Life on Sydney’s North Shore is full of green spaces, leafy bush tracks, and pets making the most of our backyards. It’s one of the things that makes living here so special. All that freedom and outdoor fun does mean we need to be mindful of the small health risks pets can occasionally share with us.

These are called zoonotic diseases: illnesses that can move between animals and humans. The risk is generally low. With the right vet care and a few simple habits at home, it’s easy to keep everyone safe.

Here are some of the most common examples for North Shore pet owners, and how to prevent them.

Ringworm (a fungus, not a worm!)

Despite the name, ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm. In pets, it often shows up as flaky, bald patches, especially in kittens and puppies. In people, it causes red, circular, itchy rashes.

👉 Did you know? Ringworm spores can survive for months on bedding, carpets, and grooming tools.

How it spreads: Direct contact with an infected pet, or from contaminated environments.

Prevention at home:

Wash your hands after handling pets, especially young or rescue animals.
Clean bedding, brushes, and shared surfaces regularly.
See your vet promptly if you notice patches of hair loss or scaly skin.

Intestinal Worms

Dogs and cats can carry roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. While they mostly affect pets, they can also spread to people. Children are most at risk if they play in soil or sand contaminated with pet droppings.

How it spreads: Pets shed microscopic eggs or larvae in their faeces. Humans may ingest them accidentally or come into contact with them through bare feet or hands.

Prevention at home:

Worm pets regularly (every 3 months for adults, more often for puppies and kittens).
Pick up droppings promptly.
Cover sandpits when not in use.
Encourage kids to wash hands after outdoor play.

✅ Routine worming is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep both pets and people safe.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease carried by rats. In recent years it has re-emerged in Sydney. Dogs can become severely ill, and humans can also be infected.

How it spreads: Through rat urine in puddles, soil, or water. Dogs may sniff or drink contaminated water. People can catch it through direct contact with infected urine or water.

Prevention at home:

Vaccinate dogs against leptospirosis if they’re at risk.
Discourage dogs from drinking from puddles or stagnant water.
Keep rodents under control around the home.

Though still uncommon, leptospirosis is serious. Vaccination is the best protection.

Toxoplasmosis

This tiny parasite (Toxoplasma gondii) is often linked with cats, because they can shed it in their litter after hunting prey. For most people, toxoplasmosis is mild or unnoticed. For pregnant women, however, it can pose serious risks.

How it spreads: Through cat litter, soil contaminated by cat faeces, undercooked meat, and contaminated vegetables (a more common source than cats).

Prevention at home:

Scoop litter trays daily (oocysts take more than 24 hours to become infectious).
Wear gloves for gardening and wash vegetables thoroughly.
If pregnant or immunocompromised, avoid cleaning litter or handling stray cats.
Keep cats indoors and avoid feeding raw meat.

Good to know: the risk of catching toxoplasmosis directly from your household cat is extremely low. These habits provide extra peace of mind.

Cat-Scratch Disease

Most cat owners know the sting of a playful swipe. Kittens, in particular, can carry a bacteria called Bartonella henselae, which can cause cat-scratch disease in humans.

How it spreads: Through a scratch, bite, or even a lick on broken skin. In people, it may cause swollen glands, fever, or tiredness.

Prevention at home:

Control fleas, as they transmit Bartonella between cats.
Trim your cat’s claws.
Avoid rough play that leads to scratches or bites.
Wash any scratches or bites promptly with soap and water.

Most cases are mild, but prevention helps you avoid unpleasant infections altogether.

Fleas and Ticks

Sydney’s North Shore is well known for paralysis ticks. These tiny parasites can cause life-threatening illness in dogs and cats. Their bites can also trigger severe allergic reactions in people. Fleas, too, bite both pets and humans, causing itching and sometimes spreading infections.

How they spread: Fleas jump between pets and the environment. Ticks attach in bushy, grassy areas, often in backyards or on bushwalks.

Prevention at home:

Use year-round flea and tick preventatives recommended by your vet.
Check pets daily for ticks, especially after outdoor activities.
Keep lawns and gardens trimmed to reduce tick habitat.
Wash pet bedding regularly.

✅ Tick prevention isn’t optional in our region. It’s essential.

Bacterial Infections (Salmonella, Campylobacter)

Dogs and cats can sometimes carry bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter in their intestines without showing any signs. Pets fed raw diets, or those prone to scavenging in bins or off the ground, are at higher risk.

In people, these bacteria can cause food poisoning symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. In young children, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system, the illness can be more severe.

How it spreads: Contact with contaminated pet faeces, dirty food or water bowls, or letting pets lick plates and utensils.

Prevention at home:

Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning up after your pet.
Clean food and water bowls daily with hot, soapy water.
Avoid feeding raw meat diets unless carefully managed.
Keep pets off kitchen benches and don’t share utensils.

Good hygiene is usually enough to prevent these infections.

Giardia

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhoea in both pets and people. Dogs often pick it up from contaminated water sources such as puddles, streams, or shared bowls at parks. Once infected, they can shed Giardia cysts in their faeces, which may then infect other pets or people.

In humans, Giardia can cause ongoing bouts of diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach cramps.

How it spreads: Pets shed Giardia in their stool. People may become infected if germs are picked up on hands and transferred to the mouth, or from contact with contaminated surfaces.

Prevention at home:

Promptly pick up dog droppings.
Wash hands after handling pets or cleaning up accidents.
Disinfect areas if your pet has diarrhoea.
See your vet — treatment is available if your pet tests positive.

Good sanitation and quick vet care if your pet develops diarrhoea help keep Giardia under control.

How to Keep Your Family Safe?

The good news is that most zoonotic diseases are easy to prevent. A few small habits make a big difference:

✅ Keep flea, tick, and worming prevention up to date year-round.
✅ Vaccinate pets when recommended (including leptospirosis where appropriate).
✅ Pick up droppings promptly and clean litter trays daily.
✅ Wash hands after handling pets, litter, soil, or food bowls.
✅ Clean food and water bowls daily.
✅ Avoid rough play or face-licks, especially with young children.

Stick with these, and your pets will remain the safe, happy companions they’re meant to be.

The Bottom Line

Zoonotic diseases might sound a little daunting, but with good hygiene, regular vet checks, and the right parasite prevention, they’re nothing to lose sleep over. For North Shore families, it’s simply about making smart choices.

At The Village Vet, we’re here to give practical advice tailored to your lifestyle, whether that’s bushwalks in Turramurra, weekends at the dog beach, or a leafy backyard in Pymble.

👉 Want to check if your pet’s parasite plan is up to date? Book a check-up at The Village Vet.
👉 Not sure if your dog needs a leptospirosis vaccine? Ask our vets today.

FAQs: Zoonoses & Pets

Can my kids get sick from playing with our dog or cat?
The risk is very low if pets are wormed regularly and hygiene is good. Teach kids to wash their hands after outdoor play or handling pets, especially before meals.

Do indoor cats still need parasite prevention?
Yes. Even indoor cats can be exposed to fleas or worms, and if they sneak onto balconies or catch insects, they may still pick things up. Prevention is important for all cats.

Is toxoplasmosis something I should worry about if I’m pregnant?
Not usually. Most cases come from undercooked meat rather than cats. If you’re pregnant, avoid handling litter trays and wear gloves for gardening as an extra precaution.

What are the most common zoonotic diseases you see at The Village Vet?
We often see intestinal worms, fleas and ticks, and occasional cases of ringworm. The more serious ones, like leptospirosis, are much less common but important to prevent with vaccines and parasite control.

Can I catch worms from my dog or cat?
Yes, though the risk is low if your pet is wormed regularly and droppings are picked up promptly. Children are most at risk, so hand-washing is especially important.

Can I get food poisoning from my pet?
Occasionally, yes. Pets can carry bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter. Washing hands after cleaning up, keeping bowls clean, and discouraging pets from licking plates keeps the risk very low.

What’s the best way to prevent ticks in Sydney?
Use year-round tick prevention, check pets daily (especially after bushwalks), and keep gardens trimmed. Your vet can help you choose the most effective product.