Risk assessment The Pampered Pooch 1st July 2010
- Potential to pass parasites and diseases to other animals and humans.
The main risks are:
. Microbiological
- toxocariasis,
- campylobacter/salmonella (dogs, like humans, get infections and can pass them on),
- pathogenic organisms could contaminate wounds or broken skin.
Risk Assessment
Medium
Risk prevention
Ideally the risk should be eliminated via the mechanical disposal of dog faeces, i.e. by speciallydesigned removal equipment; otherwise consideration must be given to:
. Personal protection: protective clothing, gloves, shovel/long handled poop scoop, hoop to hold refuse sack open, facilities for washing hands.
. Information: adequate information, instruction and training must be given to staff to ensure they areaware of the risks and of the precautions they must take to reduce those risks.
. Hygiene facilities: adequate provision should be made to allow staff good personal hygiene. Designated hand wash basins with non hand operated taps, bactericides, soaps and paper towels should be available.
Food and drink should be prohibited in the areas of risk.
Clothing that had been worn whilst working should not be worn in areas where food is prepared or consumed. Open wounds covered at all times during stay (in Dogs) and whilst in presence of animals (humans).
Overalls should be washed separately in hot water by the employer not the employee.
Dog Bedding should be provided by the owner of the dog.
Ensure proper documentation seen for vaccination against above parasites and Kennel Cough., inspect for flea infestation and treat accordingly (retain permission to do so from Owners)
- Risk of aggressive behaviour towards other animals
Risk Assessment
Medium
Risk prevention
Dogs do not like to fight, however occasionally an aggressive dog will be encountered. This is usually a sign of stress and anxiety in the animal. Proper introduction to animals present with the keeper should be undertaken in the form of a dog walk, initially on leads with owners between dogs, then off the lead in a large secure area to ensure no aggressive tendencies are observed.
Feeding should take place in a controlled area, with dogs from separate homes fed together in clearly defined areas allowing each dog adequate space for feeding.
- Risk of injury through aggressive behaviour to humans.
Risk Assessment
Medium
Risk prevention
When visiting a house with a dog, children should be taught not to approach the dog (even if the dog has been friendly on other occasions). If the dog comes to them they should stand still like a tree and let the dog sniff. Only if the the dog is wagging and panting and coming to them for attention, and parent and dog owners are supervising and have given permission, should a child touch the dog. Dog owners should gauge their dog’s reaction to visitors. If the dog is overly excited, barking or growling, cowering away, trying to hide or otherwise showing signs of anxiety or aggression, the dog should be kept separate from visiting children for the ENTIRE DURATION of the child’s visit. The dog should have its own place in a crate or another room with toys, a bone to chew on and its special bed or blanket so that it can be happy and comfortable and away from guests. Even dogs who seem happy with visitors should never be alone in the room with visiting children. No preschooler, toddler or baby should be allowed to be near your dog unless you personally also have your hands on the dog and can prevent face to face contact between child and dog and can prevent the child from hugging or otherwise bothering the dog. Dogs should not be allowed to greet visitors at the door. This is for the safety of the dog and the visitors. Keep the dogs in separate room or crate until the visitors are settled and then allow the dog to say hello if appropriate. If you are not sure about your dog, then leave him confined or keep him on a leash. Make sure that the dog associates visitors with something good for the dog, such as special treats or a stuffed bone.
- Risk of loss or injury during external exercise.
Risk Assessment
Low
Risk prevention
Ensure each dog is kept on lead throughout the exercise period with ample play when confined within a safe area (such as garden).
Walk only dogs from the same household together to prevent stress within pack and ensure adequate control maintained.
- Fire risks.
Risk prevention
Ensure no naked flames left unattended.
Inclusion of fire blanket in main fire area, ie: kitchen.
No fires to be lit within garden or house during stay of dogs.
- Risks of infection to humans during day time visit (dogs, cats, rabbits etc).
Risk Assessment
Low
Risk prevention
If cage to be cleaned ensure adequate protective clothing is worn (see cross infection point 1). Gloves, eye wear and etc
Ideally the risk should be eliminated via the mechanical disposal of dog faeces, i.e. by specially designed removal equipment; otherwise consideration must be given to:
. Personal protection: protective clothing, gloves, shovel/long handled poop scoop, hoop to hold refuse sack open, facilities for washing hands.