Pets

Animals can carry infections that can be harmful to human beings. Such infections include many discussed elsewhere in this book (cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, MAC) and others such as cat scratch fever. These diseases can give you problems like severe diarrhea, brain infections, and skin lesions. When making the decision to bring a pet into your home, it is important to discuss it with the health care team before purchasing the pet. While we are not recommending that you get rid of pets you already have, we do caution against bringing new and particularly young pets into your home. If you already have a pet, please make sure it gets regular check-ups at the vet.

Younger animals such as kittens and puppies pose a greater risk of infection to the person with HIV. Do not purchase a pet that is younger than 6 to 12 months of age. If you are getting a pet from a pet store, animal breeder, or animal shelter, check the sanitary conditions. If you purchase an animal, have it checked out by your veterinarian to make sure it is healthy and all its shots are up to date. Do not purchase an unhealthy pet and if you get it from the pound or a pet store, please check the conditions and license of these facilities.

There are several ways to protect your child or yourself from infections spread by animals:

1. Always wash your hands well with soap and water after playing with or caring for animals. This is especially important before eating or handling food.
2. Do not let your pet lick your mouth, any open wounds or cuts you may have. If you have medical devices such as a tracheostomy or IV, do not let the cat play with or lick these items.
3. Have your pet’s nails clipped frequently so it cannot scratch you and de-claw if possible. If you are scratched or bitten, immediately wash the wounds well with soap and water.
4. Be careful about what your pet eats and drinks. Feed your pet only pet food or cook all meat thoroughly before giving it to your pet. Don’t let your pets eat raw or undercooked meat, drink from toilet bowls, or get into the garbage. Don’t let your pets hunt or eat other animals or their droppings.
5. Don’t ever touch the stool of any animal.
6. Ask someone who is not infected with HIV and who is not pregnant to change your cat’s litter box daily. If you must clean the box yourself, wear vinyl or household cleaning gloves and immediately wash your hands well with soap and water.
7. Avoid reptiles such as snakes, lizards, iguanas, and turtles since they can be carriers of a germ called salmonella. If you touch any reptile, immediately wash your hands with soap and water.
8. Avoid exotic pets such as monkeys, ferrets, or other wild animals such as raccoons, bats, and skunks as they may have many germs. Even animals such as rabbits and squirrels may have rabies.
9. Do not approach or handle any pet not known to you.
10. While it is not always necessary to get rid of pets, certain pets may need to find a new home. It is best not to get any new pets once the diagnosis of HIV is made without discussing it with the health care team first.