Disgusting Dogs going into ICUs at a hospital near you

[SummerFeverVenice]

Is anyone else horrified at the thought of “therapy” dogs going on hospitals’ wards and even into ICUs? I read this article and was throughly disgusted at the idea of animals and all their associated filth being allowed into hospitals.

Outpatient, psychiatric wards I have no problem with. But regular wards and the ICU?! Where infection control and hygiene must be upheld…surely this is a bad idea. In the article one of the volunteers even let her dog lick a patient’s face! Plus the top photo shows a dog that has climbed into bed with a patient.

I feel like dog worship has gone a step too far.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz7w4lzyg2lo

Yes it is flagged, on a red wrist band they write all my allergies down. Only they often run out of room and so we have to discuss which allergies make the cut. In the past I have said to leave off the pet allergy because I thought no animals were allowed to just wander through the ICU and wards.

Exactly this. What a lovely picture.

I don’t agree I am at more risk.

Flowers are banned because the water can harbour a bacteria called pseudomonas

If you truly have a life threatening allergy, then (assuming the ward staff know that) then of course they won't bring a therapy dog in.

But that doesn't stop the general idea being good, and positive for other patients.

It’s a bloody brilliant idea. I’ve seen the difference these animals make. I’ve also know a few of these highly trained and vetted dogs. They are no more disgusting than a lot of humans I’ve met.

You are easily amazed and it’s not a drip feed.

I hate hospitals. If dogs were a common feature in hospitals, I'd like hospitals - 'mon the dugs 😁

If you are very ill and stuck in hospital a visit from a doggo would probably do you the world of good. I'm sure the germ aspect has been addressed!

As I'm not a particular fan of dogs I'd rather have a cat visit though.

I would like every dog removed from the UK and the thought one might be close to me in hospital is appalling.

Got it, my life is worth less than their chance at pleasure.

I’d worry more about the filth associated with humans rather than dogs 🤷🏻‍♀️

Someone posted on another thread today about whether there was anywhere an entitled dog owners wouldn't take their dogs.

The answer appears to be no.

A while ago I posted about hating the idea of being in a care home and having dogs coming in and imposed on me. Someone said it wouldn't happen. Well if it happens in ICUs, it will happen in care homes. A pp has said they will only be taken to people who've requested it, but wards have more than one person in. And in an ICU you are really vulnerable and may not be able to say you don't want a dog around you.

Why can't people just accept that not everyone like dogs?

This post is emblematic of the problem, I'm afraid. Dogs are lovely, intelligent, funny and loyal, but in a hospital/cafe/other environment where hygiene matters, they are disgusting. They are also potentially distressing or dangerous to people who either don't like them or are allergic to them. This inability of dog owners to appreciate the nuance is the reason we have dogs ruining public spaces, crapping in supermarkets and generally making a nuisance of themselves.

It’s them tiny humans that are disgusting and have associated filth and germs . Don’t let one of those lick you ……..

super spreaders

Now that would be hard to do, maybe you could move to an island somewhere.

Don't begrudge someone comfort where they can get it.

I have met some humans that I wouldn’t want near me in a hospital but not a dog. I’m sure they don’t let any only dirty dog in….yet they let any dirty human in 😬

That’s very dramatic, I have a life threatening allergy myself but I can’t force others to avoid it.
I kindly request that people don’t bring anything in containing the allergen.
Obviously if someone on the ward was at risk they wouldn’t allow the dogs into that space.

It's brilliant if the person has requested it because they will benefit from it and they are well away from other patients.

But that can't happen in ICU because everyone is wired up to however many machines.

Anyway if I am ever in a medical facility and they ask if I am allergic to anything I will lie and say I am allergic to dogs. I don't actually know, I don't get close enough to find out, but I do have a mild allergy to cats.

I’m a cancer patient too OP and think you’re being ridiculous. Between you and that woman with cancer who expected everyone going for a Christmas meal to take a Covid test I’ve read enough nonsense for today. The world doesn’t revolve around us just because we’re immunocompromised, get a grip.

Exactly! I think dogs are great, I donate a monthly amount to a charity that rescues dogs, cats and small pets. I just can’t share space with them.
To have them in a hospital for humans is disgusting and terrifying. Why can’t there be a pet free space at all? It’s awful that I can’t even count on being in a pet free hospital.

Exactly this.

My heart rate & BP are both raised if one comes near me, I'd probably scream the place down.

When DH was in hospital the staff suggested I bring my Labrador in. Well, he was fussed by everyone and they absolutely loved it. The staff and patients talked about it all the time until DH was discharged. On another stay the trained PAT dog came round the ward and DH was thrilled as were the other patients.

Looking at some of the people in hospitals, I would rather be visited by a calm, trained, vetted dog than them.