Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Pets and asthma don't necessarily go together very well. After all, animal allergies are often one of the key factors in triggering asthma symptoms. In fact, cat allergies are some of the most potent allergies around. And with millions of pet owners and millions of asthma sufferers, there is bound to...
In the article, you mention that an asthmatic/allergy sufferer may have to "get rid" of their pet(s). Wouldn't "re-home" be a much more sensitive and fitting term than "get rid of"?
Terribly insensitive for someone who may be reading the article that is in a situation where they can no longer live with the pet they love.
Also, I am allergic to animal dander and am an asthmatic. We have 4 rescued dogs (bichons, maltese and yorkie poo) and have minimal problems with breathing. We have hardwood flooring and clean the house religiously. It's worth the extra puff off of an inhaler for me to live with my animals. Hypoallergenic dogs do not exist, but there are low dander dogs with hair that does not shed much. Always an option for the animal lovers who really want an animal.
Sorry about that... didn't mean to be insensitive. I'm not that familiar with the term re-home, but I agree it's a kinder term. I think I did communicate in the article that I love my dogs too (and live with 3 of them), feeling as you do that a few symptoms are worth it. And I also stated that scrupulous cleaning could make the situation liveable.
So I think we're in agreement. But that solution isn't going to be for everyone. Some people are so allergic that there is NO tolerance rate. I used to be that way with cats, so I understand that keeping pets if you're allergic might not be an option.
Thanks for your input,
Kathi