In some settings — from care homes to hospitals and schools — therapy dogs or other therapy animals still refused based on reasons of hygiene. “Too unpredictable, too dirty, too risky,” it is said. But how justified is that?
Let's look at the facts. Spoiler: Human feet are often dirtier than a dog's mouth.
Shoes or snouts: what is really dirtier?
Research by Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona, demonstrated that shoes contain an average of 421,000 bacteria per pair — inclusive E. coli and other pathogens that are easily brought inside via human shoes.
Furthermore, in 90% of the cases those bacteria too scattered on the indoor floor.
Compare that with the dog's mouthyes, that also contains bacteria, but often of a different kind. Dogs have their own unique oral flora that rarely harmful to healthy people.
What about the human mouth?
A study in Archives of Oral Biology determined that the human mouth sometimes contains more potentially pathogenic bacteria than that of dogs. Consider bacteria that can cause gum disease, infections, or other problems — especially when oral hygiene leaves something to be desired.
? Facts vs. fear: the risks are manageable
Therapy dogs are typically:
- regularly groomed and washed
- trained to be calm and housebroken
- medically monitored (deworming, vaccinations, parasite control)
So they are subjected to stricter checks than the average visitor with dirty shoes, unwashed hands, or a cold.
And what about allergies? Just like with dust or flowers, the risk is there, but no reason for general exclusion.
?? Therapy dogs really make a difference
Therapy dogs have proven effects on:
- reduction of stress and anxiety
- promotion of social interaction
- improvement of mood in depression and loneliness
- support for trauma, autism, dementia…
Why should we deny these benefits because of unjustifiably inflated hygiene fears?
Conclusion: time for a realistic perspective
The concern for hygiene is understandable, but must be put into perspective. If we don't ban visitors' shoes, hands, phones, and clothing, why ban the presence of a carefully trained therapy animal?
Let's have the debate based on science, not based on gut feeling.
Sources available upon request.
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