Sharing Your Bed With Healthy, Well-Groomed Pets Poses Minimal Risk to Your Well-Being

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) new study, "Zoonoses in the Bedroom," featured in its February issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases, cautions American pet owners from sharing their beds with their beloved companions.  Citing examples of a young boy who developed the plague after sleeping with his flea-infested cat and a woman who contracted meningitis after repeatedly kissing the family dog, the study offers that more than 100 of the 250 zoonotic diseases identified come from domesticated pets.  

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However, according to the Petplan Veterinary Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of renowned veterinarians who advise America's top-rated pet insurer on all issues related to pet health, pets who are in good physical health and are well-cared for pose little risk to human's well-being and need not be banished from curling up in  the family bed.  Although pets can carry serious diseases, those under the regular care of a veterinarian and who have diligent pet parents with respect to parasite prevention are of little – if any – threat to their loving family's health.  

"With 97 percent of Petplan policyholders considering pets to be members of the immediate family, the bond that can come from a pet sharing an owner's bed has been shown to help humans become more compassionate and empathetic," said Natasha Ashton, Co-CEO of Petplan.  "Beyond the positive emotional effects that pets can have, the CDC itself previously issued a comprehensive report on the positive physical health benefits of sharing a close bond with pets, which include a decrease in blood pressure and a decrease in loneliness among pet owners, especially those who may live alone."  

To learn more about Petplan and how to best protect your pet's health, visit gopetplan.com.

ABOUT PETPLAN

As America's top-rated pet insurance company, Petplan offers customizable policies to meet any coverage requirements and budget.  Petplan is the only insurer to cover all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet – without dollar limits per condition. For more information, visit www.GoPetplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875

SOURCE Petplan

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