One of the most difficult parts of getting sick with a cold or a virus is dealing with the fear of spreading the illness to those you love. You may need help in the process of getting better but it is difficult to think about the risk of spreading it to your loved ones. For many people, those loved ones include fur babies such as dogs and cats. Each time you get sick and your dog comes for a cuddle you may be asking yourself, ‘Can I get my dog sick?’ If you are sniffling and your cat saunters over for some petting, you may hesitate and wonder, ‘Can I get my cat sick?’ Do you need to worry about spreading illness to your pets? There are a few ailments that humans can spread to pets on rare occasions. But the real threats to the health of cats and dogs come in the form of missed vet visits, improper diet, and too little exercise.

Ailments that you can spread to your dog or cat

It is technically possible to spread illness to your dog or cat but it is also rare. Many times, the strain of cold or flu that bothers you is not the same as the one that would bother your pets. One example of an issue that you can pass along to your cat or dog is ringworm. Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that can be passed between humans and animals. If you have ringworm it is important to seek treatment and keep the area covered when you interact with your pets (and other people).

Skipping out on routine vet visits

Skipping out on routine vet visits is one of the biggest threats to the health of your cat or dog. Taking your pet to the veterinarian on the recommended schedule is the best way to make sure that the health of your fur baby is on track. Routine vet visits allow you to catch and address potential problems before they start causing major issues for your pet.

Feeding your pet too much or the wrong type of food

Feeding your cat or dog too much or the wrong type of food poses a threat to the health of your pet. Have you ever been around a cat or dog that is severely overweight? Moving around and playing is much more difficult for a pet that is obese. Feeding your fur baby too much food can lead to weight gain. Allowing your cat or dog to regularly eat food that is not designed specifically for your type of pet can lead to weight gain and digestion issues. The best way to keep your pet from getting sick due to too much or the wrong type of food is by sticking to the type and amount of food your vet recommends.

Not providing enough exercise

Another way you can unintentionally get your dog or cat sick is by not providing enough exercise. Pets need plenty of opportunities to move – just like humans do. If you have a dog be sure and go outside and play together each day. If your fur baby is a cat, invest in a cat tree so she can climb and explore.

As a pet parent, it is ultimately your job to keep your dog or cat healthy. If you have any concerns at all about the health of your fur baby, schedule a visit to the Vet on Fourth. We are dedicated to helping you provide your pets with optimal health and a high quality of life.