Growing up with a pet can be very beneficial for your child’s development but these little friends can also transmit certain diseases. No need to worry, though, as they are often easy to treat.
If your baby has swollen glands and seems more tired, he may have caught cat scratch disease. Most cats are carriers. It is easily treated with antibiotics and then the child must be immunized.
Dogs can transmit intestinal parasites due to worms and larvae that live in them. Remember to deworm your dog regularly, keep the baby away from the dog’s food bowl and watch out for public parks where your child might come in contact with these parasites, if he plays in the sand, for example.
Fleas can be a problem if your animal is infected. There are many ways to prevent an infestation by these critters. But if your animal has them and one bites your child, you will have to get an antihistamine to relieve it. An anti-fungal treatment may be prescribed if your animal transmits a fungal infection to your child or an anti-itch treatment if the animal passes along scabies.
Do not get discouraged. With good hygiene and simple and preventative measures, your living space will be fine and your child will create lots of memories with their four-legged friend.