Can’t Catch This

Can’t Catch This

September is the month to reinstate all our time-honored school traditions, such as early bedtimes, missed buses, homework, and (yes, even more unwelcome than the homework) a few head lice. Where did they originally come from, anyway...was it…? They definitely did not, so do not blame the dog.

 We humans, disgusted by parasites and their presumptions of feeding on our family members, keep our pets carefully shielded from fleas, ticks, and the various flavors of worm. The report of a parasite that has breached our monthly control measures is disturbing. Neighbors, family, teachers, and pediatricians may be turning a suspicious eye on the dog. In fact, when a human is diagnosed with parasites, the household pets are almost always innocent bystanders. What follows is a list of parasites that you can and cannot catch from your pet.
Head lice: dogs and cats have their own type of louse, and lice are very, very particular about where they feed. A dog or cat louse cannot suck the blood of a human, and vice versa. Human head lice wouldn’t touch a pet with a ten-foot pole.
Sarcoptic mange: it is a relatively rare skin condition caused by skin mites. It manifests as severe itching and hair loss, mainly in dogs. This can be transmitted to people and is known by the name “scabies”.
Demodectic mange: it is a relatively common skin disorder of dogs causing itching and hair loss. Although both conditions are called “mange”, this type cannot be spread to people or even to other dogs.
Ringworm [caution—not a worm]: it is a fungal infection of the outer skin layers. This can be spread from pets to people, and a cat may be the culprit, but don’t rush to judgment. Ringworm can also be contracted from other people and from gardening without gloves. It is a common inhabitant of the soil.
Pinworm: a genuine worm that lives in the rectum of little kids. It is spread by their poor hygiene habits and provides an excellent boogeyman story to encourage regular hand washing. To augment its shudder value, this parasite emerges every night to lay its eggs on the skin of its host. It is not capable of surviving in or being spread by a cat or dog.
Hookworm: this parasite frequently infests pets that have fallen behind with their parasite control. It can enter human skin, producing a rash that resembles twisting vines. Infection of human skin is more common in warmer, wetter climates (i.e., less so in Northwest Indiana), although the worm itself is very widespread.
Roundworm: prevented by many of the standard parasite medicines, roundworms are not too particular and can infest wild animals, pets, and people. Check with the veterinarian to see if your pet is currently being protected, and always wash your hands before eating.

When it comes to embarrassing noises, stolen cookies, and ruined homework, feel free to blame the dog. But where parasites are involved, better do your research first.
Dr M.S. Regan