Pets at work

APBT mom, LPN, RN · Nov 10, 2008

I have a quick question about bringing therapy dogs to a facility. I notice that the dogs ya'll have mentioned have all been small dogs( westies, french bulldog, cairn terrier.) I have an 80-lb Standard Poodle that I would love to bring to a facility.He's an old gentleman, almost 9yo, black with grey beard and eyebrows. He's gentle and well-mannered--he would never jump on anyone or climb into their bed. He is totally content to sit next to someone and have his head rubbed.He's very fluffy and friendly.
My husband says that because he's a big black dog that he wouldn't be a good therapy dog, that people would be afraid of him. Do you think that's true? It's not like he's a pitbull or anything.

The dogs that some of the facilities have come around here are bigger dogs (labs, goldens, and pit bulls). Some people don't like large dogs so that may be why he's saying they could be scared of him. Also pit bulls are not suppose to be human agresssive. The ones that are displayed in the media have usually been mistreated in some way by their owners or should have never been born in the first place because if unwanted agression shown in the parents. Any dog can bite or be agressive. I've been bitten by a shih tzu, westminster terrior, cocker spaniel, and a poodle. That doesn't make me any more afraid of them. I also have two APBT's at home.

hippylady7211 · Nov 10, 2008

In the state I work in the dog needs to be certified as a pet therapy dog. Good training for both the dog and you.

I love it when the therapy dog is available. Not only does it help the residents, it helps me to relax and refocus when I have been able to love the dog.:nuke:

southernbeegirl, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2008

we have a cat that lives at our facility in the activity room. when we found her she was a tiny kitten that was close to death. now shes the fattest cat ever and totally spoiled. we also have this huge bird cage with about 20 birds. we have habitat dogs that come in a few days a week. even the habitat dogs have their favorite patients and cant wait to go see them. one of the nurses keeps dog treats on her med cart (unless of course the state is around ) so all the habitat dogs run to her med cart and sit there...even if she isnt there! it's hilarious.

personal pets are allowed to visit as long as we have their records and they are either on a leash or if tiny..in someone's arms...they cant run around unattended.

and (hoping my boss doesnt read here, lol) i let things slide on the weekends and let people bring in a patients beloved pet even if they havent been there long enough to get the records to the acitivities dept. theres nothing better to perk a patient up than a good, long visit and nap with their "baby".

I wish we had more animals. they are a better rehab sometimes than anything.

southernbeegirl, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2008

One of our family members brings in her dog....has to weigh at least 100 pounds...huge and hairy. It is one of the sweetest, most gentle dogs you'd ever want to meet. If you want to bring your standard poodle in, who cares what color he is?

we have a newfoundland that visits often. omg he's huge. and the sweetest, gentlest dog ever too. you just cant help but get down there and snuggle on him.

mustlovepoodles, RN · Nov 11, 2008

we have a newfoundland that visits often. omg he's huge. and the sweetest, gentlest dog ever too. you just cant help but get down there and snuggle on him.

You know, this reminded me of something...when my DS13 was very young, around 2, his PT used to have pet therapy periodically. There was a big Bernese Mountain dog named Ranger--he wore a red cowboy hat! DS13 has severe developmental disabilities and at that time his ONE goal was to remain in the room with the animals without screaming bloody murder. It took us 8 weeks of gradually moving closer to the dog, pulling away when it became too much, but eventually DS was able to sit next to Ranger. Through it all, that dog was steady as a rock. He never demanded anything from Christian. And then one day Christian stretched out along-side Ranger's soft furry tummy, very quiet. Ranger just lay there. And then...Ranger very carefully lifted his paw and placed it across Christian's chest. They just lay there together for the remainder of the session. :redpinkhe About 3 wks later Christian figured out how to sit up (he was 2-1/2 yrs old!) and shortly after that he started riding horses. He started smiling. He allowed us to kiss him and touch his face. :yeah: You never know just what is going to turn the key in someone's mind, but for Christian it all started with a big furry dog named Ranger.

Thanks for the memories! :redbeathe

achot chavi · Nov 11, 2008

I'm the Director of Nursing and the Administrator has already said it's fine if I bring a puppy in every day.

So why are you asking?- you set policy based on DOH guidelines!!

There are pro's and con's to what you want to do- animals make for great therapy and I am personally in favor.

We had a pet corner once ( we closed it) and now once a week a pet therapist works on the units- we cover the tables with heavy plastic and wash patients hands before and after therapy. It has really helped- for example a 96 yo obese patient ( who could not stand) had a sacral ulcer and refused to rest in the afternoon. She insisted on sitting 16 hours a day straight!! Through pet therapy she learned the importance of taking care of her skin and releasing pressure. She also learned the need to eat right (more protein and vegies - less Hersheys and Chips). She agreed to change her daily routine and healed one month later- we happily celebrated her birthday recently.

There are many Infection control concerns- ( both ways- your dog could pick up an infection from a patient...)

as well as the potential situation where other staff members will want to bring their pets to work as well and then you'd have to set a policy and follow it ( could be time consuming).

Someone already mentioned allergies...

It could also be a distraction and a responsibility. Will the dog know not to run away if you have to suddenly do CPR or deal with an out of control situation?

I agree that mature dogs are better than young ones.

You might want to set a day a month - Bring your pet to work day!

Personally- my work is challenging enough- I leave my personal life (including my pets) at home. OTOH, I have brought my kids to work( we needed volunteers) and encourage that when it doesn't interfere with patient care.

Let us know what happens...

BTW- the cat that you have- did someone bring it or did it "adopt" you? Does it get along with your puppy?

DDRN4me · Nov 11, 2008

Personally, I think its a great idea. I have almost always seen positive results from pets . When I worked with dd adults in the gh we would bring our pets to the patio and let them play... so nice to see the clients laughing and smiling!! you dont have to have the puppy in the mileu the whole time. Crate training him first will give him the security of his own "home" and somewhere to put hm when you are busy. Since you are the :bowingpur

DON...go for it!! :lol2: ( I am too but have an administrator that would have a cow if i even asked)

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Nov 11, 2008

Apparently the cat showed up one day on the door step. Someone fed it and when no one else claimed it..the facility adopted it. One of the nurses volunteered to be the one to take it to the vet and the residents' council buys it food by collecting soda cans and getting the deposit back.

husker_rn, RN · Nov 15, 2008

If you are interested in pets in the facility check out The Eden Altenative. I have worked in a facilty that adopted the theory and I think more nursing homes should adopt it.