Canine Hospital Visitors Pick Up Germs

Posted on August 10, 2009 in Animals, Health & Medicine, Recent Studies

Therapy dogs may spread cheer to the hospital patients they visit, but they’re also spreading germs. A Canadian study showed that the dogs picked up risky bacteria during a routine hospital trip.

University of Guelph researchers tested 26 therapy dogs and their handlers for three kinds of infection-causing bacteria: Methicillin-resistant Staphylcoccus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Although the dogs’ forepaws did not test positive for the bacteria before the hospital visits, they were contaminated afterwards. A pug with MRSA on its fur had been kissed and cuddled, while a greyhound with C. difficile had shaken paws with several patients. MRSA was also found on the hands of the handler who petted the pug.

The dogs may have picked up germs as they trotted through medical facilities. Doctors say it isn’t realistic to sanitize dogs between visits to each hospital room. Instead, they said the responsibility lies with humans to wash their hands with warm, soapy water after spending time with furry friends. Others say that the study is yet another reason to practice good hygiene, regardless of whether animals are present.

Researchers said that hospital patients and dog handlers should follow recommended hand sanitation procedures in order to contain the spreading of germs. The findings were reported in a letter published in March 28, 2009 issue of the Journal of Hospital Infection.