Can you pet your pet if you have cancer?| healthcareonline

Pets improve your mood and are great companions when you are undergoing cancer treatment. There is research showing how pet therapy can provide profound benefits during chemotherapy. If appropriate caution is used Having a pet next to you Helps reduce feelings of loneliness Promotes feelings of well-being and reduces the need for painkillers as well

In the end Safety and foresight are the only things you really need. To protect yourself from any infection or disease. that your pet may have accidentally given to you

Understanding zoonotic infections

Often we don’t think about contracting diseases from pets. But the truth is that up to 60% of all contagious infections occur between animals and humans. It is called an infection from animals to humans. It is a disease that spreads through bites, scratches, and contact with saliva. or the feces of pets and other animals

People receiving chemotherapy are more likely to develop these infections due to the immune-suppressing nature of the drugs. This reduces the number of white blood cells needed to fight disease.

There are approximately 30 to 40 infectious organisms that can spread disease from animals to humans. Most of which are rare but do exist. The most common types surround us every day and tend to cause illness only when our immune systems are severely compromised.

Infections transmitted by cats

The most serious cat-related infection is toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. This disease is considered widespread. with more than 30% of the population having evidence of previous infection. Although symptoms are generally mild or nonexistent in healthy people, But it can be more serious in people with compromised immune systems. Causes seizures, blindness, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Another common cat-related infection is bartonellosis (cat scratch fever), which is caused by the bacteria Bartonella hensele after being scratched by an infected cat. People may experience flu-like symptoms. Such as sore throat, fatigue, and swollen glands in the neck and/or armpits. Kittens are more likely to spread the disease than older cats.

Infections transmitted by dogs

Like a cat Dogs can spread germs when they scratch you. Bites or contact with feces Exposure to tapeworm eggs in dogs (echinococcosis) is known to cause severe liver disease.

other infections It can be spread through pet flea bites, such as bartonellosis. allergic dermatitis Yersinia pestis (plague) and epidemic typhus They are occasionally seen in rural areas in some parts of the world.

Infections transmitted by birds

The most common disease transmitted by birds is pittacosis. This is an infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci. Symptoms in humans include fever, muscle aches, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, dry cough and vomiting.

Birds with psittacosis often suffer from a rash, runny nose, diarrhea and a general poor appearance. The bacteria is usually spread by contact with sick birds or their droppings.

If you have pets It’s normal to want to avoid infection from your furry friend.

Infections caused by reptiles Amphibians and fish

Although careful management can prevent many pet-borne infections, But reptiles and amphibians seem to be the exception. In fact Some oncologists recommend that pets such as iguanas, snakes, chameleons, frogs, and salamanders should be completely avoided during chemotherapy. Reptiles and amphibians are known to harbor bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. All of which can be spread easily by contact.

As for the fish in the aquarium, sometimes there may be bacteria. Mycobacterium marinum, a bacterial disease usually identified by lumps on the fish’s skin Contact with fish or inside a tank can spread the infection to people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include the formation of skin lesions called granulomas. In rare cases Bacteria can spread through the bloodstream to infect other organs.

Tips to avoid infection from pets

If you have pets It’s normal to want to avoid infection from your furry friend. Have scales or hair? It’s normal to want him by your side because his unconditional love will keep you alive even on the most complicated days. Having your partner by your side gives you the strength to care for them. and vice versa They will shower you with unconditional love every day. Fighting will be less due to your presence, therefore, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully. So that living with your pet does not cause any harm:

• Take your pet to the veterinarian to check for possible infection or disease before starting chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
• Make sure your pet is fully vaccinated.
• Wear gloves when cleaning the litter box, bird cage, or fish tank (or ask someone to do it for you).
• Be careful when touching your pet to avoid scratching or biting it.
• Trim and file your cat’s nails. (Or ask an expert or friend to do it for you.)
• Don’t let your cat go outside. Because it will help prevent unknown infections.
• Put flea collars on your dogs and cats. And bathe your pet regularly to avoid getting dirty.
• Wash your hands regularly if you have pets that roam freely in your garden.
• Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately if they show signs of illness such as vomiting or diarrhea.
• Always wash your hands after cleaning the litter box, bird cage, or fish tank, even if you are wearing gloves.
• Wear a face mask every time you clean the litter box, bird cage, or fish tank, even if you wear gloves.
• Consider having a friend care for your pet while he or she is sick. Or if you need to take him to the veterinarian