I came across an article about the dangers of pets to the health of children.

The writer, Nancy Shute, claims that while parents are encouraged to get pets for their children they aren't warned about all the potential hazzards different animals are to children.

The top three on her list of Pets That Pose Major Health Threats To Kids are:

• Reptiles. Small turtles were banished from pet stores decades ago because they harbor salmonella, which causes intestinal problems that can be deadly in children. But other reptiles, including iguanas, lizards, and snakes, also carry salmonella that doesn't sicken them but could land your kid in the hospital.

• Hamsters. These small, furry rodents are not just cute. They're carriers of salmonella and have sparked outbreaks of lymphocytic choriomeningitis, a virus that causes brain inflammation and can lead to permanent nerve damage.

• Hedgehogs. These adorable nocturnal critters are increasingly popular in the United States, despite the fact that they can spread salmonella, yersinia pseudotuberculosis (which causes appendicitis-like abdominal pain), and rabies. Hedgehogs' prickly spines also make it more likely that they will transmit fungal skin infection.

You can read the about the other animals she claims are a health risk here.  They range from exotic animals to your friendly cat and dog. 

The debate continues about whether we should protect our children from every germ and disease, or wether it is actually more healthy for children to be exposed to germs, in moderation, to allow them to build up an immune system that will serve them better later in life.

What are your views?

Pet Dog Dressed as a Nun during a Halloween Celebration Photographic Print
Nowitz, Richard
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