Did you know that your pets and other animals can carry MRSA? Well, they can. The most notable example is the story of Bella and Jill Moss, well documented at The Bella Moss Foundation (photo is of beautiful Bella). Also in recent news are two horses who have recently been diagnosed with MRSA, and it is not uncommon for this to occur, here is a study of 79 horses with MRSA from 2002.
MRSA has also been identified in cats and cattle, and probably could be found in most mammals. What does this mean to you?
You need to be educated and aware. And weigh the risks with the benefits of pet ownership. Keep these things in mind when considering pet ownership:
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Be sure your pets are properly cared for. Sick animals spread germs.
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If you have a suppressed immune system, or someone in your home that would be more suceptable to infections, really consider that as a high risk for pet ownership.
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Be aware that young animals carry and spread more germs, and might not be appropriate for homes with young children and the elderly. And yes, I know, young children are the ones who want puppies the most.
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Do not let your animals lick you in the face, or lick your wounds. Check this out, from veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Bender:
“I’m not a big advocate for dogs licking faces. That’s just not appropriate,” says Dr. Jeff Bender, director of the program for veterinary population medicine in the school of veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota.
Chomel cites a report in the medical literature of a woman who developed septicemia, a blood infection, after allowing her dog to lick her surgical incision. Apparently, there are people who believe dog saliva has curative properties.
Chomel isn’t one of them. “I don’t think that being licked by a pet is the best thing. That’s all I can say.” Source
You may not know that we are HUGE pet people. Currently we have 2 dogs, 8 cats, several chickens, 2 sugar gliders, 3 horses and several (pet) cows. We love them, we take care of them, but we know there are potential risks about owning them, especially with Marshall having diabetes. When he came home from the hospital, he didn’t want any of them near him for several weeks, and I think that was his own subconscious trying to protect him. He has since regained his love for his animals, but we just simply are careful and cautious. You be too - for your health’s sake.
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5 responses so far ↓
Anga Allen // Nov 30, 2006 at 12:25 am
My family has been battling with frequent MRSA infections. My husband has been in the hospital twice - once with surgery in two places to remove the infection. My son was just in the hospital last week.
We have been trying to eliminate/reduce the MRSA infections by putting Bactraban ointment in our noses for about the past 3 months. What we just learned is that we should also be putting the ointment in the dogs noses as well. The point being that the animals are carriers also.
In addition to the ointment in the nose, we each have to soak in a bleach bath - 1 cup of bleach per tub. We use liquid soap and only use a razor once.
Christina // Nov 30, 2006 at 12:29 am
Hi Anga - I feel your pain, I really do. And yes, if you all are having a hard time getting MRSA under control, you definitely should treat your pets. Good luck to you, I hope things start improving for you and your family soon!
Lisa // Jan 3, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Hi my name is lisa i spent the first 6 days of Dec. in the hospital with MRSA. It was very hard it was in my left arm . It was the first time I had been away from my children that long. Iam doing ok now but Ifound out my son was a carrier of MRSA and that is where I Probely got it. It has really change our lives I wash my hands more now then ever before. Iam a stay at home mom and the cost of the meds alone were really high for 10 day supply it was $200.00 dollars which not good wright at Christmas . then my husband had to miss work too take care of the kids. I ran a fever of a 102 my arm was swallon from my elbow to my shoulder for five days before it finally burst. This is somthing I would not wish on my worst enmey. The doctors told me it could come back and that scares me to death. Iwas lucky this time but I don’t Know how lucky i will be if it comes back. I have a 11 year old son and a 6 year old daughter and I want to see them grow up . thanks for this web site
LIJ Finney // Jan 5, 2008 at 8:30 pm
for many many years, patients and parents in particular have been told not to over use antibiotics. Unfortunately there are many dr.’s who get tired of listening to the patient/parent andthey give in and prescribe an antibiotic for a cold or flu or mild sniffles. Even today people still do not understand what a true case of influenza is. People believe because they see a short tv ad and then look up information on the internet, that they are now experts on health and drugs.
We need to let the doctors do their job and quit insisting on a medication for every little ache and pain. If you need a medication your doc. will prescribe it. If you still have symptoms after a reasonable time , say 5 days, or if your temperature or symptoms become worse then go back to the dr. They are there to help you. yes there are a few bad apples but most of them do know what they are doing.
ALSO, do not go to the emergency room, just because you have a cold or the sniffles. you will tie up drs and nursing staff and valuable bed space for something that could wait until your doctor’s office is open or you could even go to an urgent care which is definitely much cheaper.
we need to use some common sense when we or a loved one becomes sick. don’t panic, think slowly and clearly and you will do what is right and what will be the most beneficial for the ill one. (sorry about the sermon, but i just spent all night with my son at emergency waiting to get seen because their were so many people there who did not need to a be. Yes he did, he had a very large kidney stone and it turned out his kidney was inflammed. there was also talk of doing emergency surgery if they couldn’t get the pain under control. thankfully we have a great e/r and they were able to get iv, blood drawn and some meds into him before the dr. saw him as we were pretty sure what the problem was.)any way, thanks for allowing me my 2 cents worth. laura
Michael Douglas RN // May 1, 2008 at 12:18 am
If you have MRSA-You may have called the researchers at ASU and asked about the antibacterial clay they testing– Do not bother them-they are being bombarded with request- they only have 5 lbs and it came from me. I have offered this material on several sites for no cost. My little brother now has a draining open wound that is now considered surgical. I started him on this mineral 8 hours ago and will fly to see and treat him-Dr. says it is not mrsa it just will not go away. Peg I sent you this info direct. I am now posting this on this site. The mineral is consumable and it kill all harmful bacteria in the lab. It is a giant leap but it is not rocket … May your heart understand what your mind will not
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