Be aware of diseases that are transmittable between humans and pets and take preventative measures to keep your animals and your family healthy. That’s the advice from an Animal Health Veterinarian with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture who was the guest speaker of a Saskatchewan SPCA webinar in particular about dogs and cats and transmittable diseases.

Dr. Erica Sims explains that diseases spread by insects or through eggs shed in the environment, or through direct contact to mucous membranes. Her advice is to keep pets up to date with their vaccinations and de-worming through your veterinarian. She notes that over-the-counter medications for things like de-worming aren’t as effective and don’t work against all parasites.

Although one should be aware of the opportunity for diseases and how to prevent them, Dr. Sims stresses that the value of having a pet is also important. She points to the human-animal bond, which can benefit both mental and physical well-being.  Studies have shown that caring for animals creates a sense of nurturing in people. Children raised with pets can have improved social skills and self-esteem, a sense of identity and increased empathy towards others.

Sims states that pets can also help reduce stress levels and can reduce the risk of asthma, specifically if children are exposed to a pet within the first year of life.  Statistics from the Canadian Animal Health Institute in September of last year indicate there are about 7 million dogs in Canada and 8.5 million cats.”