Hygiene issue with dog and baby

[fluffyslippersplease]

I'm expecting a baby in October. Dh had the dog before we met 5 years ago. I really am not a dog person which Dh knew. The dog is quite old and seems to have chronic problems with skin, ears and particularly his eyes. We had his eyes operated on but the problems persist. It's constantly shedding skin and hair everywhere and its eyes are always filled with gunge. You clean them and apply drops and ten minutes later they're green again. Two vets have just said keep cleaning and use the drops. I'm very concerned about the hygiene aspects of having this dog around the baby, even around me. I've already had four miscarriages. I have suggested to dh that the dog should remain in the conservatory and the garden rather than coming into the main house. Dh is totally against this because he likes to spend time with the dogs and the conservatory, although it has tv, sofa etc, isn't as comfortable as the rest of the house. He acts like I'm Cruella Deville in this and just accuses me of not liking the dog. I don't dislike the dog. I feel sorry for it but I really don't like touching and stroking it because of its problems especially having a baby. We also have a youngish dc he had from a previous relationship that strokes the dog a lot and I worry about it touching the dog and then touching the baby.

What does the vet say about human infection? Have you spoken to your midwife about it? I don't think it's reasonable at all to expect your DH to keep his elderly, unwell dog in an uncomfortable conservatory. That's not kind, at all.

Take the dog to a different vet and insist on a plan of action to address his needs. This is an animal welfare issue.

Dh had the dog before we met 5 years ago. I really am not a dog person which Dh knew

And you also knew. If you weren’t a dog person why continue a relationship with someone who has a dog you hate?

I have suggested to dh that the dog should remain in the conservatory and the garden rather than coming into the main house. Dh is totally against this because he likes to spend time with the dogs

Good for him. Dogs can’t be shut out just because humans decide to have a baby. At least you know DH is loyal. The dogs won’t be there forever but they certainly don’t deserved to be pushed out now because of a new baby.

I didn't say I hated the dog!

I understand why he acts like you're Cruella Deville. The dog came long before you, and you cant even help it to be comfortable in its later years?

Yes, you are being unreasonable. I agree with your husband and think you just don’t like the dog. It’s completely unfair to confine the dog to the conservatory.

OP the dog is old, we all get old one day (if we are lucky) and it isn’t glamorous. Just let the poor dog live the rest of its short life in comfort. If it’s always lived in the main house do not shut it out now. The poor thing will already have been pushed out with a new baby on the scene without being kicked out the house. Just leave the care of the dog to your DH and make sure he washes his hands before touching baby if it bothers you.

You’re being totally unreasonable.

It's not shutting the dog out. I'm talking about restricting the areas it goes in. The conservatory is big and has a sofa, warmth etc. Plus that's where the dog flap is. When I say it's not as comfortable I mean for dh because the flat screen tv etc isn't in there

It already doesn't come upstairs or the front front room. It's only the open plan kitchen/ living room that it would lose.

So unreasonable.
You can get a doggy gate to stop him coming in sometimes to make it a bit easier but it comes across like what you're talking about is completely different

Its not the dogs fault it has these problems- good on your DH for sticking up for the dog, why should he be shut out into the conservatory just because you've got a new baby on the way?
A new baby is already a big thing for a dog, let alone being shut out and having his home restricted.
You are being very unreasonable.
Poor dog and DH!

OP, I’ve nothing helpful to say other than seeking another vet’s advice, however I totally get where you’re coming from and would feel the same.

Conservatories are boiling and freezing, it's cruel to banish a dog.

It sounds like you met him with the dog. Therefore they come as a package.

YABU.

(Will you banish the baby when it has conjunctivitis? No course not).

@CaramelEmporium thank you I'm pushing dh to take the dog to another vet and I'm going to go with him ( I don't normally) so I can ask about all this.

I would definitely get rid of the dog! They are so unhygenic whether they have an illness or not! Think about the dog licking your newborn baby when he/she is born!
Tell DH that your baby is first.
After getting rid of the dog I would strongly advise you disinfect the house thoroughly and then open all the windows to let it air for a day or two

Your concerns don't appear to be based on any actual risk the dog might pose. to your child or baby. You dislike the dog, so you're taking advantage of an elderly dog's medical ailments to push it away.

I think to call you Cruella is to be too kind, frankly.

Let the dog live in comfort and as a member of the family.

@HowFurloughCanYouGo ours is neither of those things. It's a brick type affair not glass. Conservatory probably isn't the word

I’m sorry for your loss

When it comes to the dog, does it have active infections? If you woke up tomorrow and its eyes were clear and it’s skin healthy would you still want the dog away from you? If there’s a specific risk then it could be tackled but if you’ve gotten to a stage where it’s about how you feel rather than actual cross infection risks then that can’t help.

I really don’t like dogs but this is truly unbelievable. The dog pre-dates you, it’s old and infirm. Insist of proper treatment for the poor thing and do your best to get it well.

Why did you opt to have a baby while there's an unhygienic, elderly dog in the house?

Not knocking the dog, btw, DP and I have an elderly, unhygienic dog and we adore her.

The use of "it" when talking about your dog and stepchild makes me cringe, it is clear how you regard them both.

If the dog only has the open plan kitchen/diner and conservatory already then to reduce that further is unfair. I'm pleased your DP understands his responsibilities towards his dog, thank god for him. Imagine how you'll be if your child is poorly if you don't relax...

Yes you are being unreasonable. Poor dog.

Poor dog.

@MarchSurprise oh do get lost