(HealthDay News) -- Pets may be beloved family members, but they can also harbor germs.

Here are a few health suggestions for pet owners, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after petting your animals.
• Wear gloves when cleaning cages or litter boxes.
• Disinfect sinks, bathtubs and other areas where you bathe or brush your pet.
• Don't give your pets food meant for people -- especially raw meat, which can harbor bacteria.
• Never let pets drink from the toilet.
• Never take in a wild animal as a pet.