The Therapet is almost by definition going to meet and bring comfort and happiness to people who are not in the best of health and whose immune systems may be weak either through disease or in some cases because of the treatments which they are receiving.

It is the duty of every Therapet owner to ensure that their Therapet is in the best of health and not going to take germs into the environment of those we are visiting. We must also be able to convince the authorities in charge of hospitals, homes or schools that we have taken every precaution to ensure that our Therapet is safe and can only bring benefits to those whome we visit.

Canine Concern Scotland would like to ask all Therapet owners to take the following health precautions.

* Annual Health Check. We would like all Therapets to have an annual check-up by your local vet. Be sure to tell your vet that your dog is a Therapet and ask your vet's advice as to what vaccinations your Therapet would require, (but ask in particular for Kennel Cough Vaccination as this vaccines covers a bacterium called Bordetella which can affect humans whose immunity is low). You should in particular ask your vet to check for any signs of ear, nose and mouth infections and to ensure that the coat is clear of any obvious signs of skin disease.

* Deworming every 3 months, and monthly if your Therapet is visiting schools or youth groups.

* Flea prevention. We would recommend "spot-ons" since flea collars and powders can cause reactions in pets and humans. Some of the "spot-ons" available also cover ticks and other external parasites and if possible use them.

* Regular dental checks to stop smelly breath, (and the risk of spreading infection from infected saliva).

* Regular ear checks since even a mild, early ear infection can be painful if someone pats the head or rubs the ears. (Ear infections may also include bacteria which can infect humans).

In general a Therapet who is even mildly unwell should be withdrawn from duties until professionally cleared. We should also take precautions when visiting to ensure that our Therapet does not carry any human germs from one patient to the next. If it can be done without causing offence have some bacteriocidal wipes with you to wipe your Therapet's head, face and occasionally paws before moving on to your next patient.