Can having cats and dogs as pets make you more prone to superbug diseases?
| Jul 26, 2018, 16:10 IST
Superbugs have only become a growing threat these recent years. We're all aware that a lot of antibiotics used on humans are also used on animals. We usually tend to make bacteria resistant to antibiotics by taking them too often or by not completing their course as prescribed. Giving antibiotics to farm animals has been proving to be an issue since these antibiotics get into the water table because of farm run-off. The WHO recommended last year that farm animals should not be given as many antibiotics by the food industry.
However, when it comes to pets, people are a lot more lenient. Experts have now warned that pets like dogs and cats are in very close proximity to humans and so it's easier for them to transfer bacteria mainly through skin contact or saliva. Now, both pet owners and vets need to be trained and provided with knowledge and skills on how to deal with this issue. As of now, the plan is to train these people to act more responsibly towards their pets and their health and look for a long-term solution for them rather than short termed ones.
However, when it comes to pets, people are a lot more lenient. Experts have now warned that pets like dogs and cats are in very close proximity to humans and so it's easier for them to transfer bacteria mainly through skin contact or saliva. Now, both pet owners and vets need to be trained and provided with knowledge and skills on how to deal with this issue. As of now, the plan is to train these people to act more responsibly towards their pets and their health and look for a long-term solution for them rather than short termed ones.