Therapy dogs and diseases

[AlaskaYorkie]

OK, so Eddie passed his therapy dog test, and I'm all excited. He will be able to visit hospitals and cheer up patients. But one thing that was brought up in class worries me. Dogs can get diseases from patients, and at least one Delta Society therapy dog has died from a staph infection.

I've never been an overprotective owner. I put quality of life first. That's why I let him run off leash when there's a remote chance of a predator being out there. That's why I let him go to meetups with big dogs when there's a chance one will be overly exuberant before I can rescue him.

But this is taking it to a new level. Am a I putting him at unnecessary risk? After all, this is more about me wanting to do something good for humanity than him. I just think he has an incredible capacity to make people feel good, and I want to share that.

Would you risk your dog's health in this situation?

[Dauxside]

The thing is our furkin can pick up staph or any other assorted cross species contamination anywhere in the great big world. A sick child that reaches out while walking, a neighbor that gives a treat unbeknownst, at least in the environment of hospital you are able to pick/choose based on what the attendents are able to advise.

[fairlight]

This may sound foolish, but are there any kind of shots that can be given to a dog to ward of some of these illnesses? My daughter is in the medical field and she had and still has to be immunized for many things that we normally do not know or see.

[AlaskaYorkie]

Originally Posted by Dauxside

The thing is our furkin can pick up staph or any other assorted cross species contamination anywhere in the great big world. A sick child that reaches out while walking, a neighbor that gives a treat unbeknownst, at least in the environment of hospital you are able to pick/choose based on what the attendents are able to advise.

That's a good point. Thanks. I've never been choosy about who can pet them. In a hospital, I would insist on patients washing their hands. It not only protects Eddie, but it protects him from spreading disease from room to room.

[AlaskaYorkie]

Originally Posted by fairlight

This may sound foolish, but are there any kind of shots that can be given to a dog to ward of some of these illnesses? My daughter is in the medical field and she had and still has to be immunized for many things that we normally do not know or see.

Actually, that's a great question. I don't know. I'm going to check with my vet, though.

[fairlight]

Originally Posted by AlaskaYorkie

That's a good point. Thanks. I've never been choosy about who can pet them. In a hospital, I would insist on patients washing their hands. It not only protects Eddie, but it protects him from spreading disease from room to room.

Staph can float from room to room. You can wash your hands as many times as you want. It may be a great deterrant but there is still the slight possibilty. YOu may also want to look into a VA hospital. There are so many veterans out there just longing to touch a piece of the outside world, especially something small and furry like Eddie.

[Dauxside]

Originally Posted by fairlight

Staph can float from room to room. You can wash your hands as many times as you want. It may be a great deterrant but there is still the slight possibilty. YOu may also want to look into a VA hospital. There are so many veterans out there just longing to touch a piece of the outside world, especially something small and furry like Eddie.

Oh yes staph is easy to spread, door knobs, rails, walls, doors, etc....that's why I said Eddie's no safer the in the "real" world than he is in hospital.

I think it's great you're going to bring him out as a therapy dog, it does mean the world to people ... knowing they're not forgotten. Not just hospitals either, respite homes, elder care, even in-home care.

Eddie and you are awesome!

[AlaskaYorkie]

Originally Posted by fairlight

Staph can float from room to room. You can wash your hands as many times as you want. It may be a great deterrant but there is still the slight possibilty. YOu may also want to look into a VA hospital. There are so many veterans out there just longing to touch a piece of the outside world, especially something small and furry like Eddie.

Love that idea, too. We have a lot of veterans here.

[AlaskaYorkie]

Originally Posted by Dauxside

Oh yes staph is easy to spread, door knobs, rails, walls, doors, etc....that's why I said Eddie's no safer in hospital than he is in the "real" world.

I think it's great you're going to bring him out as a therapy dog, it does mean the world to people ... knowing they're not forgotten. Not just hospitals either, respite homes, elder care, even in-home care.

Eddie and you are awesome!

Yeah, my first choice was the elderly. But I hadn't considered VA hospitals. Of course, the elderly are at higher risk of staph.

I think I just need to see the numbers. What is the real risk? People are afraid to scuba dive because of sharks, but I understand that risk is tiny. Same with being attacked by a grizzly bear. It's not high enough to keep me from going on a hike in the woods.

[Dauxside]

Yes, ask vet I'm also including a link of several therapy dog organizations. Maybe chat with them and see what their experience/concerns have been?