Health Effects Of Pets In The Home

Anyone's health can be adversely affected by having a pet in the home, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, factors such as age and the condition of one's health makes certain individuals more vulnerable to illnesses carried by animals. However, owning a pet can also be good for your health.

Asthma

Asthma is a condition that occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed and narrow as a result of an allergic reaction. People with asthma may experience problems with breathing, and may also develop a cough and a wheeze. Asthma attacks can be fatal.
Certain things induce or aggravate asthma, including a pet's dander, excrement and saliva. For obvious reasons, you should not keep animals such as dogs, cats, small pets with hair or birds in your house if someone living in your house has asthma.

Mold

Mold is a fungus that is often found in damp areas such as grassy fields and woodlands, and it can be transported into your home if your pet visits these areas and gets some of this fungus on its fur. Some people may not feel the health effects of mold, but people with a weak immune system could be vulnerable to respiratory infections. Others may develop a cough, a sore throat, nasal congestion, eye or skin soreness, or a wheeze.

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is contracted through animal or human feces. Children are especially at risk for this disease if they put something that touched animal excrement in their mouth. Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include cramps, diarrhea and an elevation in body temperature. Dogs or cats that are less than 6 months old are possible carriers of the disease, as are dogs or cats that have diarrhea.

Toxoplasmosis

A parasite called Toxoplasma gondii is responsible for toxoplasmosis. The parasite can be transferred through animal excrement, and cats are the usual carriers of the parasite. Toxoplasmosis is harmful to pregnant women as it can create complications and bring on a miscarriage. Cats can get toxoplasmosis from eating raw meat. Toxoplasmosis can be contracted by humans through contact with a dirty cat litter or infected soil.

Health Benefits

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, owning a pet can reduce elevated blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Pets are also good company, and they can put you in a good mood. They can also keep you in shape if you engage in physical activities with them.