11.2.4: Pets

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Page ID: 67686

Erin O'Hara-Leslie, Amdra C. Wade, Kimberly B. McLain, SUNY Broome

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Some patients may have pets in their home. Find out prior to going to a patient’s home for the first visit if they have pets on the premises. Ask the patient how their pet is around strangers. If the patient says that the pets are aggressive or do not like strangers, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should inform their supervisor and seek direction from him or her. Ask the patients to place their pets in a secured area during a visit. When being introduced to a pet, such as a dog, remain calm. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should allow the pet to become familiar with them. Do not begin petting him or her before they become acquainted with you. Some pets are more friendly and accepting of strangers.

While walking to and from their car, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should be aware of pets in the neighborhood. Should there be a loose dog, try to stay away from the dog. Do not start panicking or running. This will make it more likely that the animal will run toward you. A Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide should cross the street or return to their car if they are concerned about their safety.

If Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should receive a dog bite from any dog, wash the area with water and soap for several minutes to wash away the saliva and accompanying bacteria. Do not squeeze the site of the bite. This pulls bacteria inside the wound. Inform the supervisor of the incident. Seek medical attention if necessary. Obtain the identifying information about the dog and vaccination records, such as rabies vaccination. If the pet is not up to date with immunizations, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides will need to get the rabies vaccination when they seek medical treatment.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

True or False:

1. If you get bitten by a dog, you must see a copy of a recent rabies vaccination. True or False? ________

2. It is okay to pet any dog that walks up to you as long as it looks friendly. True or False? ________

Answer

1. True

2. False

FEEDBACK:

1. Rabies is a fatal disease if left untreated. If the HHA/PCA should get bitten by a dog, they should ask the owners to see a copy of the rabies vaccination to ensure they are up to date with their immunizations. If they are not, the HHA/PCA will need to seek immediate medical attention to receive the rabies vaccination.

2. Never pet any dog you do not know even if it appears friendly and walks right up to you. Keep your safety in your awareness at all times.