Pet owners shouldn't let their animals sleep on their beds or even in their bedroom, say vets.
About one in two households in the UK has a pet, with cats (ten million) and dogs (seven million) the most common.
Vets say pet owners need to be aware of the possible spread of diseases from domestic animals.
Infections and diseases can be passed from animals to people. Although this is rare, examples include:
- Ringworm: a fungal infection of the skin that can be passed on from dogs, cats and hamsters. People who work with animals are more prone to the infection.
- Toxocariasis: an infection caused by worms found in dog and cat faeces (poo).
- Toxoplasmosis: caused by a parasite found in cat faeces. It can also be found in undercooked and infected meat and can be spread by using contaminated kitchen utensils.
The most common way to get an infection from an animal is by being bitten, or by close contact with its faeces.
There is also a very small chance of an infection being spread through contaminated water or food.
Hygiene tips
Follow these pet hygiene tips to reduce your risk of infection.
- Wash your hands thoroughly. Always use an antibacterial soap after handling your pets (this is essential before preparing food).
- Teach children to always wash their hands. You could wipe their hands with a cleaning wipe, especially before they eat anything.
- Make sure children stay away from dog and cat faeces. Don’t let children play around a litter tray and don't go near dog litter bins at the park.
- Check that your pets are in good health. Immunisations should be up-to-date. Regular check-ups at the vets can also spot any possible infections.
- Keep your pet’s fur clean. This may simply involve cleaning their paws if they've dug up any soil or a thorough shampoo after swimming in the local pond.
