Dog walker?

Ruby Vee, BSN · May 10, 2009

working dogs are wonderful, but i don't think it's the nursing staff's responsibility to care for them. if it's not a documented service animal, it shouldn't be in the hospital in the first place. if it is in the hosptial, it's the patient's and his family's responsibility to care for the dog.

just my two cents.

caliotter3 · May 10, 2009

I walked my patient's service dog on a home health case one time. We didn't go very far and didn't take very long. The little dog didn't look like your typical service dog and was so old that he could go at any time. I know the client will be devastated when that sad event happens. Seems like more of a chore in a hospital situation. I sure would put this responsibility on the family. If they can come to visit, then they can walk the doggie.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · May 10, 2009

If the patient is ambulatory it would be therapeutic for him to take the dog for the necessary walks. Nursing is only for those that are unable to meet theirs, and their pets, daily needs.

Perhaps if he doesn't grumble too much someone would be kind enough to take the dog out if needed during the night.

rnmi2004 · May 10, 2009

We had a patient on our floor who had a seizure alert service dog. There was no shortage of staff members who wanted to volunteer to take the dog out. I don't recall anyone taking too long of a walk with the dog.

It was an unusual situation but very neat to see how the dog was able to alert the patient and the staff to an impending seizure. He really helped us keep the patient safe. :)

Straydandelion · May 10, 2009

I agree, it would be therapeutic for the patient to take the dog for a walk depending on how far and the circumstances. At the very least since the patient is ambulatory, they should go with staff...also when the family is there that should be their responsibility.

Batman24 · May 10, 2009

I would have patient start to take dog out during the day and have family members pitch in when it's really busy too. Perhaps someone could take the dog for a quick walk around 11pm or midnight before the pup settles in for the night. I'd do it if I could. lol

cardiacmadeline, RN · May 10, 2009

It is not nursing's responsibility. I agree with the previous post, it is either the patient's or family's responsibility.

travel50 · May 10, 2009

I am the DON at a nursing home, and we will take a resident and their pet if the pet meets the criteria. However, if the resident is unable to care for the pet, the family will have to do so. For example, one lady brought her cat who'd been her main companion for many years. She was losing her mind, and really unable to care for the kitty. So her son came every day to clean the litter box and put out fresh food and water. He was also responsible for taking kitty to the vet as needed. He was glad to do it b/c mom had not been safe alone at home, but had been unwilling to leave without her pet. My aides and nurses would provide care in a emergency, such as if the pet had gotten sick and threw up. And they shower the pets with lots of love. But the basic care is the responsibility of the resident or the family.

Katnip, RN · May 10, 2009

I believe the ADA says you cannot deny the dog access, but it is not legally the staff's responsibility to take care of it. I have a copy of the regulation at work, so I can't say for sure.

StrwbryblndRN · May 10, 2009

Has anyone tried to tell the pt that it can't be staff's job to take care of the pet?

(I can't imagine it would be at all)

yetanotheramanda · May 10, 2009

Has anyone tried to tell the pt that it can't be staff's job to take care of the pet?
(I can't imagine it would be at all)

oh my goodness, no! then he might give us a bad score on the survey! lol

the damn dog BARKED at me each time I went in the room last night!? Aren't real service dogs trained not to bark? maybe it thought I was having a seizure....