Do you have an adorable furry companion at home? Dogs and cats make wonderful family pets, but did you know that some pet diseases can be passed to human owners?

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonoses, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, although it's uncommon for humans to catch a disease through their pets, in rare cases it can happen. Contracting a pet-borne disease typically involves very close contact with animals or their excretions, which is why it's important to be vigilant about hygiene and to pay attention to your pet's health.

Some individuals, including children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to these disease-causing microorganisms, so it is smart to be aware of them. Here's a brief overview of pet-borne diseases to ask your doctor about if you think someone you love is at risk:

Roundworms

Roundworm eggs and microscopic adult worms can be excreted in the feces of infected dogs and cats, and can cause the parasitic disease toxocariasis. Usually, toxocariasis neither produces symptoms nor requires treatment. But in some cases, toxocariasis can cause vision problems or blindness. Children have a higher risk of accidentally ingesting worm eggs because they play near pets or touch infected soil. Parents should keep young kids away from areas where an animal may have defecated and to teach them about proper hygiene around animals.

Hookworms

Infected dogs and cats transmit hookworms by passing hookworm eggs in their stools. The eggs hatch into larvae, which can penetrate the skin and develop into half-inch-long worms that crawl just beneath the skin's surface. Usually, this happens when someone walks barefoot on larvae-contaminated sand. Look for skin inflammation and serpentine-like lesions, usually in the foot or leg area.

Toxoplasmosis

Also known as "litter box disease", this parasite can be transmitted to humans through contact with eggs passed in the cat's stool. Toxoplasmosis can also be spread by eating undercooked meat. While toxoplasmosis is rare, and typically doesn't present symptoms, pregnant women should be extra careful because this disease can cause blindness, deafness, seizures and mental retardation in the fetus. You won't get infected via direct contact with a cat, but if you're pregnant, always use gloves when you clean the litter box or have someone else do it.

Bacterial infections from bites

Cat bites can transmit pasteurella, a bacteria that causes swelling, fever, inflammation of the bone and sometimes even death. Dog bites can spread staphylococcus, a group of bacteria that can cause a variety of diseases. If a dog or cat bite has broken skin, see a doctor because antibiotics may be necessary.

Cat scratch disease

This pet disease is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae, which is transmitted by a cat's scratch or bite. Symptoms include an infection at the injury point, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache and fatigue. Not all infected cat-scratch wounds are Bartonellosis, however, and most cases resolve without treatment -- still, it's a good idea to check with your doctor if you experience these symptoms following a cat scratch.

Salmonellosis

Pets can carry this bacteria and pass it in their feces, and they can cause symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea and exhaustion. Salmonellosis can also be contracted by eating contaminated food.