Kids And Pets: Introducing A New Resource For Parents (NAPSA)—There are some facts parents should bone up on before welcoming four-footed friends into the family. “Pets have always been very special to children and are important for childhood development, but parents need to play an active role in ensuring a healthy envi- ronment and interaction between children and pets,” said Dr. Lynn Buzhardt, a nationally recognized veterinarian on family/pet concerns and consultant to a new Many internal parasites that pose a threat to dogs can also be transferred to humans in a process known as zoonosis. For example, did you know preventive, as recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the resource, GrowingUpWithPets. com, presented by Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. that dogs and cats are susceptible to parasites? These five parasites pose a threat to a dog’s health: heartworms, roundworms, hook- worms, whipworms and fleas. Intestinal parasites can also be life-threatening to dogs and some can transfer diseases to humans, which is knownas zoonosis. Children are especially suscep- tible to zoonotic diseases because they often touch things and stick their hands in their mouths with- out washing them first. As many as 4 to 20 percent of American chil- dren contract roundworms from their pets each year. Fortunately, there are easy waysto protect your children and pets from parasites: Have your pet’s stool exam- ined by your veterinarian every six to 12 months. Have your veterinarian place your dog on a year-round heartworm, intestinal parasite and flea Companion Animal Parasite Council. Ask your veterinarian about a convenient oral 5-in-1 product that prevents heartworm, intestinal parasites andfleas. Use a pooper-scooper. As feces breaks down, parasite eggs are deposited into the soil. This is one of most common ways of contracting parasites. e Always wash your children’s hands after playing outside and before eating. GrowingUpWithPets.com pro- vides helpful information on top- ics such as pet health, behavioral issues, training tips, how to choose the right pet for your child and integrating pets into a home with children. The site was created with the help of veterinari- ans, OB/GYNs, pediatricians and parents.
