Very stupid question regarding vax & pets

[MilkTrance]

Do I have to be extra careful with my 2 dogs around my 10-week old, non-vax boy? Are there diseases he can get from the dogs because he is not vax? Can they give him kisses (not on the hands or face I know).

I told you it was a stupid question. :

[Emmeline II]

I haven't heard of vax protecting against pet diseases. I do have a dog, the ils have a dog and I did not vax my #2 at all.

[3kidsclmr]

There are not any "vaccine preventable diseases" in dogs that can be passed on to humans. The concern with pets and humans is the transmission of parasites (intestinal), although infections and parasites on the skin can also be transmitted. Roundworm, hookworm, coccidiosis and tapeworm are just some of the more common parasites found in a dog's feces. If your dog is on heartworm preventative monthly, and has a fecal sample checked by the vet yearly, I would not be very concerned about these parasites. Some of the parasite infestations when transmitted to humans are NASTY. However, I understand that it's even worse to be exposed to parasites from wild animal feces, i.e. raccoon. My sister graduated from vet school in 2006. I was constantly asking her questions about this kind of thing, since I have two dogs and 4 cats. I've never had a problem with my kids, and they climb all over my pets and the yard. I do keep on top of the de-worming with my dogs, but the only vaccines I keep them up to date with are rabies. Dog saliva has plenty of germs in it... I'd probably err on the side of caution, although I've known plenty of people who's dogs lick their kids on the faces all the time with no ill effects.

[Science Mom]

MT, Your pets should be up to date on rabies vaxes. External parasites such as ringworm (actually a fungus) and fleas can be a problem. Sarcoptic mange (scabies), while species specific, can cause irritating bites to humans. Depending upon what your dog's diet is, enterpathogens can also be a concern. But a healthy pet poses little if any problems for your baby. You would be appalled, perhaps, at the intermingling my children have had with our pets since birth. Pets are great for children and 'imprinting' them young will provide numerous benefits as they grow together.

SM

[MilkTrance]

Thanks for all your responses. I grew up with pets, always, and DH grew up on a farm, and I think it's a good thing to have them around, but you know, first time mom and silly worries... etc...

So I understand about deworming and the ringworm, etc., but what do you mean by enterpathogens from food?

[lokidoki]

I have 7 dogs and a cat ~ and one of them is always kissing my DS. They adore him ~ and he equally adores them ~ while they are UTD on Rabies (with the exception of one for medical reasons) they have been kissing him like crazy since he was born 16 months ago and the only thing I have seen is that my son now wants every dog to kiss him like ours do!

[Science Mom]

MT, Raw foods (including those animals that are incidentally consumed as dogs do) and even some commercial foods and treats are contaminated with Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Clostridium spp., Campylobactor spp. and E. coli spp. for example so just be mindful if you do prepare raw meat diets (food handling/preparation), feeding your animal, and 'treats' like pigs' ears and knuckles.

SM