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Original poster

To buy a family dog for Christmas?

115 replies

VTechnophobe · 13/10/2018 23:04

We all want one but I'm allergic and have asthma. We have 2 DC (5&3), DH works from home and garden is over an acre so not worried about dog's welfare but will I be constantly ill?

OP posts:
penisbeakers · 14/10/2018 04:52

🙄

I don't even know where to bloody start with this. You're either incredibly stupid, or you're a troll.

agnurse · 14/10/2018 05:03

Portuguese water dogs and poodles can be less likely to trigger allergies in some people. I would suggest trying to find one you can spend time with before adopting one just so you can determine if you'll be okay around them. Portuguese water dogs tend to be fairly large so you'll want to be aware of that. Poodles come in standard (large), mini, and toy sizes so if you want a smaller dog that's what I would recommend.

You will want to ensure that any dog you get has been appropriately socialized around children.

strawberrisc · 14/10/2018 05:28

Another poor dog that will end up being booted out. Get a fish.

Crappygilmore · 14/10/2018 05:45

Have to say it. Can't stop now..... You muppet. Go away and visit an animal shelter or two. Ask questions. Do. It . Then wait. Wait till your grown up enough to contemplate owning a dog. Never ever get animals for Christmas. Muppet.

yikesanotherbooboo · 14/10/2018 06:25

I think it is rather irresponsible and a poor example to set to risk your health.
It would be very unusual to become less allergic, usually , the more contact you have the worse your symptoms become.
When I was a child, we got a dog and it turned out that my sister was allergic. There are precautions you can take to help if you absolutely must.
Buy a poodle not a doodle for a start. They are terrific pets and have predictable coats. You will need 6 weekly hair cut.
Do not let them in all the rooms of the house and definitely not in bedroom or up on chairs that you might sit on.
Be scrupulous about not letting dog jump up on you and wash your hands as soon as you have touched them.
Be clear that if your health is affected the dog will have to be rehomed.

QueenOfCatan · 14/10/2018 06:48

The fact that you're asking if there are hypoallergenic breeds shows that you are in no way ready for a dog. Let alone the awful idea of getting one for Christmas. If you'd actually done some research you'd discover that any good breeder of any animal won't home an animal over the Christmas period, they'll also have a waiting list. Do your research, take your bloody time and then think about getting a dog!

TeddybearBaby · 14/10/2018 06:54

My dog is hypoallergenic (bishon frise). I know I’m biased but he’s lovely. It’s possible to get over allergies by spending more time with the thing you’re allergic to so you’re not being as ridiculous as some posters have made out. Good luck, how exciting!!

Lauren83 · 14/10/2018 07:01

My DP was allergic to my cats when we met, it settled down after he was around them more and he stopped needing antihistamines

Star81 · 14/10/2018 07:10

Look at 100% Australian labradoodles. These dogs were specifically bred as guide dogs for people with allergies.

However. I did think you need to give this a lot of thought as you haven’t put in much research so far.

livelyredjellybean · 14/10/2018 07:17

Depends what type of allergy you have I believe. Some people are allergic to hair, and they can cope with hypoallergenic breeds due to them not shedding.
Others are allergic to the shed dead skin cells which ALL dogs do.
Spend some time with different breeds to see what sets you off.

MissShapesMissStakes · 14/10/2018 07:40

I am allergic to dogs. Hayfever type symptoms and asthma. Always have been.

We have a poodle puppy now. I put a LOT of research into it. I visited poodles and rubbed my face in them!

He doesn’t trigger my hayfever type symptoms at all.
After a couple of weeks of haviing him he started to trigger my asthma. It was quite bad and I was on the verge of giving him back to the breeder (a lovely lady who offered from the start to have him back if he triggered any of my allergies).

Luckily now that has settled. I have an air purifier and have increased my preventative drugs for the short term. I think I am getting used to him.

He is great. But he has been incredibly hard work. He is clever and has lots of energy so needs entertaining constantly.
I certainly wouldn’t want to do the puppy phase over Christmas!

I would actually wait till spring. I’m not enjoying 5.30am standing in the garden in the dark, cold and wet waiting for him to wee! Also you can put more research into it. And visit lots of dogs.

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Poodles don’t shed much at all and it’s definiatly working for us now.

We also have a big garden and one of us is pretty much always home. But it’s very tying. We can’t all pop out for a meal easily. Most of the cafes we visit don’t have dogs so we have to sit out. Ok so far but in winter - that won’t be fun!

The big garden has been a bit of a pain actually. I needed to take him out on a lead at first as it’s hard to dog proof a big garden. Also puppies eat anything and everything. Whether they should or not. So I can’t happily let him out knowing that he is safe. There are nooks and crannies I don’t want him going in, things I haven’t seen that he will eat etc. We are about to fence off part of the garden so it’s easier to trust him to go out alone.

Good luck with your decision

PUGaLUGS · 14/10/2018 07:44

Very unreasonable about buying it for Christmas. They are not toys.

Good breeders have waiting lists.

Eliza9917 · 14/10/2018 07:52

The hypoallergenic thing is bollox. All dogs drop dander and all dogs moult. You don't notice hair everywhere with dogs like bichons etc because it mostly matts in their coat rather than drop all over your house. If you get a dog like that be prepared for regular brushing and grooming visits.

Also, rescues stop adoptions at this time of year.

Flowerpot2005 · 14/10/2018 07:54

Some of the responses are unnecessarily rude! Get some manners people.

For me, Christmas is the worst time to get a puppy because they need a lot of looking after etc. A less hectic time would be best for all of you.

My brother in law was allergic to pet hair, cats & dogs, & his allergy has totally settled down & has a dog of his own now! You definitely need to try being around a few just to see how bad you're going to be x

SalemBlackCat4 · 14/10/2018 07:56

Why not get a cat instead? Are you allergic to cats?

Stuckforthefourthtime · 14/10/2018 07:58

Good idea to try BorrowMyDoggy first. Despite what some posters are saying, you don't always develop an immunity to a dog that you love with - my sister ended up breaking up with her previous partner after 3 years of her suffering severe allergies, and him not seeing why she couldn't just take an antihistamine every day Hmm
And hypoallergenic means low allergen not none - please do double and triple check or you'll be rehoming a confusdd dog by Easter.

mydogisthebest · 14/10/2018 07:59

Afghan Hounds have a different type of fur to other dogs also they don't really moult. I know someone who is only allergic to Afghans

DBN1 · 14/10/2018 08:00

Yes, YDWBU to "buy" a dog when there are thousands in shelters that are desperate for a loving home.

PoxAlert · 14/10/2018 08:01

No. Please don't "buy" a dog. FFS.

UnicornPug · 14/10/2018 08:10

My husband and my best friend are allergic to dogs. She had a chihuahua that had to be rehoned (for different reasons!) and her asthma was awful with while he was with them. My husband also had itchy eyes and breathing issues when we went round.
Both of us were looking for a dog and a family friend bred a one off litter from their Lhasa Apso with another friend’s Bicheon Frise. The resultant puppies were adorable and we all spent quite a lot of time with them checking for any possible allergic reaction. Each family bought one and nobody has had any kind of reaction.
Long story short, yes, it’s possible to get a dog that you won’t be allergic to, but you need to spend lots of time with it before committing to be sure. A quick visit won’t do it! We spent hours with these puppies before making the decision. Re timing, I think Christmas could be overwhelming. January is always dull, so maybe try for then? Don’t be surprised if dog charities turn you down. We were on waiting lists for all our local places for over a year and with 2 kids (older than yours!) and a need for allergy checks, we never got a single phone call.

SalemBlackCat4 · 14/10/2018 08:10

You still have to 'buy' the dog from a shelter, anyway, don't you? Shelters don't give away dogs for free. So the word buy still applies.

ClockworkNightingale · 14/10/2018 08:11

Dog allergies plus asthma is very different to just allergies. Asthma can be fatal. I think it would be a very poor idea, but maybe get some input from your GP or nurse if you're seriously considering it.

sashh · 14/10/2018 08:12

When you say dog so you mean puppy?

If you have a typical Xmas then no do not bring a dog into the house.

No matter how big your garden dogs need to be walked twice a day.

As for allergies, you could look at a poodle or poodle cross, these are used as guide dogs for people with dog allergies, poodles are more like wool than fur.

Can you afford a dog? Vaccinations, spey, insurance, kennels if you are on holiday etc?

The RSPCA have foster volunteers. I fostered for Cats' Protection. It might be an idea for you to foster a couple of dogs so you can experience the responsibility without the commitment and you will be a vital part of a dog getting its forever home.

Elloelloello123 · 14/10/2018 08:14

Cockapoos are hypoallegenic. Dc has severe allergies to dog hair but wanted a dog. Did our research and have never looked back. Best bit is it doesn't loose hair

DBN1 · 14/10/2018 08:14

But "buy" implies that OP will get the dog from somewhere other than "rescue" a dog from a shelter.
Of course they don't give them away! You pay charges to the shelter so that they are able to help more dogs in need of rescue and shelter.
Don't try and make out that it's the same thing.

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