Animal (and Human) Hygiene 101

Owning a pet can be exciting as well as fulfilling, but HIVers should keep in mind a few simple basic tips for handling Fido or Fluffy (and especially their accidents) so that the "excitement" isn't the bad kind -- like a trip to an emergency room or doctor's office.

The members of Pets Are Wonderful Support offer up some good advice:

>'Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or smoking.

>'Avoid contact with your pet's bodily fluids, including urine, feces, vomit, or saliva.

>'In the event of an accident, wear gloves, clean up the mess with a disinfectant, and then wash your hands thoroughly. Better yet, have someone else clean it up.

>'Never let your pet lick a wound on your face or body.

>'Never walk barefoot or otherwise contact the soil and sand where animal feces is likely to be found.

>'Control rodent infestations.