P.A.W.S. Colorado

Pets Are Wonderful Support

Education

In the last decade the idea that pets can be beneficial to people living with HIV has become an accepted principle. Pet facilitated therapy programs are springing up across the country. Almost every week a new paper appears showing a positive correlation between contact with animals and improved emotional outlook and health stability. Persons living with HIV often deal with feelings of isolation, rejection and lack of purpose. For such people companion animals offer purpose, a feeling of being needed, a way to increase socialization and, of course, a constant source of non-judgmental love and affection. Years ago many physicians were telling their patients "I don't care what kind of animal it is ... get rid of it!" Well, times are changing. As more and more information has become available about diseases that can be acquired from animals (called zoonoses or zoonotic diseases) and the potent positive aspects of the human-animal bond, the attitude of the medical community has changed.

This is not to say that there are no potential health risks to people with HIV who own pets; there are. The final decision as to whether or not to keep a beloved pet rests with the person ... after consultation with their physician. The best kind of decision is an informed one, not one based on fear or intimidation.

People with AIDS and other diseases of the immune system are constantly threatened with opportunistic infections. Some opportunistic infections can be traced to zoonoses. While there is no sure way to completely eliminate exposure or transmission of zoonotic diseases, there are many ways to reduce the possibility of exposure or transmission.

General Hygiene

1. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, smoking or attending to open wounds.

2. Keep your pet's quarters (eating, living) clean.

3. Keep your pet clean and well groomed. Dogs should be bathed regularly. If allergies or respiratory problems are of concern consider keeping your dog's coat short. Some long haired cats do not mind a regular bath and thinning of their undercoat.

4. Keep your cat's litter box out of the kitchen. Also avoid placing it in a very warm dry location such as near a radiator... and change it daily.

5. Keep your cat off all kitchen surfaces. If not possible, be sure to wipe down any surface on which food may be placed with a gentle disinfectant.

6. Try to avoid contact with your pet's bodily fluids. This includes vomit, urine, feces and saliva. Gloves should be worn if a mess must be cleaned up. When finished dispose of the gloves or, if non-disposable, wash them while your hands are still in them. Then wash your hands. If possible, have someone clean the mess up for you.

7. Keep your pet's nails well trimmed. If you do not know how ask your groomer or veterinarian to show you.

8. Try and avoid allowing your pet to lick your face or any open wound.

 

Pet Guidelines For People Living With HIV/AIDS