HUMAN HEALTH MEASURES

First Aid for Bites/Scratches

Rinse a bite wound or scratch right away with plenty of cool running water. Wash the area with a mild soap or with a tamed iodine solution such as Betadine® solution that has been diluted with water Contact your physician.

Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or smoking. Avoid contact with your pet’s bodily fluids such as vomit, feces, urine or saliva. In the event of an accident, clean up the mess with a disinfectant (an ounce of bleach in a quart of water works nicely to kill many infectious organisms) then wash your hands thoroughly. Better yet, wear gloves, or have someone not at risk clean it up. Don’t let your pet lick a wound on your face or body.

Adopting a New Animal

Adopting a new animal companion is always exciting, but keep in mind that new pets, especially puppies and kittens, present more of a risk. If you are going to adopt a new pet, an adult animal is safer. Consult with your veterinarian and physician before adopting a new animal. Your veterinarian may recommend some tests for parasites and other diseases of a new animal. It is best not to take a new animal into your home until you know that he or she is healthy.

Animals to Avoid

Unfortunately, some animals simply present too much risk to immunosuppressed people and should be avoided altogether: stray animals, animals with diarrhea, reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes),  amphibians, wild animals and birds (including pigeons), farm animals, non-human primates (monkeys). Non-human primates carry the greatest risk because of their close genetic relationship to humans. These animals should not be pets under any circumstances. It is also good to remember that the humans in the household pose just as many risks to the animal.

Return to Guidelines Home