Pets are just like the family members. You love them and care for them

By Manoj Kumar Singh

Pets are just like the family members. You love them and care for them. But the most common mistake that majority of pet owner do is that they give minimal focus on the health of their pets. Many owners keep a strict control on the hygiene of their pet and give them nutrient rich diet.

However, the problem that occurs is that pet may still fall ill and you may completely ignore the symptoms. In most cases of minor health issues, the pet recovers with some rest even when you do not give any treatment to them.

Vaccination is a very good option to ensure maximum protection of your pet. For this, you need to consult your veterinarians, who will advice you as per your pet. Even vaccination is not a complete protection.

You need to know about common diseases your pet can have. This varies whether you have dog, cat, hamster, parrot or any other animal or bird. Adding to this the breed of your animal or bird also determines its immunity and disease types.

As a pet owner, you need to be well aware of your pet’s breed, common eating habits, seasonal diseases and physical aspects as you will keep an eye on any child.

“

To help you love your pet more and take care, we bring to you few tips that will help you know your pet is sick.

“

Your Pet Starts Behaving Differently- Normally every pet is very happy to see the owner but if sick, they will not respond the same way and will be low in energy. You will notice they behave differently than what they normally do.

You may also see them difficulty in breathing, walking or not standing. If you see this signs call your veterinarian.

Their Body Temperature Is Abnormal- Ok! Now when you see that your pet is behaving bit differently it is time to do same you will do with your kids. Measure their temperature. Normal temperature of a dog is around 99.5 to 102.5 degree Fahrenheit. If temperature varies from this range, consult the veterinarian.

Your Pet Is Vomiting- Sometimes animals vomit to discard something that is not appropriate. It is natural if you leave them outside and they have eaten something. However, continuous vomiting can lead to dehydration and can be an indication for trouble. See what they are vomiting and call your veterinarian.

They Are Not Eating Properly- When the animals are sick they do not eat properly. Sometimes stop drinking water. They may urinate frequently with foul odor. This may indicate issues related to kidney or diabetes. There may be urinary tract infection too. Sometime stomach worms also lead to change in behavior of the animal.

Conclusion- If your animal is sneezing, coughing or has diarrhea, it is an indication of illness. You need to keep an eye on the gums colors as they change if the health is not good. Healthy animals have reddish gums. Watery stool means stomach problem.

Many times animals detach themselves from their owner and go somewhere alone. This is a very strong sign they are not well, as they try to protect you from their sickness.

You pet loves you more than their life and will do anything to take care of you. But as a pet owner if you really love your pet you need to know when they are sick and also take care of their treatment.

You can keep track of their regular vaccinations and medicine prescribed to them. You should also know what medicine suits them and food that keeps them healthy. After all a healthy pet will always love you more and be there for you when you need them.

Year 2020 has come with this century’s most dangerous global health crisis. The highly infectious novel corona virus (Covid19) has already killed thousands of people globally. The number is continuously growing. It is an example of zoonosis. Zoonosis is infectious diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. The disease causing agents are always bacteria, viruses or other parasites.

About 60% of the infectious diseases originated from other animals. Animals and humans are living for centuries together. Various studies indicate that presence of pet helps improve the overall health of a person adding to good mental health. Also, we are dependent on animals for food in the form of meat, egg and milk etc. There are various other items that come from animals.

Mode of spreading of zoonotic diseases from animals to people

1.    Exposure to aerosol- Similar to corona virus that spreads through oral droplets many organisms spread through air or contaminated surfaces through coughing, sneezing, touching eyes and mouth etc.        

2.    Exposure to fecal waste- While cleaning the waste of the animal and not cleaning the hands properly the microscopic eggs, cysts,  viruses and bacteria are shed into the feces enter the body of the person through mouth. This spreads the infection from the infected animal.

3.    Exposure to skin- Scratches, Bites from the animals, bites from insects, pus or any shed from infected animal when in contact with the skin that is not cleaned on time or properly can cause infection. Generally, the disease transmits directly from animal to human or through fomites (contaminated objects).

Preventing diseases spreading from Pets/ Animals to People:

1.    Maintaining Hygiene- You need to keep good hygiene personally and also of your animals. Make sure their housing is also clean and sanitized properly from time to time. While cleaning the animal house and fecal matter, wear gloves and farm specific clothes as needed. Wash hands after handling them.

2.   Vaccination- As an owner you should know the diseases your pet can get and be alert for that. As season changes the attack from different pathogens increases causing diseases. Vaccination is the best way to protect your animal from any seasonal pathogen attack.

3.    Proper Treatment- On diagnosis the infected animal should get proper treatment. Any symptoms of excessive sneezing, saliva secretion or loss of appetite means something is not well. Inform the veterinarian about the symptoms of the animal time to time.  The best treatment is keeping your pet or animal healthy through healthy food, nutrition supplements and proper exercise.

4.  Isolation- Be alert near sick animals and take note of their health condition. In herds the best option is to separate them from rest of the animals because that prevents spread of the disease into healthy animals and care takers.

Veterinary Insurance:  In most cases farmers and even other pet owners go for indigenous treatment for their pets and animals as it is cheap. In some cases animal does recover for little time period but disease may reappear. The reason is very high cost of treatment for the animals. Some people even release their pets into the wild or on the street to die without treatment.

This is more dangerous as it can infect animals in large number. The best way is to have a small insurance of your pet and animal too. As pets are part of your family they need same love and protection as other members. For farmers loss of their animal means loss of their income this insurance protect their animals and them in long run.

Conclusion- Please note that this article of to help people understand in a better way how zoonotic diseases spread and what are the simple precautions that  can help prevent spreading them. Pets and cattle do not spread disease directly but when sick themselves.

As their owner you need to take care of them and ensure they are healthy. Adding to this their place of living should also be clean. The most important thing is your own immunity that needs to be strong to combat any disease attack from any source.

Do remember that your pets and other animals you domesticate love you unconditionally, but depend on you for their care as they are unable to do so.

Proper food and preventive checkups are great steps to keep them healthy and share the love.  And if possible get an insurance done for your animals too, to protect from any financial loss.