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Medical Watch

Immune Suppression, HIV/AIDS & Pet Ownership

The following information is excerpted from a pamphlet written by Gloria Dorsey, DVM, Caroline Schaffer, DVM and James Ferguson, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACVPM and published by Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health; with the permission of Caroline Schaffer, DVM.  Additionally, this information is provided as a public service only, and is NOT intended to replace the advice or recommendations of your pet’s veterinarian.

 People infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that may result in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) face many changes in their lives.  This is also true for people who have other illnesses or who are on certain medications or chemotherapy that suppress their immune system. When immunosuppression occurs, individuals may experience the loss of health, employment and friends. 

 When this happens, the companionship of a beloved pet can offer real emotional, psychological and physical benefits.  Many pets offer unconditional and dependable love and affection.  With proper care and understanding, pet owners with immunosuppression may be able to live with their animals longer than they first imagined.  In fact, if the pet is healthy and behaves appropriately, the potential human health risks of pet companionship have been shown to be minimal.

 Both the person’s physician and the pet’s veterinarian should be consulted to explore all options before making the individually appropriate decision.  The following are some topics to consider when deciding:

1. HIV only infects humans and other primates and, therefore, cannot be spread from or to dogs, cats or even birds, fish, or reptiles.
2. Pets can carry zoonotic infections, that is, infections that are shared by people and pets.  Because your resistance is low, you are more susceptible to these diseases now.  Research shows that immunocompromised people contract zoonotic infections more often from contaminated food, water, soil or even from other people, rather than from pets.  Therefore, your veterinarian and your physician can help you minimize these risks.  Your veterinarian can also help you test, medicate, and care appropriately for your pet.
3. A veterinarian can provide valuable information about how to keep your pet healthy.  You will want to select a veterinarian who is willing to provide an expanded preventive health care program for pets that live with immunocompromised people. The veterinarian can provide intelligent guidance on pet selection, care, feeding and environmental management.  All of these factors are important to help you gain the maximum benefits of pet ownership while minimizing your health risks. Be assured that veterinarians, as health professionals, will maintain doctor-client confidentiality.
4. If you are planning to acquire a new pet, a veterinarian should examine that pet right away for parasites and other diseases transmissible to people.  New pets present a risk because they may come to you with little or no health history.  For your new pet’s sake, select one whose energy level and exercise requirements match yours.
5. As a general rule, it is best to avoid contact with all sick animals, especially those with diarrhea.  Also, avoid stray, exotic and wild animals.  Monkeys and reptiles such as snakes and iguanas are especially risky.  Keep your pet’s vaccinations current, control fleas and other pests, and seek veterinary care immediately for sick pets.
6. Proper pet care will minimize your health risks.  Many steps are quite simple.  They include:

• Keep your pet clean and well groomed with toenails short and blunt.

• Always walk your pet on a leash to minimize contact with other animals and to prevent hunting and scavenging.

• Don’t let your pet drink from the toilet.

• Keep its living and feeding areas clean.

• Maintain a balanced diet for your pet.  Feed only commercially prepared pet foods.

• Never feed raw foods (meat or poultry), uncooked eggs or unpasteurized milk.

• Don’t let birds fly free in your home and avoid their droppings.  Make sure all bird seed or prepared pellets are fresh.  “Human food” fed to birds should be cooked in whatever manner is recommended for its safe consumption for humans.

• Have your dog or cat spayed or neutered.  He or she will be less likely to roam and fight and females won’t have vaginal discharge. 

    7.   Other guidelines to consider are:

•  Don’t let your pet lick your face.

• Wash your hands completely after handling your pet.

• If bitten or scratched, wash the area with soap and water, apply an approved antiseptic and contact your physician immediately.  If bitten, be sure to check the animal’s vaccination status.

• Both litter and litter box liners must be discarded every 24 hours. Keep all litter boxes away from food areas.

• Use rubber gloves and a face mask when cleaning litter boxes, aquariums or bird cages.

• Minimize contact with urine, blood, feces and vaginal discharges.  Bleach in water works well to eliminate most contaminants. Always wear gloves and wash your hands after each clean up.

• Keep your home and yard free of wild rodents.

If you practice safe pet guidelines, the benefits of pet ownership may far outweigh the risk of zoonotic infections!

For an appointment at Striegel Animal Hospital, please call (618) 457-4133.