Zoonotic Diseases in Cats and Dogs

Help keep yourself and your family safe. 

Certain diseases can be spread from pets to people, but this does NOT mean you need to give up your pet. With a few simple steps, you can keep your pet and your family healthy.


Things to Consider:

• Washing your hands before eating and after cleaning up after your pet is often one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of disease.
   
• Many intestinal parasites can be passed to young children, AIDS and cancer patients, and others with a weaker immune system. These can easily be prevented and/or controlled.
   
• Pregnant women might be at risk of passing toxoplasmosis on to their unborn baby. Please contact us for more information.
   
• Bartonella is very common in cats in the Pacific Northwest. If you have young children or are immune-compromised, please contact us.
   
• Depending on your dog's lifestyle, s/he and you might be at risk for Leptospirosis. If your dog spends a lot of time in the woods or in Eastern Washington, let us know.  
   
• Fleas can transmit diseases, including bartonella, which can effect humans and even be lethal for people who are immune-compromised.  The good news is that fleas can easily be prevented.