Prevent the spread of illness from animals to people

The neighbour's retriever plants a big wet dog kiss on your son's face. Your kitten mistakes your hand for a toy mouse and leaves a big scratch. Your toddler digs happily in a park sandbox that you suspect is visited occasionally at night by dogs. Do any of these pet encounters pose a health risk? Yes, as a matter of fact.

When people and pets interact, they share germs along with dog kisses and head pats. Although catching a serious illness from a pet is rare in Canada, certain less serious zoonoses (diseases contracted from animals) are common.

Here are some ways to prevent the spread of disease:

5 rules for kids
1. Wash your hands after you touch an animal.

2. Wash your hands after you play in the sand or dirt, and don't put your dirty hands in your mouth.

3. Don't touch strange or wild animals.

4. If an animal scratches you, tell your parents right away.

5. Don't approach strange animals or pets without their owners' permission.

And for children and adults alike, here are some more preventive measures to ensure you and your pet remain in good health:

• Don't let dogs lick your face or mouth.

• Make sure to get your pets from a trusted source, such as a reliable breeder.

• Always clean up after your pet.

• Keep an up-to-date history of your pet's vaccinations and health record, and take your pet to a veterinarian for regular checkups.

• Train your dog or cat not to bite or scratch people. Don't let cats play with your hands; always use a toy.

• Don't keep wild animals as pets.

• Monitor your pet's contact with other animals, especially strays and unfamiliar animals.