You can catch anything another human might have. Many of the major pet diseases cannot be transmitted to people. People are more likely to contract infections from a variety of sources in their normal environment, such as water, improperly prepared food, wild animals, or other people, than from their pets. The following guidelines may help pet owners who are vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Routine veterinary care, physical examinations, standard immunizations, and flea and parasite control programs will ensure that your pet is healthy.
Veterinarians receive special training in diseases common to people and animals.
If someone in your household is immunosuppressed, your veterinarian can test for specific infections that are transmissible to people. Should your pet become sick, seek veterinary care early in the course of the illness. When selecting a new pet, use a reliable source and ask about the animal's health care. A mature pet is less likely than a young one to carry infections. Dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, and small rodents are safer than reptiles and monkeys.