|
|
Article: If you're buying a pet, find out benefits, drawbacks, obligations ahead of time.
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service
- Article date:
- March 8, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
LEXINGTON, Ky. _ A great family pet is a healthy thing _ a furry, stress-busting therapist, an all-natural blood-pressure reducer and, in some cases, even a loyal exercise companion.
But not every potential pet is a healthy choice for every family _ particularly families with young children, pregnant women or people with diseases that damage the immune system.
Fluffy, Fido and Slinky have the potential to transmit more than 100 diseases to their human friends _ through the bacteria from bites and scratches, by handling them or their waste products without washing hands afterwards, and other means.
It's something that should be considered in ...