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Our WellBound Emeryville patients are now being serviced out of our Oakland center (255 2nd Street, Oakland, CA).

Home Dialysis

Pets and Peritoneal Dialysis Absolutely

Satellite Dialysis Patient with dog
For most of us, pets are family. Bringing dialysis treatments home doesn’t mean having to find a new one for your animal buddy.
 
“My cats are my kids!” says JF, a long-time peritoneal dialysis patient. “I wouldn’t throw them out on the street because I started PD, I figure it out and adjust.”
 
Home dialysis options offer patients the flexibility to create schedules that allow them to focus on what they love ­— work, school, family, and hobbies.
 
Here are some tips for pet lovers on how to be successful performing dialysis at home:
 
  • Curious paws and puppy-sharp teeth can find their way to dialysis machine tubing. Keep pets in another room during treatments, especially during connecting and disconnecting to the machines.
  • If possible, keep supplies and machine in a spare room. Keep the door to that room closed.
  • Wash your hands frequently, especially after feeding, or cleaning up after your pet. And, of course, before you connect or disconnect from your dialysis machine.
  • Keep pet nails short to avoid scratches that can also spread disease.
  • If you have a cat or bird, have someone else in your life clean the litter box to avoid exposure to bacteria that might lead to illness.
  • Frequently clean furniture and floors to reduce fur and dander.
  • When choosing a new pet, choose one with hair (rather than fur).
  • Keep your pet healthy with regular visits to the vet.
With just a few simple changes to your pet’s life, you can fit dialysis into your home life and enjoy all the benefits of better health as well as the love of a furry friend.