Zoonotic diseases (diseases you can contract from animals) can be dangerous for you and your loved ones. Be sure to follow these steps to keep everyone safe and healthy!
- Schedule annual or biannual veterinary visits for your pet, which should include fecal examinations.
- Keep your pet on year-round monthly parasite prevention, as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Keep pets indoors or supervised to discourage hunting, and do not feed pets raw or undercooked meats
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling animals and working outdoors. Be sure your children wash their hands after playing outside.
- Wash any wounds, even small nicks and cuts, promptly and thoroughly.
- Clean cats’ litter boxes daily, wearing gloves, and always wash your hands immediately afterwards. (Though if you’re pregnant, you should avoid cleaning litter boxes altogether.
- Avoid approaching, touching, or handling stray animals.
- Cover children’s sandboxes when they’re not in use.
- Always wear gloves when gardening.
- Protect yourself from ticks by covering your body with a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat. Check for ticks after hiking, playing, or working in tickinfested environments. Also consider using repellants.