not only for the obvious reason that's smelly as hell!

Worms are the most common canine and cat problem. It appears that all baby animals come with worms. Kittens get roundworms just by nursing from her mother! Evidence of Roundworms is: a scruffy dull coat, a potbelly, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Hookworms are more severe and can cause a weak kitten to die. This parasite is obtained in the usual way or from eating infected rodents. Outside cats are more susceptible. Dogs also have these worms as well as whipworm.

And you know what? People can also become infected, the children being the most vulnerable! Hookworms can enter through the soles of the feet. Fleas can bite you. Even our food/drink can be accidentally contaminated by Sticky eggs that fall on clothes or furniture.

Signs of Roundworm in humans: fever, stomach pain, coughing, vision or neurological problems. The most common symptom of hookworm infection in people is a skin rash. Symptoms associated with a tapeworm infection include stomachache, lack of appetite, or itching around the rectum.

As for ringworm it's a fungal infection. If your animal had patchy hair loss, scaly skin, or is constantly grooming beware. Ringworm is highly infectious to other pets and humans. It's easy to get the fungus on your hands or under your fingernails, and then pass it on. Itchy, reddened areas of skin, mostly circular, may be ringworm.

You also have to be cautious with BIRDS. Not all of them harbor infections, but some are carriers who won't act sick when carrying a disease. Particularly people with compromised immune systems (HIV+ people, the elderly or chronically ill, those receiving Chemotherapy or who have had an organ transplant) are most at risk.

Psittacosis is an example. This happen most often with Cockatiels. The disease causes flu-like symptoms in Humans; fever, chills, headache. Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcus are fungal respiratory infections that occur in people who inhale invisible fungal spores from contaminated soil or dust, normally from bird feces.Though rare, these diseases can be quite serious and even lead to meningitis or encephalitis (brain inflammation).

 First of all: HAVE A PET! Don't be scared by all these things. Having a pet is still the best thing. These occurrences are rare and if you take some precautions chances of becoming ill from your pet are the same as winning the lottery!

Hygiene is the keyword here. Always promote it while petting - and not only on them! You are in the equation as well!

So what do I mean by that? Here's some tips:

• Avoid at all costs the contact of animals while you're eating. Never let them get close to the food... Cats are notorious offenders. Washing your hands before eating is always important, but even more when you have a pet!
• Promptly dispose of any fecal or other waste materials - avoid inhaling or extensive skin contact. Preferencially wear gloves when disposing of wastes and when gardening.
• Never kiss your pets on the mouth! You never know where it was a minute ago!
• Did I mention to wash the hands after cleaning up after your pet? :D
• Wear shoes outside, especially at public places.
• Get the services of a good Vet and take your pet there regularly. Make sure it has broad spectrum parasite repellent all year long. And be alert to signs of a possible disease of your pet taking prompt action if you suspect something.

What if both me and my pet are ill?

DON'T PANIC! Even if you got it from your pet most of the infections are easily treated with antibiotic or with medicated cremes and salves in case of the skin affections. Your doctor just needs to know which medicines to choose, so it's important you let him know that you are a pet owner!

So, there it is! Hope my info was useful and I wasn't too boring!

Have a happy and longer life with your pet!