Radioactive iodine is a type of radiation therapy that is commonly used to treat thyroid cancer. While this treatment is generally safe, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and others from radiation exposure. This includes staying away from pets for a period of time after treatment.

How Long to Stay Away from Pets After Radioactive Iodine

How Long Should You Stay Away from Pets After Radioactive Iodine?

The length of time you should stay away from pets after radioactive iodine depends on the dose of radiation you received and the type of pet you have.

For dogs and cats, the general recommendation is to stay away from them for at least 3 days after treatment. This is because dogs and cats have relatively short lifespans, so they are more likely to be affected by radiation exposure than humans.

For other pets, such as birds, reptiles, and rodents, the recommendation is to stay away from them for up to 1 week after treatment. These animals have longer lifespans than dogs and cats, so they are less likely to be affected by radiation exposure.

How to Minimize Radiation Exposure to Pets

In addition to staying away from pets, there are a number of other things you can do to minimize radiation exposure to them:

  • Keep your pet in a separate room or area of the house where they will have minimal contact with you and other people.
  • Do not let your pet sleep in your bed or on your furniture.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet.
  • Avoid feeding your pet food or water that has been contaminated with radiation.
  • Dispose of any pet waste properly.

When Can You Safely Interact with Your Pet Again?

The best way to determine when it is safe to interact with your pet again is to talk to your doctor. They will be able to measure the amount of radiation in your body and let you know when it is safe to be around your pet again.

Conclusion

Staying away from pets after radioactive iodine treatment is an important way to protect your pet from radiation exposure. By following the recommendations in this article, you can help to keep your pet safe and healthy.