Is Cleaning My Home After a Friend's Dog Visit Necessary?

Of course, all animals carry germs. While illnesses common among household pets like distemper, canine parvovirus, and heartworms cannot be passed to humans, pets do carry certain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can cause illness through transmission to humans. Dogs can pass several viral and bacterial diseases to humans. These are collectively known as zoonotic diseases and can be transmitted through infected saliva, aerosols, contaminated urine or feces, and direct contact with the dog.

Understanding Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases can be truly fascinating, especially when considering the unique behaviors and social interactions of dogs. For instance, sniffing other dogs' rear ends is a universal trait among canines. It is their way of reading another dog's 'resume' and 'health report,' providing insights into the dog's genetic information, recent health status, vaccination history, and more important to them. This behavior is not a concern from a human health standpoint.

While there are not many viruses that can pass from dogs to humans, and the risk is lower compared to the germs brought in by your friend or even a child, it is important to be aware. Regular cleaning of your home, especially if a dog has been there for a week, can help mitigate any potential risks. If the dog is healthy, the risk is further reduced. However, it is safe to say that you are at a higher risk from your friend's germs or a child's than from the dog.

Common Concerns and Mitigation

Some dogs may shed more than others. If the particular dog is known to shed a lot, a thorough cleanup might be necessary. This includes sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting to control hair in corners where it is not wanted. Additionally, if the dog had any "potty accidents," spot cleaning those areas with a solution of half distilled vinegar, half water, and a few drops of dish detergent can help. This both deodorizes and cleans without the need for harsh chemicals.

It is not necessary to scrub and disinfect your entire house just because the dog was in there. As a matter of fact, I lived with four butt-sniffing dogs during chemotherapy, with my immune system compromised, and still faced no issues. The point is, while cleanliness is always a good practice, the level of thoroughness needed can be somewhat relative to the situation.

Personal Cleanup Methods

Even if I have three dogs and live in a studio, maintaining hygiene is a priority. When they go potty, I make sure to clean their behinds with baby wipes. Regular cleaning, like vaccuming and spot cleaning, also serves to keep the home hygienic and pleasant.

It is wise to clean your home on a regular basis, even without a week’s visit from a friend's dog. Proper vacuuming is important since dogs tend to shed their hair in unwanted corners. Concerning bacteria, if the dog has slimy saliva, it could indicate a need for more regular cleaning in those areas. However, the dog's butt-sniffing behavior, while amusing and endearing, does not significantly impact your hygiene.

Dogs have an innate ability to groom themselves, which eliminates much of the need for human intervention. It is with this in mind that we should appreciate the extraordinary nature of these wonderful animals. So, while cleaning can help maintain a healthy living environment, the level of cleaning required is not as stringent as it might initially seem.