Is it unreasonable to get a dog when you know your mother/MIL is allergic to them?

[loopennyloo]

Just that really!
My brother in law and his new wife have just got a dog in the full knowledge that my MIL (his mum!) is allergic to them. He says, her allergies aren't that bad and she's being OTT and she says going in their house will now close up her airways and she could die!

I think she is being OTT but he's being v insensitive but as a general principle what do you think? She wouldn't ever come and stay as they live quite close by but obviously this will make her visiting much more difficult. Equally my BIL and SIL really, really wanted a dog so felt like as she didn't actually live in the house it doesn't matter.

They've never got on particularly well anyway and I suspect this will be the final nail in the coffin but I can't decide who is in the right- not that I'll get involved but it's just been on my mind!

[IneedAsockamnesty]

Combine.

I also think people who do not live with other people with peanut allergies should also be able to eat peanuts in there own home.

[Whocansay]

BIL can do what he likes in his own house.

MIL is a self centred old bat who is desperate for attention. This is nothing to do with her, but is making it all about her.

I stay well clear if I were you.

[thereistheball]

My MIL has a severe allergy to pet hair: it can be life-threatening. Even coming into contact with someone who was in contact with a dog can set it off. We would never get a dog or cat for this reason.

[MollyMurphy]

I don't see why her allergy should impact them having a dog. It's probably your average pet allergy....she can take an anti-histamine before going over, wash her hands well etc. I have a cat and my mums quite allergic - wouldn't have occurred to me not to get one on that basis. She still comes over, babysits, even stops by to feed it if we are away.... Being offended and avoiding their house altogether seems dramatic (unless of course I'm wrong and its some anaphylactic situation).

[CombineBananaFister]

I agree with what you're saying Sockreturningpixie, i guess i was just trying to get the point across that certain allergies are taken far more seriously than others and some are just seen as the allergic person being a fussy pain in the arse. I don't thnk they shouldn't get a dog, you can't revolve your life around other peoples medical conditions especially in your own home BUT i do still feel sorry for the MIL, it must be miserable for her. I do wonder if the allergy was the other way around, how they would feel if their mil got a dog.

[maddening]

Christell - I am more allergic to dogs than cats so think your theory is flawed :) it depends on what the person is allergic to.

[maddening]

Ps for me dog = asthma attack, cat = v.uncomfortable itchy eyes/runny nose and some difficulty breathing but nowhere near as bad as a dog.