Why sharing your plate with your dog is a health risk?

Those big puppy eyes, the little head tilt, and the gentle nudge from their paw, may be adorable, but sharing food or dishware with pets can actually increase the risk of spreading bacteria and parasites that affect both animals and humans. Let’s explore why it’s important to keep mealtime safe—for everyone!”

Harmful bacteria, such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), leptospira, and salmonella can transfer from pets to people—and vice versa. This is especially concerning if you live with young children, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Even the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) emphasize the potential health risks associated with handling pet food and treats. By keeping our pet and human dishes separate and practicing good kitchen hygiene, we can enjoy life with our pets while minimizing these health risks for the whole family.

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Maintaining a hygienic kitchen environment is essential for the health of both pets and people. Here are some simple but effective practices:

  • Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling pets, their food, or their dishes, and encourage children to do the same, especially if you prepare homemade pet meals with raw ingredients.
  • Pet Dish Care: Use stainless steel or ceramic dishes for pets as they are less likely to harbor bacteria compared to plastic. Clean pet dishes after every meal and refresh water bowls daily. Run dishes through the dishwasher on high-temperature settings for thorough sanitation.
  • Sink Cleanliness: If washing pet dishes by hand, use hot water and disinfect the sink afterward to prevent bacteria spread.
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As cute as it is when our pets beg for food, sharing our meals or plates with them can put both them and us at risk. Feeding your dog from your plate can spread harmful bacteria and parasites, like MRSA, salmonella, and leptospira, that can pass between pets and people. These risks are even greater for young children, seniors, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

To keep everyone healthy, it’s best to use separate dishes for pets, wash your hands after handling their food, and regularly clean their bowls. With these simple habits, we can safely enjoy life with our pets without putting our family’s health at risk.”

content source/reference: https://www.vetstreet.com