It’s every pet owner’s worst nightmare – when your beloved dog or cat is bitten by a rat. Rats carry numerous diseases which your pet can get when bitten or when ingesting bacteria from the feces or fur of the rat. Not only that, but they also carry parasites and ticks and bring them to your home.
Here are some of the most common diseases that are carried by rats which could be transmitted to other animals:
1. Hantavirus
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a very contagious disease that if left untreated, can be fatal. It is spread when an animal or person is exposed to infected urine of deer mice and some rat species like rice rats and cotton rats.
2. Leptospirosis
Leptospira is a bacteria that has the ability to infect animals and humans. It is more common in tropical regions, but leptospirosis can happen anywhere. If your pet is infected, they will be very ill and weak. The disease is spread by rat urine and can be transmitted to your pet when they sniff the ground.
3. Plague
The plague was once a significant part of ancient history, but it’s still around today. It is acquired when the bacteria Yersinia pestis is transmitted by fleas to animals. One of the most common symptoms of plague is sores and abscesses that appear in the arms and legs.
4. Tularemia
Francisella tularensis is a bacteria that affects wild mammals including rats. Animals contract the disease when they are exposed to a contaminated animal that is sick or dead. Raw meat can be contaminated as well, along with untreated water.
5. Rat-Bite Fever
The Rat-Bite Fever can be transmitted from a bite or scratch from an infected rodent. It is brought about by the bacteria Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus which can then be contracted by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated by rat feces.
6. Monkeypox
This disease may have originated from monkeys (hence the name) but can be transmitted through rodents as well. Your pet may be exposed to the virus by sniffing on an infected rat’s blood or bodily fluids as well as through a bite or scratch.
Keeping Your Pet Safe from Rats
Here are some things you can do to keep your pet safe from diseases brought about by infected rodents:
1. Vaccination.
Your pet should be given all the necessary vaccinations.
2. Keep your dog leashed when outdoors.
Dogs can become infected with rat-borne diseases by direct contact as well as indirect contact (such as licking contaminated soil or drinking urine-contaminated water).
3. Be aware of the early signs of illness.
Leptospirosis can cause liver diseases and acute kidney failure in dogs. Look for fever, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, soft cough or diarrhea.
4. Don’t use rat baits in your home.
Rat baits can be mistaken for a toy or treat, and may be deadly to animals. If you notice your pet has pale gums, seems very weak or fatigued and coughing, seek veterinary attention right away.
5. Consider pest control.
Professional pest control technicians like Massey Pest Control use effective methods to get of rats and other pests without the use of toxic baits. They can also recommend measures to ensure rodents don’t re-enter your property again.