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Keeping a Dog With Pseudomonas When You're Undergoing Cancer Treatment

by A reader

Reader Question
My miniature Dachshund developed skin sores around his collar line at the top of his neck. They began to ooze pus, and then he lost hair around his ear. He was diagnosed with a Pseudomonas infection. I'm being treated for cancer, and my doctors suggest I give up my dog. He is 10 years old and I can't do that. My vet is treating him with baths and antibiotics and boarding him for me until the infection clears. Once he has no more infected sores, would it be safe to keep him in the house if I have minimal contact with him? I desperately want to keep my dog, but I don't want to catch something dangerous either.


Answer from Our Team

I'm sorry you're going through this, and it's understandable that you want to keep him. Pseudomonas is a common environmental bacteria. In dogs it causes skin and ear infections, and it can infect people with weakened immune systems, such as during chemotherapy. Once his infection is cleared and confirmed, the risk is low.

Ask your vet to confirm the infection is gone with a follow-up culture before he comes home. Then, good hygiene keeps the risk very low: wash your hands after touching him, don't let him lick your face or any wounds, have someone else bathe him and clean his ears, and wash his bedding often.

Please also talk with your oncology team. Many cancer centers have guidance for patients with pets and can tell you what's safe during your treatment. Many people keep their pets safely through cancer treatment.

See skin infections in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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