Small animals like turtles, iguanas, and frogs are often chosen as first-time pets for children because they are easy to interact with and low maintenance for busy households. While they can be fun, it may be best to avoid them.
The reason? “Reptiles and amphibians can carry germs that make people sick, the most common of which is the Salmonella bacteria,” says Dr. Elizabeth Hohmann, an infectious disease expert with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. “These animals live in warm and wet environments where Salmonella thrives.”
Outbreaks of Illness Across the US
Reptiles and amphibians often carry Salmonella in their digestive tracts, although the bacteria doesn’t affect them. The risk of illness from these pets became so severe this year that the CDC warned about adopting tiny pet turtles after reported outbreaks of Salmonella illnesses and hospitalizations in 24 states. Other small pets such as mice or hamsters, and farm animals like chickens, may also carry and spread the bacteria.
How is the Bacteria Transferred from Pets to Children and Adults?
People become exposed to Salmonella through physical contact with the animals, their droppings, food, items like toys or food dishes, and habitats such as cages, tanks, aquariums, and water.
“They get the bacteria on their hands and then inadvertently touch their mouths or nose,” says Dr. Hohmann. This is especially likely in younger children. Once exposed to the bacteria, people can get an infection called salmonellosis.
Who is More Likely to Get Sick?
Anyone can get salmonellosis, but children younger than age 5, adults 65 and older, and people with chronic conditions are at higher risk for severe illness and even hospitalization.
“Kids that are very young don’t always follow proper personal hygiene or understand safety protocol when handling these animals,” says Dr. Hohmann. “Older adults and people with chronic conditions like diabetes can have weakened immune systems that make them more susceptible to illnesses.” In the most serious cases, the bacteria can reach the bloodstream and from there infect other places within the body.
What Are the Symptoms of This Infection?
The hallmarks are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms usually appear within six hours to four days after infection and last about four to seven days.
Call your pediatrician or primary care team for advice if you have a pet that potentially carries Salmonella.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Care?
Seek medical care immediately if you or your child have any of these severe symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102° F
- Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration such as not urinating much, dry mouth and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up.
What If You Already Have a Pet Turtle?
If you already have a pet turtle or similar high-risk pet, make sure everyone follows these safety steps from the CDC. Children may need frequent reminders about washing hands and playing safely.
Wash hands. Always wash hands for at least 20 seconds with plenty of soap and warm water right after touching or feeding your pet, and after handling or cleaning the area where it lives and roams. “Adults should make sure to teach young children how to wash their hands properly,” says Dr. Hohmann.
Play safely. Don’t kiss or snuggle the pet, and don’t eat or drink around it. Keep it out of the kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food.
Properly clean. Use cleaning materials like a wash tub, sponge, and scrub that are reserved only for your pet. Always clean cages, tanks, and other pet items outdoors. Avoid using a kitchen sink, as this can increase the risk of spreading germs to your food.
But perhaps the best safety advice is to simply avoid these animals as pets — or at least wait until your kids are much older, says Dr. Hohmann. “It’s probably safer to stick with dogs and cats.”
Additional Considerations for Pet Owners
While Salmonella is a significant concern, other diseases and parasites can also be transmitted from pets to humans. For example, rodents can carry hantavirus and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), while birds can be vectors for avian influenza and psittacosis.
Educating Children on Pet Safety
For families that already own small pets, educating children on safe handling practices is crucial. Emphasize the importance of:
- Washing hands thoroughly after touching the pet or cleaning its habitat.
- Not kissing or cuddling the pet to avoid direct contact with potential germs.
- Keeping pet areas clean and ensuring that children do not handle pet cleaning tasks unsupervised.
Exploring Alternative Pets
If the risks associated with small pets seem too high, consider other low-maintenance pets that are less likely to transmit diseases. Fish, for instance, are excellent alternatives. They require minimal interaction, are visually stimulating for children, and the risks of disease transmission are significantly lower.
While small pets like turtles, iguanas, and frogs can be delightful and educational, they come with significant health risks due to the bacteria they can carry. Understanding these risks and taking appropriate precautions can help ensure that both pets and their owners stay healthy. If in doubt, it may be safer to consider alternative pets that pose fewer health hazards, especially in households with young children, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
