View Full Version : Getting a dog, but kids have allergies/asthma
BlessedWith7
11-20-2010, 06:19 AM
Can anyone suggest kinds of dogs that are less likely to be a problem with asthmas/allergies?????
shuriken
11-20-2010, 06:20 AM
yorkies? :dontknow:
MikeBear
11-20-2010, 06:37 AM
Can anyone suggest kinds of dogs that are less likely to be a problem with asthmas/allergies?????
So, this will be a house dog, or will it spend most of it's time outside? If you are planning on having it be a house dog, AND you know your child already has asthma, I do NOT recommend getting any dog or cat. If you do, get a good air filter system, and wash the dog frequently. There are also anti-allergy cloths you can get, and wipe them down with, and they help. If the child only has allergies to the animal, they could turn into major asthma problems as time goes on.
p.s. I have asthma, and house animals can bring on asthma attacks very easy. A full-blown "OMG, my lungs are locked up, and I can't breathe" asthma attack is absolutely terrifying, and I've been through 4-5 myself in the last few years. If they had not let go as soon as they did, I wouldn't be here now. It's NOT just like "holding your breath" either, you get no air, and are in full panic along with it... I'd hate to see it happen to a little kid.
Go with a indoor dog. If you let your dog outside it will bring in allergens that will make your kids sick.
shuriken
11-20-2010, 06:48 AM
I do NOT recommend getting any dog or cat.
fail. there is such a thing as hypoallergenic dogs/cats. :D
Zoe Moon
11-20-2010, 06:52 AM
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/top-dog-breeds-for-people-with-allergies/page1.aspx
BosuxRedsux
11-20-2010, 06:52 AM
our long haired orange tabby and chihuahua are both indoors. my gf and i both have allergies to other pets when we visit people. took us awhile to build immunities to our pets when we first got them. may work for your your kids, may not. hate to have to give up your dog if not successful. my previous gf was allergic to her cat but she just popped allergy pills everyday. not sure it's wise for your kids to pop pills daily.
you might be in a bind. good luck with your decision.
dlarge
11-20-2010, 06:56 AM
Can anyone suggest kinds of dogs that are less likely to be a problem with asthmas/allergies?????
How old are your kids?
I'm saying this from experience. I've had asthma and allergies my whole life. Being stuck in a house with an animal that causes allergy+asthma attacks as a kid is miserable. Not only that, but it completely turned me off from pets. As an adult I'm able to control it a bit better, but that wasn't the case at all when I was young.
Other than just not getting a dog, I'd recommend short-haired, smaller dogs. Maybe a low-energy dog that doesn't do a whole lot of shedding and slobbering.
But again, probably just not a good idea...
MikeBear
11-20-2010, 06:59 AM
fail. there is such a thing as hypoallergenic dogs/cats. :D
I understand there are supposed to be, but I don't believe it. I also qualified that, by saying the above IF the child already has asthma. So, you took me slightly out of context.
There might be a few that are better than others, but anybody can be or get allergic to anything. Especially if they are already afflicted with allergies and/or asthma. An animal in the house of any sort, could just be the trigger needed.
I've had life-long allergies, and chronic bronchitis, and now have developed asthma as an adult. Like I said, there are things you can do to help, but if a child develops asthma or allergies from a house dog, the OP will then know what I'm talking about. I at least tried to give them an idea of what could happen, so they can be prepared for it if need be.
Zoe Moon
11-20-2010, 07:00 AM
How old are your kids?
I'm saying this from experience. I've had asthma and allergies my whole life. Being stuck in a house with an animal that causes allergy+asthma attacks as a kid is miserable. Not only that, but it completely turned me off from pets. As an adult I'm able to control it a bit better, but that wasn't the case at all when I was young.
Other than just not getting a dog, I'd recommend short-haired, smaller dogs. Maybe a low-energy dog that doesn't do a whole lot of shedding and slobbering.
But again, probably just not a good idea...
It's not the hair that's the problem, it's the dander, which is sloughed off skin. The more skin a dog sheds, the more dander there is in the air. The list I linked to has dogs that produce less dander than other breeds, so they are better for people with allergies/asthma but no dog is allergen free.
How old are your kids?
I'm saying this from experience. I've had asthma and allergies my whole life. Being stuck in a house with an animal that causes allergy+asthma attacks as a kid is miserable. Not only that, but it completely turned me off from pets. As an adult I'm able to control it a bit better, but that wasn't the case at all when I was young.
But again, probably just not a good idea...
:iagree: Personally I wouldn't get one.
I understand there are supposed to be, but I don't believe it.
There might be a few that are better than others, but anybody can be or get allergic to anything. Especially if they are already afflicted with allergies and/or asthma. An animal in the house of any sort, could just be the trigger needed.
I've had life-long allergies, and chronic bronchitis, and now have developed asthma as an adult. Like I said, there are things you can do to help, but if a child develops asthma or allergies from a house dog, the OP will then know what I'm talking about. I at least tried to give them an idea of what could happen, so they can be prepared for it if need be.
I think he meant stuffed animals?
Dazzledby5
11-20-2010, 07:02 AM
Shih Tzus have are said to not have dander - which is what people who are allergic to dogs are actually allergic to and they don't shed, but the do require regular grooming which can be expensive. We had 3 growing up with a severely allergic mother.
dlarge
11-20-2010, 07:03 AM
It's not the hair that's the problem, it's the dander, which is sloughed off skin. The more skin a dog sheds, the more dander there is in the air. The list I linked to has dogs that produce less dander than other breeds, so they are better for people with allergies/asthma but no dog is allergen free.
I seem to be affected by my cat's hair when she's shedding and it's up in the air. Probably different than what happens with a dog. Just my experience. :)
Shih Tzus have are said to not have dander - which is what people who are allergic to dogs are actually allergic to and they don't shed, but the do require regular grooming which can be expensive. We had 3 growing up with a severely allergic mother.
All dogs have it. Some more then others.
StarNova
11-20-2010, 07:05 AM
I would have the kids spend time around various dogs and see their reactions. If you are dead set on getting an animal, I would also speak with your children's doctor FIRST. Maybe even talk to the allergist. The worst thing would be getting an animal and having your children suffer. You would then have to make the child miserable or get rid of the pet. Both are bad choices.
Do your research, talk to the the doctors first, expose your children to the animals before purchase. If you are buying from a breeder, ask for a pet quality animal (has a little flaw so they can't be shown in competition - much less expensive).
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/allergy.htm
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/hairless-hypoallergenic-dogs-a-unique-alternative-for-dogloving-allergy-sufferers-753321.html
And just because a dog is "hypoallergenic" doesn't mean a child with severe asthma and allergies won't suffer from being around them. It's very YMMV. So be careful in your decision. Any animal with fur can set off a reaction. Maybe a hairless dog? They breed 'em.
dlarge
11-20-2010, 07:05 AM
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/top-dog-breeds-for-people-with-allergies/page1.aspx
As a follow up, I did a quick search and came across this site.
http://sweet-lucys.com/allergictodogs.html
I follow pretty much every step under "Environmental controls" with my cats and I'm fine. I would say I have fairly severe pet allergies. But again, I'm an adult and have learned how to control the situation...
Zoe Moon
11-20-2010, 07:07 AM
I seem to be affected by my cat's hair when she's shedding and it's up in the air. Probably different than what happens with a dog. Just my experience. :)
For a long time, they thought cat hair was the culprit but it's dander, just like with dogs. My guess is when they are shedding hair, they tend to shed more skin at the same time and that's why allergies are worse when they are shedding. I have allergies and asthma too and have noticed the same thing you have. :)
http://cats.about.com/od/allergiesandcats/f/catdander.htm
dlarge
11-20-2010, 07:07 AM
I would have the kids spend time around various dogs and see their reactions. If you are dead set on getting an animal, I would also speak with your children's doctor FIRST. Maybe even talk to the allergist. The worst thing would be getting an animal and having your children suffer. You would then have to make the child miserable or get rid of the pet. Both are bad choices.
Do your research, talk to the the doctors first, expose your children to the animals before purchase. If you are buying from a breeder, ask for a pet quality animal (has a little flaw so they can't be shown in competition - much less expensive).
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/allergy.htm
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/hairless-hypoallergenic-dogs-a-unique-alternative-for-dogloving-allergy-sufferers-753321.html
And just because a dog is "hypoallergenic" doesn't mean a child with severe asthma and allergies won't suffer from being around them. It's very YMMV. So be careful in your decision. Any animal with fur can set off a reaction. Maybe a hairless dog? They breed 'em.
I agree. Also, if you're adopting from a shelter, you probably should be honest when they ask you if any members of your family are allergic to dogs. You'll come off as a much more responsible person if you can explain the situation, especially if you have to eventually return the dog.
As a follow up, I did a quick search and came across this site.
http://sweet-lucys.com/allergictodogs.html
I follow pretty much every step under "Environmental controls" with my cats and I'm fine. I would say I have fairly severe pet allergies. But again, I'm an adult and have learned how to control the situation...
Caution! If it is your child that is allergic to dogs, think twice before getting a dog. Is it really worth it to put your child through possibly severe allergic reactions just to have a dog? It will also be heartbreaking for your child to give up his or her beloved pet if it comes to that. And many times it does!
Keep it off the furniture, limit the kids interaction with it. Clean your house regularly. I don't mean just vacuuming. A hepa vac can do wonders. And it would help to have air purifiers.
AggieMom
11-20-2010, 07:27 AM
http://www.funfishtank.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/custom-fish-tank.jpeg
wuzzy
11-20-2010, 07:30 AM
Get a dog with hair.
zzyzzx
11-20-2010, 08:20 AM
Put kids up for adoption and keep dog.
Just Peachy
11-20-2010, 08:37 AM
Poodles. My youngest was born with cystic fibrosis and his specialist said that if he were to get a dog, his recommendation was a poodle because the hair is tighter in that it curls so it sheds less than other breeds. But you do have to wash them regularly to keep the dander down. Air cleaners were placed all throughout the house as well as the central air vent filters changed every couple of months. We had gotten the puppy when she was five weeks old and she died a few months ago after living to be 15 years old. She was a teacup poodle. The only thing is, poodles have delicate feet and they break easily, so if your kids are rowdy and there's a chance that the dog will get stepped on a lot, maybe check into another breed that is more bone dense.
http://www.funfishtank.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/custom-fish-tank.jpeg
I want one of those.
MikeBear
11-20-2010, 08:52 AM
http://www.funfishtank.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/custom-fish-tank.jpeg
How the HECK do those poor hamsters BREATHE? :lmao:
BrgnHntr
11-20-2010, 09:01 AM
Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu.
(Do not get a Maltese even though it's on the low dander list - they're very hard to house break.)
I have two Shorkies (mix of the two breeds) and our friends have a purebred Shih Tzu. Friends with allergies don't have problems at our houses like they do around most dogs.
doiknwya
11-20-2010, 09:20 AM
I have bad allergies/asthma. I have Rat Terriers. They still affect me if I let them lick me and they have to get baths ever week or so. They do shed. What I found out is they don't have the second coat of thick fur that is what usually makes people have more problems. They are super cool dogs.
How the HECK do those poor hamsters BREATHE? :lmao:
http://www.ugsboot.com/bmz_cache/f/fbe685d9ea2941b6f644db8d179a0e79.image.450x450.jpg
BlessedWith7
11-20-2010, 10:15 AM
Put kids up for adoption and keep dog.
This will keep you thinking smarty pants....I acutally have SEVEN kids. :nod:
This will keep you thinking smarty pants....I acutally have SEVEN kids. :nod:
So BlessedWithSix, you don't like one of them? :lol:
missgrimes
11-20-2010, 10:43 AM
yorkies? :dontknow:
:iagree: Yorkies don't have the base coat that most other dogs do and I've read this makes them shed less dander. Their fur is more like human hair than dog fur and if you comb them often they won't even shed. I've had Yorkshire Terriers for over 5 years and not once have I found their hair on me.
MikeBear
11-20-2010, 10:47 AM
This will keep you thinking smarty pants....I acutally have SEVEN kids. :nod:
Well, now I know why you have "Giddy up" as your title! :horse:
Ride'em cowboy! :lmao:
coulditbeSatan
11-20-2010, 10:50 AM
I suggest just keeping the dog in a plastic bag. :thumbup:
BostonGirl
11-20-2010, 11:25 AM
yorkies? :dontknow:
:nono2:
Shih Tzus have are said to not have dander - which is what people who are allergic to dogs are actually allergic to and they don't shed, but the do require regular grooming which can be expensive. We had 3 growing up with a severely allergic mother.
:iagree: my sis's kids have allergies and the got some mix of a Malteste/Poodle and something else..it doesn't bother the kids. They originally were going to get a Shih Tzu, but didn't. Actually didn't bother me or my mom and she has severe asthma..but our yorkie shed a lot and bother us, mostly because he would bring the allergies in the house after a walk..and slept on the furniture, etc.
http://www.funfishtank.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/custom-fish-tank.jpeg
:eek: got to have
I want one of those.
me too, that is friggin sick..:whee:
Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu.
(Do not get a Maltese even though it's on the low dander list - they're very hard to house break.)
I have two Shorkies (mix of the two breeds) and our friends have a purebred Shih Tzu. Friends with allergies don't have problems at our houses like they do around most dogs.
The reason being is because your yorkie is a mix, the Shih Tzu part is what is keeping them from being so full of dander. Yorkies are high in dander, at least in my experience.
:iagree: Yorkies don't have the base coat that most other dogs do and I've read this makes them shed less dander. Their fur is more like human hair than dog fur and if you comb them often they won't even shed. I've had Yorkshire Terriers for over 5 years and not once have I found their hair on me.
Mine shed a lot of dander, and he was pure bred. Maybe as they age it's worse..:dontknow:
shuriken
11-20-2010, 11:36 AM
Mine shed a lot of dander, and he was pure bred.
was this before or after you ate it? :scratch:
Maybe as they age it's worse..:dontknow:
one of the neighbors had a teacup yorkie for this very reason. ;) maybe your yorkie sucked. :D
BostonGirl
11-20-2010, 11:41 AM
was this before or after you ate it? :scratch:
one of the neighbors had a teacup yorkie for this very reason. ;) maybe your yorkie sucked. :D
Actually it was my sisters dog, she passed away 13 years ago. We had the dog ever since, we had to put him to sleep this summer the day after my sisters birthday. He was an awesome dog and I miss him everyday.
Thanks for reminding me why I liked him better then some people...:mad:
MikeBear
11-20-2010, 11:44 AM
Mine shed a lot of dander, and he was pure bred. Maybe as they age it's worse..:dontknow:
was this before or after you ate it? :scratch:
:D
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR0LXRI6hbkyPp0NWHHWvFMghmhCLWf7sw9PFsfAnsTIL2Wd8vOlA
Yummmm, peanut butter!! :lmao:
shuriken
11-20-2010, 11:49 AM
Actually it was my sisters dog, she passed away 13 years ago. We had the dog ever since, we had to put him to sleep this summer the day after my sisters birthday. He was an awesome dog and I miss him everyday.
Thanks for reminding me why I liked him better then some people...:mad:
is that fo real or a sob story? either :hug: or :crylol:
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR0LXRI6hbkyPp0NWHHWvFMghmhCLWf7sw9PFsfAnsTIL2Wd8vOlA
Yummmm, peanut butter!! :lmao:
:drool: yum, my fav brand of pb. :nod:
BostonGirl
11-20-2010, 11:50 AM
is that fo real or a sob story? either :hug: or :crylol:
Actually very very real, and very sad too..:(
BayArea
11-20-2010, 11:51 AM
I would always put my child's well being before getting a pet..
MikeBear
11-20-2010, 11:54 AM
I would always put my child's well being before getting a pet..
She's got 6 spares, in case she breaks one. :worship:
shuriken
11-20-2010, 11:54 AM
Actually very very real, and very sad too..:(
sry. :comfort:
BostonGirl
11-20-2010, 11:56 AM
sry. :comfort:
it's all good, shit happens.:(
shuriken
11-20-2010, 11:58 AM
it's all good, shit happens.:(
still, losing a sister is big. :(
hawaiiandawn
11-20-2010, 04:58 PM
So BlessedWithSix, you don't like one of them? :lol:
:roll: Poor child.