Is your pet making you sick?

Most pet parents don't need reminding that animals make folks feel good; they are great to have as a family member, and it is well known that people who have pets are typically happier and live longer than those who don't.

But sometimes your furry friend may get sick, and this may leave you wondering if you or your family might be able to catch whatever it is that is making your pet sick.

You can't catch a cold from your cat, and your dog won't pass on pink-eye. But certain illnesses can be spread from pets to humans.

Zoonotic illnesses are diseases humans can get from animals. Many infectious diseases can spread from animals to people, and some of these can come from your furry friend.

Zoonotic diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.

Since humans interact with their furry friends on a daily basis, it's important to be aware of the different ways you can get zoonotic diseases. This can include coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine or feces of an infected pet.

Being aware of the various zoonotic diseases animals can transmit is important, especially when you are a pet parent.

When it comes to pets and parasite, most people think of fleas. Even though they are quite small, it's fairly obvious when your furry friend has them, he starts to scratch, a lot. A lot of pet parents know that fleas are a real nuisance to their cat or dog, and even to family members if your home becomes infested. But most people are unaware that fleas can carry and spread sickness and life-threatening diseases to both pets and people.

For instance, fleas that are living on a neighbor's cat that has cat-scratch fever can pick up the disease from the animal's blood. Then they travel to your cat and feed on its blood, giving her the same disease. Later when your cat licks your mouth, or if she scratches or bites you, you may find yourself with cat-scratch fever.

Fleas that feed on rats that have typhus travel to pets and feed off them and humans. The feces from these infected fleas can get into your mouth or a wound when you pet your dog or cat.

Thankfully, there are many flea treatments available to help protect your pet and your home.

According to Kerilynne McDowell, DVM, a mobile veterinarian in Sisters, there have been a few cases of canines with scabies in the last couple of months.

Sarcoptic mange, or "scabies," is also zoonotic and is a highly contagious skin parasite. The mites burrow into the skin and cause severe itching, so dogs that experience prolonged scratching and hair loss are suspect. It is a non-seasonal parasite that can be found in dogs of all ages and breeds.

Maintaining your dog's health is important in preventing scabies. Dogs that roam with other dogs or reside at a shelter or boarding facility are more susceptible to the mite. Scabies is highly contagious to other dogs and humans.

One of the most parasitic cat diseases is toxoplasmosis. If you have an outdoor cat that loves to hunt, be aware that cats may eat infected birds, rodents and other small animals and pass the parasites' eggs in their feces.

You are most likely to pick up the parasite from contact with animal feces while gardening, or contact with your furry friend's contaminated feces when changing the litter box. Always wash your hands after any contact with litter. If you are pregnant or have a weak immune system, have another family member clean and change kitty litter, using rubber gloves. And don't forget to cover your child's sand box, where a cat could easily defecate.

Hookworms and roundworms are intestinal parasites routinely found in dogs and cats, particularly kittens and puppies. The worms' eggs are passed from pets through their feces. You can pick them up through your skin from walking barefoot or playing outside. A young child might accidently swallow the eggs by petting an infected animal that licked his anal area and then its coat.

Don't let your infected puppy lick you or your children, and always wash your hands after petting your furry friends.

There is also a zoonotic skin fungus called ringworm. It's not really a worm; it's a fungal infection within the top layer of the skin. It is very contagious, and dogs, cats and other animals can pass ringworm to humans, and humans can also pass it to pets. You can also pick it up from touching surfaces that an infected pet has touched.

Ringworm causes a ring-shaped, reddish rash that may or may not be itchy. See your veterinarian or physician immediately if you or your pet has symptoms. Using a bleach solution, clean all surfaces that you're furry friend came into contact with.

You can reduce the risk of parasitic infection to your family by eliminating parasites from pets: restricting access to contaminated areas, such as sandboxes, pet "walk areas," and other high-traffic areas.

Practicing good hygiene by always washing your hands after handling your pets and maintaining your pets' health is also very important.

Keep current on vaccinations and parasite preventions, keep your furry friends groomed, and get them checked by the veterinarian if they show any signs of illness or if there are any changes.