Any steps to take for asthma sufferers?

[Darren Hyland]

Hello all,

Before I even think of looking around for a GSD I have to know if there are any steps I can take to make it easier on my mum who has asthma. She is on an oxygen machine almost full time.

I was thinking it's a possibility the dog lives upstairs with me? If I got the dog, I will be cleaning up anyway so the problem with hairs isn't really a big deal. My room has space so the dog wouldn't be cramped.

I'm just wondering if you have any advice? I don't believe my mum has dog allergies.. we've had dogs in the past which the reason we got rid of was down to money.

Would constant grooming make this problem bearable?

Thanks

[LOVEGSD]

Sorry to hear about your mum

I had allergies when I got Diesel and I used to suffer so much with dog and cat fur, however I have never reacted to Diesel's fur and now after living with him for years I dont have a reaction to Oscar either.....

GSD's shed a lot...lol....but again I know of someone who can't be near any animals but is fine with her mums GSD.

I don't see any reason why a dog can't live upstairs, people live in flats with a dog. You just need to make sure you exercise and train your dog..
x

[zetstaff]

My family have always had GSDs + I'm asthmatic + my mum was + she also had bissinosis, a lung disease. Neither of us ever had any problems with the doggies

[Darren Hyland]

Originally Posted by LOVEGSD

Sorry to hear about your mum

I had allergies when I got Diesel and I used to suffer so much with dog and cat fur, however I have never reacted to Diesel's fur and now after living with him for years I dont have a reaction to Oscar either.....

GSD's shed a lot...lol....but again I know of someone who can't be near any animals but is fine with her mums GSD.

I don't see any reason why a dog can't live upstairs, people live in flats with a dog. You just need to make sure you exercise and train your dog..
x

Originally Posted by zetstaff

My family have always had GSDs + I'm asthmatic + my mum was + she also had bissinosis, a lung disease. Neither of us ever had any problems with the doggies

You have both helped so much... especially restoring my faith I could have the dog upstairs with me.

I'd love to be able to get a GSD and knowing these points shows me that hopefully I'll be able to.

My mum can be near dogs. My brother has a small dog that sheds a hell of a lot. She just hates when it's giddy and runs up on the sofa to lick her lol.

I was seriously thinking of getting a Yorkie or Maltese but I know they bark so much.. not to mention they bite anything bigger than them.

I don't suppose any of you know about husky living conditions in response to my mums asthma and the size of our home/living upstairs.

Also, breeders in Yorkshire and estimated price?

Sorry for so many questions!

[Jude]

The only problem I can see with a dog living upstairs is the actual stairs themselves - it is not recommended that young GSDs should go up or down stairs so it would mean that the dog would have to be carried up and down for quite a few months.

[Darren Hyland]

Originally Posted by Jude

The only problem I can see with a dog living upstairs is the actual stairs themselves - it is not recommended that young GSDs should go up or down stairs so it would mean that the dog would have to be carried up and down for quite a few months.

I thought about that myself as most dogs can suffer with joint/hip problems.

How long would I need to do this and how much do they weigh in this period of time?

[Sylvieliz]

Why not buy a non shedding breed some of them need clipping but a lot don't
Whippets shed very little and are very agile. A standard poodle is as large as a GSD and won't shed. Westies are nice little dogs as well.
I am a bad asthmatic and have had allergy tests and while I am allergic to cat hair dog hair does not bother me. Still got a cat though he tends to live in spare bedroom and I am ok with him outside.

[Darren Hyland]

Originally Posted by Sylvieliz

Why not buy a non shedding breed some of them need clipping but a lot don't
Whippets shed very little and are very agile. A standard poodle is as large as a GSD and won't shed. Westies are nice little dogs as well.
I am a bad asthmatic and have had allergy tests and while I am allergic to cat hair dog hair does not bother me. Still got a cat though he tends to live in spare bedroom and I am ok with him outside.

I thought about that but no other breed of dog seems to interest me if you understand? I have such a soft spot for GSD and huskies.

From what is mentioned above I don't think they will bother her asthma and the dog will feel quite comfortable being with me.

My mum hates cats too, lol. I think she's frightened of them.. :/

When I was thinking of getting an hypo-allergenic dog I was thinking of getting an Airedale Terrier but the cost factor and what is mentioned above has put me off.

Thank you though.

[zetstaff]

If your mum doesn't like boisterous dogs, I would have thought the last thing you'd want is a Husky

I agree they are gorgeous dogs, but need experience with the breed I would think.

My advice would be get what you have set your heart on as you may not gel with a doggy you didn't really want in the first place

Good luck + keep us posted

[Darren Hyland]

Originally Posted by zetstaff

If your mum doesn't like boisterous dogs, I would have thought the last thing you'd want is a Husky

I agree they are gorgeous dogs, but need experience with the breed I would think.

My advice would be get what you have set your heart on as you may not gel with a doggy you didn't really want in the first place

Good luck + keep us posted

You're right. It wouldn't be fair on her which is one reason why I aren't going to get a husky. The second point you make is the other. I plan on raising a couple of German Shepherds before I get to take on a husky.

Again, you're right. Overall it'd be unfair to keep a dog I don't have my heart set on.

I will try.