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Sleeping With Your Pets Could Be Bad For Your Health

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- If you let your dog or cat hop into bed with you at night it could make you sick, according to a new study.

The study by the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, found you could pick up several nasty illnesses by sleeping next to your pets.

They include heart and digestive disorders, cat scratch disease and even the bubonic plague.

The researchers found several cases of infections being spread by getting licked by a pet.

Fortunately, the risk is rare, and it's highest for those with compromised immune systems.

The American Veterinary Medical Association said to take common sense precautions like washing your hands and make sure your pets get regular checkups.

USA Today reports as many as 60 percent of pet owners sleep with their pets.

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