There are many ways to reduce your risk of getting a zoonotic disease:
Have every new pet checked by a veterinarian to make sure it's healthy and free of disease.
Get your pet vaccinated with the recommended vaccines for its species. Vaccines protect pets from dangerous diseases and help stop those diseases from spreading to other pets and people.
If you're thinking of getting an unusual or exotic pet, check local and regional laws to make sure you can legally keep that animal. Also, talk to your vet about any health risks the animal might have.
Keep wild animals away from your pets as much as possible. Outdoor pets are more likely to come in contact with wild animals or insects that can spread disease.
Treat your pets with flea and tick medications if you live in an area where Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection that is spread to people and pets through tick bites, is common. After walking your dog, check both yourself and your dog for ticks.
Avoid contact with droppings from other animals, which can carry diseases or parasites.
If your pet does get an infectious disease, keep it away from other pets and people in your home, if possible. Always wash your hands well after touching your sick pet or anything it uses, such as its bedding, toys, or food bowls. Thoroughly clean and disinfect areas where your pet spends time, or even throw away items, such as bedding, if they cannot be washed or completely disinfected. Consult your veterinarian about what to do based on the type of infection your pet has.
