- Group of cats and dogs
Bangalore!
We’re sure your pets are adorable, little furballs who are beloved,
important members of your family. They are, after all, a big source of
comfort and companionship, and even known to improve overall well-being
by increasing oxytocin levels. But are you aware of the health problems
caused by pets?
The truth is that they can also be potential
health hazards that could be putting your family at risk of serious
illnesses. To help you see how, we’ve made a list of the 6 most common
ways in which your pets could be bringing infections into your home in
Bangalore. Scroll on to know how to identify and tackle these problems
at the earliest, and keep your family fit and fine, including the
four-legged members!
Pet Feces
Anyone
owning a pet will need to engage with feces at some point or the other.
If all traces of it are not cleaned regularly and effectively, it could
lead to some serious infections you’d rather not catch.
Campylobateriosis
is one infection that can be contracted by exposure to feces of an
infected animal, most common in puppies and kittens younger than 6
months. People with weak immune systems, young children and the elderly
are most at risk, with typical symptoms being diarrhea and fever.
Toxoplasmosis
can be contracted by coming into contact with any cat feces, as all
felines are carriers of it. Pregnant women should be doubly careful in
handling their cat’s litter, as it could cause birth defects in unborn
children or even trigger a miscarriage.
Pet Urine
Whenever
you get that distinct stench of urine in your home, you know your pet
is the guilty one. But did you know about how it could be impacting your
respiratory system due to its ammonia content? It can lead to severe
burning of the nose, throat, respiratory tract and lungs.
While we
might wipe it up immediately, it can still find its way deep into
furniture, carpets, and bed sheets. That’s why it’s imperative to get
rid of every trace of it, also so that your pet doesn’t soil the same
spot again. If you or your family members suffer from allergies, asthma,
or other conditions like migraines, this should be top priority as they
are especially susceptible to the risks associated with ammonia
inhalation.
Pet fur and dander
If you are
prone to allergies, time to sit up! Pet fur is one of the biggest
causes of respiratory allergies and bronchial asthma to act up. But did
you know that the even bigger offender is pet dander- the tiny,
microscopic, flecks of skin shed by pets of all kinds. Whether
short-haired, long-haired, or hairless, all pets shed dander, which
easily stick to furniture, bedding, and fabrics in your home due to
their minute size and jagged shape.
This needs to get taken care
of at the root level, as they can lead to upper and lower respiratory
tract symptoms including congestion, sneezing, runny nose, chest
tightness and wheezing. Other symptoms are itching, watery eyes, and
eczema or rashes.
Ticks and Fleas
The most obvious
culprits! Pets that spend time in the garden, outside near trees may
come back infected with ticks and fleas. Apart from impairing your pet’s
health, they can also cause you serious problems.
Lyme disease
tops the list in that regard- a hard to detect illness that can spread
to humans if the ticks bite them. It causes long-term problems, such as
irregular heartbeat, arthritis and impaired brain function. Infants,
again, are most susceptible to this.
Another thing to watch out
for with kids is the chances of them accidentally swallowing a flea,
which can pass on dangerous bacteria like tapeworm larvae to the child.
Pet Food
This
might come as a surprise to some, but leftover pet food can be a cause
of serious health issues. Dry pet food may carry salmonella, a
nausea-inducing bacteria that can infect the small intestines.
So
if it is lying around, there is a chance of children picking it up and
nibbling at it, thereby picking up the infection as well. So the next
time you see some pet food lying around, get rid of it immediately.
It’s time for a deep clean!
Taking
care of these common problems can prevent your beloved pets from
becoming a health hazard for your family. You must maintain utmost
hygiene at all times, to get rid of all those microscopic germs,
allergens and pests that might remain even after your regular cleaning
routine.
We at
Mr. Homecare are equipped with the necessary equipment, products, and know-how to avoid all health problems caused by pets.
Click here to
read more about how we can help. We’re ready to come to any part of
Bangalore to make your home a safe haven for you, your family, and your
furry friends!
