Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases that you can get from your pets.

Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases that you can get from your pets.

Infographic: A Pet Owner’s Guide to Zoonotic Diseases | Harmony Pet Clinic, Tomball, TX

Keeping Your Whole Family Healthy

A Pet Owner’s Guide to Germs We Can Share

Our pets are family. We cuddle them, play with them, and love them. But sometimes, germs can pass between pets and people. These are called “zoonotic diseases.”
Don’t worry! Keeping your pet healthy is the best way to keep your family healthy too. Dr. Banga at Harmony Pet Clinic is here to help every dog, cat, puppy, and kitten owner do just that!

Ringworm

A skin fungus (not a worm!) that causes itchy, circular rashes.

How it spreads:

Contact with an infected pet or their bedding.

How to prevent:

Keep areas clean & see a vet for any skin issues.

Skin Mites (Scabies)

A tiny mite causing intense itching in dogs and rashes on people.

How it spreads:

Direct contact with an infected dog.

How to prevent:

Prompt vet treatment for your pet is the cure for all.

Cat Scratch Disease

A bacterial infection from a cat scratch, spread by fleas.

How it spreads:

From an infected cat’s scratch or bite.

How to prevent:

Consistent, year-round flea control.

Leptospirosis

Serious bacteria from water contaminated by wildlife urine.

How it spreads:

Dogs drinking from puddles or ponds.

How to prevent:

Vaccinate your dog! Ask Dr. Banga about the Lepto shot.

Salmonella

Bacteria in pet poop that can cause stomach issues in people.

How it spreads:

Contact with poop; common in raw-fed pets.

How to prevent:

Wash hands thoroughly after handling pet food/waste.

Rabies

A deadly virus spread by the bite of an infected animal.

How it spreads:

Bite from rabid wildlife (bats, raccoons, etc.).

How to prevent:

Vaccination is the #1 defense and it’s required by law.

Intestinal Worms

Roundworms & Hookworms are common in puppies/kittens.

How it spreads:

Contact with contaminated soil or sand.

How to prevent:

Regular deworming from your vet & good hand washing.

Giardia

A tiny parasite from water that causes diarrhea.

How it spreads:

Drinking contaminated puddle or stream water.

How to prevent:

Provide fresh water. See a vet for testing if diarrhea occurs.

Toxoplasmosis

A parasite from cat feces or raw meat. A concern for pregnant women.

How it spreads:

Contact with cat feces in the litter box.

How to prevent:

Scoop litter daily. Pregnant women should avoid this task.

Your Partner in Pet Health in Tomball

Keeping your pet safe keeps you safe! Dr. Banga and the caring team at Harmony Pet Clinic are here to help. We proudly serve pet families from Tomball, Spring, Magnolia, and Cypress.