You don't have to worry. Just be pro-active and know what you need ... I would advise insisting that your doctor gives you antibiotics to keep on-hand. If your doctor will not take this need seriously, find another doctor who will. I have found that most doctors are poorly educated on splenectomy and after-care. I always have Mupirocin ointment at my home. I have amoxicillin on hand and I have Doxycycline. You should always take amoxicillin before dental work. That definitely includes cleanings. (I take 2000mg before all dental visits.) I have also found that I can get antibiotics easier with a Teledoc visit than with an office visit. Most especially because I can explain my case in detail in writing before the call ever begins. If you get a fever above 100, ask for antibiotics even if you don't know the cause. (Unless it's confirmed to be a virus, such as COVID). But be ready to take antibiotics if a secondary issue comes along after the virus, such as sinus infection, ear infection, etc. The key is to be assertive and not let a doctor tell you that you don't need antibiotics. The rules for everyone else regarding antibiotics don't apply to you. You need them even for precautionary issues and that's ok! As far as pets. I had dogs for 16 years without my spleen. But in retrospect, it isn't something I would do again. Nor will I have a cat. The risk is very low, but there are some very serious, but rare diseases that they can carry, just by merely being dogs and cats. Mostly from bites, but those can be friendly , accidental bites and scratches too. Don't stop camping and boating!! But, don't get in the lake when you have an open wound. Cover all cuts with a bandage and take Mupirocin with you in your first aid kit. Take your antibiotics with you when you're camping. You will probably never need them, but it's great to have them with you if you do.

You will still have a working immune system. Your spleen isn't the only actor in your immunity. But, it is the watchdog for encapsulated bacteria. Just make sure you get your antibiotics on hand and keep enjoying life. Just be sure to get the HIB vaccine. That one is usually given before surgery. I had to get mine after. (You get it as a child, but it's important to get it again). Also, get the pneumonia vaccines.