Keeping You and Your Pet Healthy

Maybe chasing your new puppy around the house or yard will make your heart and walking your dog is definitely good exercise.

Your adorable cat may help soothe that savage beast within—after a tough day at the office or tending to stressful daily activities.

While pet ownership may provide health benefits, you should take a few precautions to prevent either of you from getting sick.

Pet kisses? Yikes! Bad news. Pets’ mouths teem with bacteria and parasites. Salmonella and Campylobacter can even be found on some dogs’ tongues.

Can you make your pet sick? And can your pet return the favor? Yes, and yes. In fact, pets have contracted H1N1 flu from ill owners. Vets recommend frequent hand washing and separate beds when you’re sick. E. coli bacteria and MRSA (a “superbug”) can be passed from pets to people.

Tips adapted from WebMD