Children with pets, less prone to illness: IMSS

Children with pets, less prone to illness: IMSS:

                      Photo: Reuters

Children with pets, less prone to illness: IMSS

TRENDS • JANUARY 4, 2012 - 1:57 PM - NOTIMEX

The benefits are scientifically proven and although living with pets can be beneficial for children and adults is important to maintain proper hygiene to avoid becoming a source of contagion.

Mexico City • Children who live with pets, especially dogs, have less diarrhea and gastroenteritis, which is scientifically proven, said the specialist in internal medicine at IMSS Laredo Fernando Sanchez.

In a statement, the internist Specialty Hospital National Medical Center (CMN) XXI Century said it is very important that the pet is vaccinated and wormed as well as to be kept out of the kitchen and dining room.

"Living with a pet with which to interact, whether dog (preferably) or cat, help the child's psychomotor development and is a great companion for the elderly," he said.

According to Mexican association data Veterinary Medical Specialists Small Species (AMMVEPE) and Animal Nutrition, 80 percent of households in the country have a pet, mostly dogs and cats only 12 percent.

Sanchez Laredo said the benefits of having a pet can be divided into psychological and health, because for a person older companion animal is a relief to loneliness, and for children is the medium for the formation of affection and their responsibilities to care.

The internist at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) also explained that having a dog, cat or bird house involves taking a series of measures to prevent it becoming a focus of infection.

The risks of owning a pet stand the transmission of diseases like rabies for dogs and toxoplasmosis (an infection that causes inflammation of the lymph nodes and causes fever and headache) with cats.

He explained that in both cases, the possibility of transmission of parasites, especially if you have exotic pets such as rodents, reptiles and other animals, that could cause health hazards.

"In the case of birds, especially those considered exotic, it is very likely to be carriers of a harmful agent called psittacosis, very dangerous for humans because it can cause serious respiratory infections," said the doctor.

He stressed that it is very important that pets do not sleep in the rooms, much less allow to rise to the bed should not enter food preparation areas and always wash your hands after handling.

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