Animals in the house?

Question

we have 2 turtles, 4 birds, 2 dogs, 1 cat, and an aquarium with fish in our house... I recently realilzed this might become very problematic due to the risk of animal carried diseases... help! what should I do?

Answer 1

Get them all checked by a vet.

Answer 2

really, you only have two choices, and there not good.

1. Give a few away, (I would neeevvver do that.)

2. Raise them outside

Answer 3

Don't kiss the turtles.  Humans aren't that prone to the diseases animals get, so don't worry too much.

Answer 4

You shouldn't have too many problems.  It is not too common for people to get sick from their pets as long as they take care of them properly and don't let wastes and rotten food accumulate.  But if you are worried, there are things you can do...

Wash your hands after handling the turtles and keep their enclosure clean  (salmonella is usually the big concern with herps - and as long as you wash your hands, you should be ok.)

Don't let your dogs roam free (keep them fenced or on a leash), and if you live in an area that is flea-laden, talk to your vet about preventatives (that should take care of most things your dog could bring home that people could catch - other things are minor like ringworm and easily treated.)

Either keep your cat inside or make sure only people with normal immune systems or people who are not pregnant clean the litter box and/or use gloves (toxoplasmosis is the biggest risk there - people with normal immune systems are not affected - only those who are immune-compromised due to HIV, organ transplants, or the very very young like infants can be bothered - and toxoplasmosis takes at least 20 hours to become infectious, so if the litter box is cleaned twice daily - there is no risk.  And the majority of people who get toxoplasmosis get it from gardening where free-roaming cats eliminate, getting it directly from the cats' litterbox is secondary)  Like the dogs, make sure your cat is treated for fleas if you are in an area where fleas are prevalent.  It is possible for outdoor cats to bring plague into the home from wild-caught mice (it is rare, but if you are worried, don't let the cat outside or always monitor it when it is outside.)

Humans catching anything from birds is incredibly rare

(again salmonella is the most common - so just wash hands after handling and you'll be fine).

The fish are far more likely to get sick from you - not the other way around.  Just don't eat them raw and there are no worries!

Keep all mammals up to date on their vaccinations (especially rabies and leptospirosis), and get regular check-ups on the animals.  

Most animal diseases cannot be transmitted to humans, so relax and enjoy your pets.  I've always had loads of pets (dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, various rodents, fish, frogs, lizards, turtles, and insects), and I've never gotten sick from them.  If you are still worried - just talk to your vet!

Hope that helps.

Answer 5

well, it's a little late now, isn't it!

Answer 6

Keep them healthy and keep your house clean. Not only around the food & water bowls where messes tend to happen more easily, but also swept up everywhere. Open the windows for fresh air to circulate through the house as often as possible, and keep the drapes open to let in sunshine (natural germ killer).

Answer 7

Make sure they get their vet checks?

Definitely wash your hands after handling the turtles, they can carry salmonella.

I'm basically in the same boat...no turtles, but four cats, one dog, two birds, two bettas, and an aquarium.