Dog leashes, collars ... wash 'em before you let your therapy dog wear 'em to the hospital NY We all know that it's important to wash our hands before a visit to the hospital, but for therapy dogswho visit the hospital and day care centers, it's  important to wash the collar, leash, and medical service vest of the therapy dog prior to visits and to minimize contact between these items and the patients who receive therapy visits.

"A new study suggests that doctors's ties often become contaminated with disease-causing microbes and may spread them to patients..." [Washington Post]

"... neckties worn by clinicians may serve as a reservoir of dangerous microbes..." [American Society of Microbiology Meeting, New Orleans]" Researchers tested 42 ties, worn by hospital workers, over a 3 day period and found that 20 of the ties harbored disease-causing bacteria, including Staphyloccocus aureus and others.  [American Medical News: Necktie as germ spreader]

It stands to reason that the same logic applies to therapy pets, who require collars, leashes and service vests while on the job. While some physicians may discard ties altogether or move to disposable ties, a service dog will always require a leash and collar. 

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