The health of pets has also become the focus of our attention in our time with us. Today, anti-bacterial pets are available on the market, and some propaganda claims that they can keep the pets free of any fungus, leaving many pet owners in a state of shock. However, this is actually a mistake and requires a scientific re-examination of the true effects of anti-bacterial pets.
Antibacterial pets such as antibacterial cat sand basins, antibacterial dog nests, antibacterial toys, etc., mostly function by adding antibacterial agents to the product mass. Common antibacterial agents include silver ions, titanium nanodioxide, organic antibacterial compounds, etc., which inhibit the growth and reproduction of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungus and some viruses, reduce to some extent the number of harmful micro-organisms on pets and reduce the risk of pets becoming sick from exposure to these bacteria.
But to keep the pet from carrying any fungi, antibacterial pets are far from possible. First, the environment in which pets live is extremely complex. In their outdoor activities, grasslands, soils, excreta of other animals and various surfaces of objects in public places can be sources of fungi. In the course of their behaviour, such as sniffing, licking, rolling, etc., pets are inevitably exposed to a large number of bacteria and viruses, e.g. coli, salmonella, canine fever virus, cat tiny virus, etc., which are attached to the pet’s fur, claws and mouth, and even when antibacter pets are used in the home, they cannot prevent their contact with and contamination of the disease in the outside environment.
Second, the physical structure and habits of the pets themselves provide conditions for the presence of pathogens. The fur of the pets is thick, and the skin wrinkles are prone to contamination, creating a suitable environment for bacteria and fungi. Moreover, there is a certain number and variety of micro-organisms within the pet’s mouth and intestinal tract, which normally coexist with the pet, but when the pet’s immunity is reduced or influenced by external factors, some otherwise harmless micro-organisms may be transformed into pathogens that cause disease, an internal ecosystem that anti-bacterial pets cannot interfere with.
Moreover, antibacterial pets are not the only antibacterial effects. As time of use increases and wears, the effectiveness of antibacterials diminishes. For example, antibacterial cat casseroles, which are washed and rubbed through many urine and faeces, may be stripped or rendered ineffective by antibacterial coatings on their surfaces, thus preventing the growth of the fungi from being effectively and continuously. In addition, the sensitivity of different strains to various antibacterial agents varies, and some antibacterial strains may survive in the environment where antibacterial pets are used and continue to spread, placing the pets at risk of infection.
Overdependence on antibacterial pets may also lead to the neglect of other important pet health protection measures by pet owners. For example, the regular bringing of pets to pet hospitals for medical examinations, vaccinations and deworming, the maintenance of a clean environment for pets, including regular cleaning of pet homes, toys, changing pet mats, etc., and the provision of a balanced diet and adequate sports for pets to enhance their immunity. These integrated measures are essential for the health of pets, and relying on antibacterial pets alone is far from sufficient.
Anti-bacterial pets have some positive significance in the health care of the pets, but it is unrealistic to claim that they are capable of freeing them from any disease. We should create the right ideas, rational use of anti-bacterial pets and a comprehensive approach to pet health management, creating a healthy and safe living environment for our furry children, so that they can be happy enough to accompany us through more good times.
