Pets

Hi, i had chemo in 2022, i wasn't advised of any issue with pets an I just followed usual routine of washing hands etc. 

I had four dogs, chickens and horses at the time and I looked after them as normal. In truth they looked after me and got me through it. 

Only issue was the fatigue after chemo meant walks had to be a bit shorter and i was a bit tender sometimes. 

Hope this helps. Best of luck. X

We have a dog and an elderly cat. My husband did most of the looking after when I was having treatment. I had surgery first and had to keep the dog at arms length for a while. That was hard as he is a very affectionate cocker spaniel. When I felt fit enough I went on the walks with my husband. Getting out in the fresh air helped. On the days when I didn’t feel so good the dog was a great source of comfort and I swear he knew I wasn’t too good. The cat just keeps to herself. 

Hi, my oncologist advised me not to pick up our dog's poo during chemo due to being immunocompromised. This made me quite happy, hubby less so    Other than that, I didn't do anything differently.  Best wishes 

Hi ShyFox,  I didnt do anything differently when I had chemo.  I have four dogs and they keep me going and know when it is a bad day, such a comfort.  I dont think they will put you at risk.  Good luck.

I had my dog to care for too. I was just meticulous about hand hygiene and I did arrange for friends to walk with me in my wobbly days and occasionally I couldn’t go with them but mostly managed to and it helped having to do it really. Good luck xx

I have 10 pets from Guineapigs to dogs to horses and my oncologist said carry on as normal (if you can). I had first EC chemo 16/4 so had a couple of sickly days but still could take the dogs a small walk (fresh air helped) and after a week I was back up at the farm with the horse etc…I recommend keeping active and getting out in the open as it does help loads!

I’ve only had indigestion and tiredness so far but start round 2 of 6 on Weds