How Much Do You Have to Worry About Germs on Your Pet

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We live in a world full of germs. Some people say that it’s as though we coexist with them. Animals tend to attract a lot more germs than we do. This is usually because they love being dirty, rolling around in messy, smelly things, and just being themselves. They’re one with nature – a part of it. And to exist with it, they have to also be resilient to germs, at least to some extent. Although a lot of germs that your pup or cat carries won’t affect them in a serious way, they might be passed on to you, where they can do more damage. Here are a few types of bacteria that your pets could track into your house.

1. SalmonellaPets could be carriers of salmonella. Although its most commonly spread through eggs or meat, our pets can also get infected. If you come into contact with the feces of a dog who has been infected by this bacteria, it could easily spread to you. That’s why it’s so important to use gloves when cleaning up after your dog. When you clean his paws after a walk or a good game of fetch, keep those gloves on, you never know where those feet could have been. No matter how healthy you try to raise them, bacteria like these have a way of always finding a way in. Keep your hands clean by washing them with soap and water.
2. CampylobacterThis bacteria is similar to salmonella and is the major reason behind diarrheal illnesses. The most common way of getting infected by this bacteria is through contact with cat or dog feces, or raw foods. To prevent getting this infection, clean your yard on a regular basis and always keep an eye on your dog during walks, so that he doesn’t walk through waste. Keep your pets clean and stick to a regular bathing schedule, depending on our breed of dog. Cats are natural groomers so they’re cleaner.
3. LeptospiraLeptospira is a bacteria that’s mostly found in urine. It can also be brought into your house by your pet. Dogs are especially susceptible to the disease caused by this bacteria, known as Leptospirosis. Humans can also be affected. You can get infected through contact of mucous membranes or urine of an infected animal. As the severity of the disease increases, it could even lead to liver and kidney failure in our pooches. There are virtually no symptoms for leptospirosis until too late. That’s why it’s especially important to take him to the vet for check-ups on a regular basis.

There’s no need to fear germs once we’ve done everything we can to keep ourselves and our surroundings clean. IF you have any more questions, turn to your vet. He’ll only be happy to help.

Safe soaps to be applied on cats

Cats do not like to take baths. This is as felines like to clean each themselves or each other without the help of water and soap. Kitties need minimal grooming. There are, however, some instances when you must take your cat to its bath even if the animal does not like it, A spot of soapy water will make your kitty clean, taking away not only the grime but also dangerous substances stuck in the coat. This is why it is vital to select a good soap which have ingredients that can be safely used on feline bodies.

Special soaps

The easiest way to deal with the soap problem is to buy a soap specially formulated for cats. These shampoos are made in accordance with a special formula which keeps the coat and skin of the cat moisturized and clean. The soaps have a balanced pH which will not dry out the feline skin. In case you use a flea shampoo, do follow the instructions laid out by the manufacturer. Do not use it just born or a month old kitties or pregnant cats. It must not also be used on nursing mother cats. This is as the insecticides such shampoos contain may harm the animals. It is important that you consult the veterinarian first in such cases. Whatever you do, never use dog shampoo/soap on your cat. Canine shampoos may contain ingredients like essential oils, fragrances, and insecticides, which are harmful to cats.

Beware of essential oil

It is good to remember that for cats, natural soaps may not be the better ones. Most natural shampoos and soaps have essential oils extracted from plants to scent them. These oils are dangerous for cats. The reality is that essential oils are actually toxic to cats. This is as the liver of the cat does not generate the enzyme required for metabolizing these walls. Since the skin easily absorbs essential oils, it the best way is to stay away from such compounds. A few essential oils have phenolic compounds and phenols, which could be harmful to kitties. Examples of these oils are pine oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, and peppermint oil. All these oils are extremely toxic to the kitty.

If the cat gets exposed to essential oils, the animal may experience many symptoms like vomiting, shakiness, drooling and low body temperature. There may also be liver failure. If you observe any of such symptoms, take the feline to the veterinary clinic. If you do not have cat special shampoo, you can use baby shampoo for humans or an unscented, gentle one. These kinds of cleaning compounds are nearer to alkaline pH or neutral pH compared to adult shampoos. This makes it much better for the cat whose skin is a little more alkaline compared to human skin.