Russian doctor Alexander Myasnikov warned that pets kept at home can sometimes transmit serious diseases to their owners. During his medical program aired on "Russia," the doctor stated, "Everyone knows that pets can improve the psychological state of their owners, but they can also be a source of problems. Cats, dogs, hamsters, and even fish can carry serious diseases, so their owners should be cautious. There are a large number of diseases that can be transmitted to humans by animals, including toxoplasmosis, plague, rabies, and salmonella."
He added, "The most dangerous aspects of animals are their secretions, feces, and urine, as these can contain pathogens. Among the animals that may pose a risk when present in the home are puppies and kittens; the reason is their behavior while playing, as they may bite or scratch a person and cause infection. Therefore, all animals we want to keep at home, including ornamental fish, must undergo regular medical and veterinary check-ups."
The doctor also noted that having pets can play a role in improving both mental and physical health, as some research has shown that the presence of these animals in nursing homes has contributed to enhancing the mental health of residents, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing depression among the elderly.
