Can my pet pass diseases to my children?

CDC says children under 5 are more likely to get sick from germs animals carry, for three reasons: they touch surfaces that may be contaminated, they put their hands in their mouths more often, and their immune systems are still developing, so they are more likely to become seriously ill. People over 65, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system are also at higher risk.

Rabies falls hardest on children. WHO says about 40% of rabies deaths are in children under 15, children aged 5 to 14 are frequent victims, and dogs cause up to 99% of human cases. A young child may not tell an adult about a small scratch from a pet or a street dog, so ask, and check.

Leptospirosis spreads through the urine of infected animals, and an infected dog can pass the bacteria in its urine. The 2023 ACVIM consensus says the risk to people from pet dogs appears low with basic precautions, and India's Health Ministry names rats and other rodents as the usual source, especially around the monsoon and floodwater. Keep children away from a sick dog's urine and from flooded streets.

Toxoplasmosis matters most in pregnancy. Cornell's Feline Health Center says people are much more likely to catch it from raw or undercooked meat than from handling cat poo, and that an infected cat sheds the eggs for only around 10 to 14 days. CDC advises changing the litter daily, keeping the tray away from children, and that pregnant women avoid cleaning it where possible.

CDC recommends that children under 5 avoid contact with reptiles, amphibians, poultry including chicks and ducklings, and rodents. Its reptile page says children under 5 should not handle or touch reptiles or amphibians or their tanks, and that tanks and equipment should never be cleaned where food is prepared. In India, many turtles and tortoises sold informally are protected species as well, which is a second reason to say no.

Dogs and cats are fine with children when they are vaccinated, dewormed and on flea and tick prevention, and when an adult supervises. CDC says to supervise young children around dogs at all times, even a familiar family pet.

Children here play in parks, society lawns and open ground shared with community dogs and cats. A review of Indian studies estimated that about 11% of soil samples from public places in India contained Toxocara roundworm eggs. Washing hands after outdoor play, not only after touching your own pet, is the habit that protects against that.