A mum has warned other parents after her son became seriously ill from their new family pet, and she is urging others to be cautious if they are bringing one of these animals into their home.
Animals are a very important part of so many families, an extra member of the clan in most cases. But it is important to do the proper research and ensure that the animal you choose is the right one for your family. You have to be able to take care of it correctly and provide it with enough exercise, mental stimulation and the correct food and bedding.
Some animals can also carry bacteria which may be dangerous for young children and pregnant people, which is important to be aware of.
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Beware of this pet
Reptiles, including lizards, tortoises and terrapins, are popular pets but if you are planning on getting one then you should pay heed to this mum’s warning.
Lucé, a mum of two, got a tortoise for her son’s seventh birthday, but little did she know that her five year old would soon be hospitalised because of it.
The family was obsessed with ‘Ninja’ but two weeks later five-year-old Louie ‘became seriously unwell’. He was rushed to hospital and put on a drip for dehydration. After two days he was diagnosed with Salmonella which left the parents confused. The children had all eaten the same food so why had only one become ill?
Until the doctor asked if they had gotten any new pets when it ‘clicked’.
‘Tortoises naturally carry the Salmonella bacteria’ which they spread through their environment, especially if they are out and about like Ninja was.
Young children are more at risk of picking up the bacteria so the family made the difficult decision to rehome Ninja.
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Thank you
Followers thanked the mum in the comments, with many not knowing the risk. ‘Poor baby. I never knew this. Thank you for sharing,’ one person wrote in the comments.
Someone else said: ‘My husband got our 4 year old one last year and never knew this I’m so thankful I’m OCD about reptiles and salmonella but did not know all torties carry I will now be deep cleaning the tank light switches and surfaces asap,’ while a third added: ‘Thanks for sharing, my girls wanted one so happy I see this.’
