Would you rehome your dog if one of your DCs had asthma?

[Kayzr]

DS2 has had a pretty bad cough on and off for the past month. He has been to the doctors and I was told that he is 3, goes to playschool and its that time of year. He isn't ill as such. He is eating, drinking and playing just like a normal 3 year old. Just with a horrible cough.

But it still isn't clearing and he is back at doctors tomorrow to have another appointment about it.

A few people have mentioned asthma to me now saying it isn't normal for it to last so long and that it just seems to be a cough, no runny nose with it etc.

Today the boys have been with their Dad for dinner after school and XMIL dropped them home. She said that really I should think about getting rid of the dog.

Gresley is a golden retriever and we got him in Dec 2010. He is about 18 months old now. He like all goldies has a lot of fur!

I am swinging between thinking that if DS2 ends up having asthma, as awful as it would be for us all Gresley would have to go. DS2's health has got to come first.

But I can't help thinking that if DS2 has asthma then surely the fur etc would have caused this bad cough from the start.

Also my Mum has 2 large hairballs and DS2 practically sits on the Leonberger and he certainly isn't worse there.

Obviously if DS2 doesn't have asthma and is just unlucky at the minute with coughs then Gresley won't be going anywhere. I just feel a bit worried about everything and DP is away with work so can't talk to him about it right now.

Just wanted someone else to let me know what they think of it all.

Thanks and sorry it's a bit of a ramble.

No. My DD1 has asthma and is actually wildly allergic to our cat and our second dog. We know this because she was very ill with terrible asthma, runny eyes, puffy face etc for about a month when we first got them and because the hospital have told us when they allergy tested that she is allergic to cats and dogs.

The thing is, she is also allergic to dust mites, grass, pollen, you name it, and we can't eradicate everything....we were told by the allergy clinic it isn't good to get rid of pets. Hospital said you will build up immunity to your own animals. She is actually better now than when we had no pets, covers on the mattresses, etc.

Unless the hospital say you should, I wouldn't. You risk causing a lot of heartbreak for no benefit.

Firstly, you don't actually know that your DS is allergic to your dog, unless your XMIL is a doctor who specialises in allergies.

Growing up around dogs is actually better for children's immune systems. As well as the exposure to the dog itself, children will get more outdoor exercise and benefit from contact with mud and dirt.

Firstly, as others have said, please arrange for DS to be properly allergy tested if he doesn't recover soon, so whatever decision you make is taken from a place of knowledge not of ignorance and speculation. Even if your DS has an allergy to the dog, it may be manageable, and there is a great deal that asthmatics can do to improve matters in relation to house cleaning, ventilation, etc. I am sure you will be advised on this if DS is diagnosed, preferably from hospital allergy clinic. We do much of this as DH has asthma and we have three dogs (all greyhounds). Hence, wooden floors, fanatical airing, regular and frequent washing of soft furnishings, damp dusting and so on. All of these can make a huge difference, and to be honest, are good housekeeping anyway, especially with a big hairy dog around.

There is also the ethical point that you have taken on this dog and that therefore you have a responsibility to look after it, not just dump it because of some speculation by an ex family member.

I remember when DD was about 3 she had a cough on and off for months. First GP ( young ) was saying it's asthma. Given inhaler. Saw another GP ( old ) and he thought it was a lot of colds.....he was right.

Well the doctor says he just has a sore throat and that unfortunately there are loads of bugs going round. With DS2 going to play school and DS1 being in reception there are 2 lots of bugs coming into the house.

She said his chest was clear and he's just plain unlucky at the minute.

So last nights panic is over and I must learn to ignore XMIL.

Thank you everyone.