think my mouse is dying.

Question
I've had my pet mouse for about 2 years now and i know that she will be dying soon. she is just kinda acting weird and i wanna make sure its nothing i or anyone in my family could catch. she was fine up until a few days ago when she wasn't moving very much and was covered in what looked like her own pee. she hasn't been eating or drinking. she keeps coughing and its looks like her back legs are numb or something. she moves a little bit but not much.i took her out and  put her in a bowl of water and instead of swimming like she normally does,she fell to one side and almost drowned. i tried to pet her little head and she swatted me away. she keeps coughing and twitching. she has the same bedding as always and her bed that she normally sleeps in ,is covered in feces.

Answer
Hi Samantha,

I hope that if she is still with you, you will consider bringing her to your veterinarian and ending her suffering.  It sounds like she is in a lot of pain and discomfort, and it breaks my heart to hear how badly she is doing.

In answer to your question, no, this is not something that is dangerous to you or your family.  It sounds like she has simply reached her time, and from what you've described, like her little body is shutting down.  She is not infectious, but just like always, I would recommend washing your hands before and after handling any pet, just for the sake of cleanliness.

I'm so sorry for your loss,
-Tam