Benefits of owning pet abound
My partner and I are writing in to ask your advice on the safety or risk of introducing a dog or cat into our home.
My partner is immunocompromised, and we have asked around and done some research but would appreciate any commentary on precautions, best practices or anything else you might add.
Given the recent stay at home for a year with the pandemic, we would love to have some more companionship in our home. We hope to adopt from a shelter, if it makes sense.
Dog or cat, and does it make a difference?
We have spoken with our primary care physician, but she suggested conferring with a veterinarian as well.
I think it is great that you want to open your home to an adopted animal, and it is also wise for you both to ask the right questions to protect your partner. Both the two of you and the pet will benefit. Sixty per- cent of U.S. households have pets, and the number seems to be rising especially in light of the pandemic and an increased desire for pets pro- viding companionship in the home. The benefits of a pet cannot be underestimated. Besides compan- ionship, research tells us that having a pet reduces stress and depression, which is great in the cases of immunocompromised individuals, de- creases obesity in people, and improves cardiovascular health and fitness if walking a dog is involved. In your scenario, I would be sure to pay attention to the following: It has been shown that adopting an older pet rather than a young pet is better in the immunocompromised population. Be sure to have any pet get regular checkups with your veterinarian to maintain good health of the animal. Do not let the pet sleep in the bed and do not let the pet lick your faces. The handling of any urine or fecal material should not be done by your partner but by you. Hand wash regularly as you presumably have done during the pandemic. Avoid bite wounds and cat bites can be more problematic than dog bites, primarily due to more Pasteurella in their systems. In the end analysis, I do not believe it makes that much of a difference which species you choose. A cat maintained indoors might in some ways seem healthier but walking a dog and having fresh air and exercise also has its benefits. Continue to do your due diligence and homework and you will make the right decision. Be sure to inquire as to the health history of any pet that you adopt as to minimize any possible issues. Good luck!