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Pets and People with Weaker/Compromised Immune Systems
Pets are wonderful. They provide comfort and they love us unconditionally, but they can also spread disease, especially to those with weaker immune systems. This does not mean that you have to give up your pets if you or a loved one is at greater risk, but it does mean that you should protect yourself. This page is designed to help children and people who are immunocompromised live safely with their pets.
Who is at risk?
- Children under the age of seven have not developed a fully functioning immune system and are therefore more susceptible to disease.
- The elderly - here is an article if you want to read more about aging and the immune system.
- HIV/AIDS patients
- Pregnant women
- Transplant patients - anti-rejection medications compromise the immune system and make them more vulnerable to disease.
- People with many types of cancer, especially those of the bone marrow or blood cells (leukemia. lymphoma, multiple myeloma, etc.)
- People undergoing chemotherapy
- Other diseases can also lead to a weakened immune system. For example, cirrhosis of the liver and diabetes mellitus.
- Please check with your doctor to see if any medications you are taking or diseases/conditions you have may be compromising your immune system.
What can I do?
- Deworm your pet.
- Remove pet feces everyday to prevent the spread of parasites. If possible, this should be done by someone who is not immune-compromised. If this is not possible, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Use flea control. Fleas are harmful to your pet and can spread disease to people.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after playing with or handling your pet.
- Do not handle animals who have diarrhea. If your pet has diarrhea for more than one or two days, a person who is not immunocompromised should bring your pet
 in for an exam and should also bring a fresh stool sample.
- Don't bring home an unhealthy pet. Ideally, you should adopt a pet that is at least six months old and have the pet examined right away.
- Have your cat's nails clipped to prevent being scratched. Also, talk to your technician or veterinarian for other ideas on how to prevent being scratched. Consider Soft Paws (R) to prevent scratches.
- Don't let your pet lick your mouth or any open cuts.
- Teach children not to put their mouths on pets and not to put any part of your pet's body inside his or her mouth.
- Do not feed raw or under-cooked meat to your pets. They can increase the chance of intestinal parasites.
- Do not let your pet drink from the toilet.
- Do not let your pet come in contact with stray or wild animals. These animals are much more likely to carry diseases that could affect you or your pet.
- Check with your veterinarian about any tests that should be run or any other recommendations.
Resources and More Information for Pets and Immunocompromised People:
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