Dangerous Detergent

Recently at the Arlington animal shelter we received a note from a concerned, distraught citizen who lost her cat to a terrible household disaster. According to the note, her beloved feline accidentally ingested Tide laundry detergent. While the caution on the bottle and, upon inquiry, the caution that we received from Tide was to simply ensure that the cat had plenty of water to drink, the events that occurred suggest that the true effect of laundry detergent on a pet are much worse than understood.

Here is an excerpt from her note that describes what her poor cat endured:

Poison Control told us my cat would probably have an upset stomach; the vets went ahead and treated her on that basis, thinking she'd get well. Instead, the esophageal burns kept her from eating; the feeding tube in her nose fed her, but internal burns stopped her from eliminating waste. Her condition improved at first (in terms of blood work) but, in the end, unable to eliminate waste, her breathing became labored and red blood count values started a downward slide and the only kind thing was to let her go. Had Poison Control had a more accurate picture of what she would suffer, I'd have let go before, not wanting her to suffer, as she was a huge part of our family and we loved her dearly.

I cannot imagine the pain the cat endured and the sadness that this loving cat owner must have felt to see her cat go through such a disaster. Being an animal lover, myself, and a new mother or a little baby, I find myself terribly concerned that such a simple household accident could have such a tremendous effect and that poison control did not seem to be of much help under these circumstances.

While I, personally, will be even more cautious about all household cleaners and other dangers, it makes me wonder what other unknown dangers might be lurking around my home.

Pets in Nursing Homes

There seems to be so much positive information available about the comfort and companionship that pets may have to the elderly, particularly those in nursing homes; and when it comes to pet therapy programs that allow guardians to bring well-behaved pets to visit nursing homes on a regular basis, seems to be a perfectly positive experience for all involved. Pets need people and patients in nursing homes enjoy being needed.

The question isn't whether pets are good for nursing home patients, the real question here is whether a nursing home is the appropriate place for pets to reside. Remember the story of Oscar the cat who allegedly predicted whether a patient was going to pass away? Despite first impressions, the story had a very positive tone. What the story did not explain was whether Oscar received the proper care and attention he needed and deserved, living in the home.

Pets need constant care and supervision that some nursing homes often cannot provide. There may be one resident or staff member who takes responsibility for the pets but is that person able to take that responsibility for the life of the pet? Who will make sure that the pet does not run out through constantly opening doors? Who will take the pet to the vet for regular check ups and vaccinations and pay the vet expenses if a pet becomes ill? What if a pet eats the wrong food or other substance dropped on the floor? And, in the case of a dog who needs a master, who will provide the leadership and companionship that dogs crave? What if more residents decide that they do not want the pet in the home anymore?

These are the questions that a nursing home must answer before determining whether a resident pet is the best idea. Whether or not the pet is good for the people is easy, whether or not the environment is good for the pet is the tough question. When considering the options, the more viable and beneficial option to all involved may be a pet therapy program that allows pets to visit on a regular basis. There are various animal shelters and groups that offer such programs and, chances are good, there is a pet therapy group just around the corner.

Of course, that said, maybe the best option is for residents to have the opportunity to keep their own pets when entering an assisted living community or nursing home. If a resident is well and able enough to care for his or her own pet, why not allow it? I'm sure it is difficult enough for any person who has cared for himself and lived, unassisted, in his own home for many years to leave his home behind, without having to give up a beloved pet. And it would certainly take a small bite out of the number of homeless animals that fill our shelters and rescues.