Puppies & PD

[Goofy]

I received a puppy for Christmas and I didn't even ask for one!  She 12 weeks old and is so cute!  The problem is that I didn't ask for one.  I love dogs but after my last dog died, I never wanted to go through that heartache again.

So now my family feels like I "need" a dog to help me with the transition of dialysis.  I don't know where they came up with that notion but I don't need a dog.  I think they thought it would be good "therapy" for me.

So now, of course, I've fallen love with her and she's here to stay!  My question is that I had read that you shouldn't have pets when you are on PD.  Has anyone else been told that?  I think it has to do with being clean.  If you have a pet, have you ever had problems because of it?

[Darthvadar]

Hi Goofy....

Congratulations on the new addition to your family....

What's the pawed person's name???...

Mum's on PD... We have a little hooligan, I mean, dog... Mum has had no problems with him... I get his coat clipped right back twice a year, and when Mum has him on her lap, she just wraps a towel around her abdomen as an additional barrier... I wash the towels daily... I add an eggcup full of bleach to the detergent as an added precaution...

I have to say that the hound's the best thing that's ever happened to Mum... He gets her out of bed in the mornings...

Enjoy your new pal...

God bless...

Darth...

[silverhead]

Don't have a dog, but do have a 23 pound cat, who is most certainly Sharon's (She tolerates my presence because I feed her and keep her "box" clean). We have Sharon's hospital bed in the middle of the living room and the bottom left portion is kept clear for the cat, she loves to cuddle next to her during the day, but she learned right away that as soon as the blue chux pad comes out that she is relegated to the spot at the bottom of the bed. Have not had any problems sanitation wise for almost 3 years.........

[peleroja]

Just keep her away from your supplies and out of the room when doing dialysis.  My friend was on PD with a dog, and the PD nurses never said a thing, just wanted to see pics of the dog!

[BrandyChloe]

When I started PD, I was told to keep the dog and cat out of the room where I have my supplies and machine. It was difficult for me (seems more for me than the dog) as she slept in the bed with us. I had my comforter cleaned and washed all the blankets on the bed. We just keep the master bedroom door closed all the time otherwise, the dog and cat have the run of the house, as usual.

My PD nurses told me it wasn't worth taking the chance on getting periotinitis.

[*kana*]

I have both a cat and dog and they spend time in the same room where my machine is.  I am just very careful that they are out of the room when I hook up and I wipe everything down before I begin. 

It is posible to have pets and never have a problem.  Congrats on your new puppy....lets see pictures!!!! 

[Hanify]

I've got three cats and have never had a problem.  Just keep washing those hands and use the spray stuff and you'll be fine.  Enjoy the puppy - how lovely.

[Goofy]

We named her Lulu.  I just can't get over how cute and playful she is.  I've only had her a week and I'm already spoiling her.  My husband keeps yelling at me.  He said I'm teaching her bad habits!   Oh well, he was the one who said I needed a dog!

We keep her out of the room when I hook up but then we let her sleep in bed with us. 

If I can figure out a way, I'll try to post some pictures.  I'm already worried who is going to watch her when we go out of town for my daughters wedding.  And that's not until March!!

[KICKSTART]

Well no need to ask what i think about about dogs n PD !!!! As long as you you fuss him/her? then go straight to touching your pd stuff then you will be fine ! To be honest .. my dogs are cleaner than my house right now !!! 

[Slywalker]

Congratulations on getting a new member of the family.  When I was on PD I had two cats and one dog.  I kept the supplies in a room where the animals didn't go.  Because I did the cycler I made sure the cats were not in the bedroom when I connected.  (The dog never slept in my room anyways.)  The cats slept in my bed sometimes at night and definitely kept me company in the evening because I had to hook up so early. 

It will be fine. 

Have fun with the puppy.