Quote Originally Posted by chrisdab View Post
Why do I always hear how it is important to clean your hands after handling reptiles like my ball python, yet I never get an explanation as to why it is important. What makes reptiles different than mammals like dogs and cats. Rats are unhygienic so I can see why one should clean after them. I dont see all reptiles as being unhygienic though.
You should was your hands after handling you snake to minimize the risk of salmonella. Since they lay eggs it can be found in the animals feces and you never know if the snake has cruised through it's feces before you saw it and cleaned up.

Cats can actually pick up and be carriers of a worm that is contagious to people and it is suggested that you wash your hands before touching your face or eating after petting/playing with a cat. I believe the worm is mostly harmless to cats but can make people very sick, I'm not an expert and it's been a while since my vet told me about this so I've forgotten the details.

Dogs will eat and roll in almost anything. If you think they're clean think again. Especially if you own a cat, dogs love "kitty treats" and will dig up a cats litter box or outdoor spot to get to and eat cat feces. Yuck!! You ever wonder why dog breath is the worst thing? Well now you know.

Domestic rats are actually probably the cleanest of the animals you mentioned. They can be litter trained, you control the environment and their food source, and as far as I know don't carry anything contagious to people. But I still wash my hands.

Sorry for the overload of info... lol.