CF and pets

[jamie6girl]

I only say that cleanliness is an issue because now we are dealing with that with my sister and her husband. My sister is obviously a CF carrier and she is always very sick. Sicker than I am. If you ask me, she should have a picc line , etc, she's always so sick. Anyhow, she and her husband are VERY FILTHY and they do not clean their house, and they don't clean up after pets. They've had several , here recently, it was pet birds. Well, my sister got pneumonia. I think it's from the birds. Probably because they had so many, and also because they don't clean up after them. So I think that as long as you keep it clean, some of the smaller allergies can be dealt with. However, I know that I cannot have some types of dogs (the ones that shed with the straight hair) and I know it would be a poor health choice on my part if I were to get a dog that sheds. So I think it's findinging a balance between knowing what your body can handle, and keeping everything clean. <br><br>
I do agree that it's the son's decision on keeping the dog. However, with my sister for example, my parents had to intervene because we all KNEW that the birds were causing her illness. Since she got the birds a year ago, she has been sick non stop. In fact, she goes to the doctor EVERY WEEK. My parents finally said something and now they are in the process of selling the birds. My sister has been couging up blood, etc, so I am glad that my parents are doing something. <br><br>
With that said, I know that getting rid of the birds doesn't solve the other issues, such as them keeping their house clean, but it at least it would keep her a little bit less sick.<br><br>
I keep my house spotless, as well as my hamster's cage. If I were rolling around in hamster poop making myself sick, I would hope that my parents would say something. <br><br>
Anyhow, just my two cents from my experience. Didn't mean to ramble on and on in someone else's thread.

 

[jamie6girl]

I only say that cleanliness is an issue because now we are dealing with that with my sister and her husband. My sister is obviously a CF carrier and she is always very sick. Sicker than I am. If you ask me, she should have a picc line , etc, she's always so sick. Anyhow, she and her husband are VERY FILTHY and they do not clean their house, and they don't clean up after pets. They've had several , here recently, it was pet birds. Well, my sister got pneumonia. I think it's from the birds. Probably because they had so many, and also because they don't clean up after them. So I think that as long as you keep it clean, some of the smaller allergies can be dealt with. However, I know that I cannot have some types of dogs (the ones that shed with the straight hair) and I know it would be a poor health choice on my part if I were to get a dog that sheds. So I think it's findinging a balance between knowing what your body can handle, and keeping everything clean. <br><br>
I do agree that it's the son's decision on keeping the dog. However, with my sister for example, my parents had to intervene because we all KNEW that the birds were causing her illness. Since she got the birds a year ago, she has been sick non stop. In fact, she goes to the doctor EVERY WEEK. My parents finally said something and now they are in the process of selling the birds. My sister has been couging up blood, etc, so I am glad that my parents are doing something. <br><br>
With that said, I know that getting rid of the birds doesn't solve the other issues, such as them keeping their house clean, but it at least it would keep her a little bit less sick.<br><br>
I keep my house spotless, as well as my hamster's cage. If I were rolling around in hamster poop making myself sick, I would hope that my parents would say something. <br><br>
Anyhow, just my two cents from my experience. Didn't mean to ramble on and on in someone else's thread.

 

[jamie6girl]

I only say that cleanliness is an issue because now we are dealing with that with my sister and her husband. My sister is obviously a CF carrier and she is always very sick. Sicker than I am. If you ask me, she should have a picc line , etc, she's always so sick. Anyhow, she and her husband are VERY FILTHY and they do not clean their house, and they don't clean up after pets. They've had several , here recently, it was pet birds. Well, my sister got pneumonia. I think it's from the birds. Probably because they had so many, and also because they don't clean up after them. So I think that as long as you keep it clean, some of the smaller allergies can be dealt with. However, I know that I cannot have some types of dogs (the ones that shed with the straight hair) and I know it would be a poor health choice on my part if I were to get a dog that sheds. So I think it's findinging a balance between knowing what your body can handle, and keeping everything clean. <br><br>
I do agree that it's the son's decision on keeping the dog. However, with my sister for example, my parents had to intervene because we all KNEW that the birds were causing her illness. Since she got the birds a year ago, she has been sick non stop. In fact, she goes to the doctor EVERY WEEK. My parents finally said something and now they are in the process of selling the birds. My sister has been couging up blood, etc, so I am glad that my parents are doing something. <br><br>
With that said, I know that getting rid of the birds doesn't solve the other issues, such as them keeping their house clean, but it at least it would keep her a little bit less sick.<br><br>
I keep my house spotless, as well as my hamster's cage. If I were rolling around in hamster poop making myself sick, I would hope that my parents would say something. <br><br>
Anyhow, just my two cents from my experience. Didn't mean to ramble on and on in someone else's thread.

 

[jamie6girl]

I only say that cleanliness is an issue because now we are dealing with that with my sister and her husband. My sister is obviously a CF carrier and she is always very sick. Sicker than I am. If you ask me, she should have a picc line , etc, she's always so sick. Anyhow, she and her husband are VERY FILTHY and they do not clean their house, and they don't clean up after pets. They've had several , here recently, it was pet birds. Well, my sister got pneumonia. I think it's from the birds. Probably because they had so many, and also because they don't clean up after them. So I think that as long as you keep it clean, some of the smaller allergies can be dealt with. However, I know that I cannot have some types of dogs (the ones that shed with the straight hair) and I know it would be a poor health choice on my part if I were to get a dog that sheds. So I think it's findinging a balance between knowing what your body can handle, and keeping everything clean. <br><br>
I do agree that it's the son's decision on keeping the dog. However, with my sister for example, my parents had to intervene because we all KNEW that the birds were causing her illness. Since she got the birds a year ago, she has been sick non stop. In fact, she goes to the doctor EVERY WEEK. My parents finally said something and now they are in the process of selling the birds. My sister has been couging up blood, etc, so I am glad that my parents are doing something. <br><br>
With that said, I know that getting rid of the birds doesn't solve the other issues, such as them keeping their house clean, but it at least it would keep her a little bit less sick.<br><br>
I keep my house spotless, as well as my hamster's cage. If I were rolling around in hamster poop making myself sick, I would hope that my parents would say something. <br><br>
Anyhow, just my two cents from my experience. Didn't mean to ramble on and on in someone else's thread.

 

[jamie6girl]

I only say that cleanliness is an issue because now we are dealing with that with my sister and her husband. My sister is obviously a CF carrier and she is always very sick. Sicker than I am. If you ask me, she should have a picc line , etc, she's always so sick. Anyhow, she and her husband are VERY FILTHY and they do not clean their house, and they don't clean up after pets. They've had several , here recently, it was pet birds. Well, my sister got pneumonia. I think it's from the birds. Probably because they had so many, and also because they don't clean up after them. So I think that as long as you keep it clean, some of the smaller allergies can be dealt with. However, I know that I cannot have some types of dogs (the ones that shed with the straight hair) and I know it would be a poor health choice on my part if I were to get a dog that sheds. So I think it's findinging a balance between knowing what your body can handle, and keeping everything clean. <br><br>
I do agree that it's the son's decision on keeping the dog. However, with my sister for example, my parents had to intervene because we all KNEW that the birds were causing her illness. Since she got the birds a year ago, she has been sick non stop. In fact, she goes to the doctor EVERY WEEK. My parents finally said something and now they are in the process of selling the birds. My sister has been couging up blood, etc, so I am glad that my parents are doing something. <br><br>
With that said, I know that getting rid of the birds doesn't solve the other issues, such as them keeping their house clean, but it at least it would keep her a little bit less sick.<br><br>
I keep my house spotless, as well as my hamster's cage. If I were rolling around in hamster poop making myself sick, I would hope that my parents would say something. <br><br>
Anyhow, just my two cents from my experience. Didn't mean to ramble on and on in someone else's thread.

 

[NYCLawGirl]

When my parents bought my sister and I our first pet they checked with the docs. We were told that pets are fine (unless you have severe allergies) but to watch out for birds, which apparently have feather dander that can cause respiratory infections? I think it's almost entirely an individual thing and depends on cleanliness, health, and allergies - there's no hard or fast rule for CFers and pets.

I agree with paws: CFers give up a lot already. Unless you have some deeper reason to suspect the dog is causing serious problems, this is definitely the time for you to let your son make his own choices.

 

[NYCLawGirl]

When my parents bought my sister and I our first pet they checked with the docs. We were told that pets are fine (unless you have severe allergies) but to watch out for birds, which apparently have feather dander that can cause respiratory infections? I think it's almost entirely an individual thing and depends on cleanliness, health, and allergies - there's no hard or fast rule for CFers and pets.

I agree with paws: CFers give up a lot already. Unless you have some deeper reason to suspect the dog is causing serious problems, this is definitely the time for you to let your son make his own choices.

 

[NYCLawGirl]

When my parents bought my sister and I our first pet they checked with the docs. We were told that pets are fine (unless you have severe allergies) but to watch out for birds, which apparently have feather dander that can cause respiratory infections? I think it's almost entirely an individual thing and depends on cleanliness, health, and allergies - there's no hard or fast rule for CFers and pets.

I agree with paws: CFers give up a lot already. Unless you have some deeper reason to suspect the dog is causing serious problems, this is definitely the time for you to let your son make his own choices.

 

[NYCLawGirl]

When my parents bought my sister and I our first pet they checked with the docs. We were told that pets are fine (unless you have severe allergies) but to watch out for birds, which apparently have feather dander that can cause respiratory infections? I think it's almost entirely an individual thing and depends on cleanliness, health, and allergies - there's no hard or fast rule for CFers and pets.

I agree with paws: CFers give up a lot already. Unless you have some deeper reason to suspect the dog is causing serious problems, this is definitely the time for you to let your son make his own choices.

 

[NYCLawGirl]

When my parents bought my sister and I our first pet they checked with the docs. We were told that pets are fine (unless you have severe allergies) but to watch out for birds, which apparently have feather dander that can cause respiratory infections? I think it's almost entirely an individual thing and depends on cleanliness, health, and allergies - there's no hard or fast rule for CFers and pets.
<br />
<br />I agree with paws: CFers give up a lot already. Unless you have some deeper reason to suspect the dog is causing serious problems, this is definitely the time for you to let your son make his own choices.

 

[SeeEff]

I have CF & have always had dogs. if the pets make him happy, that's what counts. if he is sad because his beloved companions are gone, that's going to do him zero good. attitude has alot to do with health, if you're happier, you're healthier.
bathe the dogs more, and get an air filter. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[SeeEff]

I have CF & have always had dogs. if the pets make him happy, that's what counts. if he is sad because his beloved companions are gone, that's going to do him zero good. attitude has alot to do with health, if you're happier, you're healthier.
bathe the dogs more, and get an air filter. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[SeeEff]

I have CF & have always had dogs. if the pets make him happy, that's what counts. if he is sad because his beloved companions are gone, that's going to do him zero good. attitude has alot to do with health, if you're happier, you're healthier.
bathe the dogs more, and get an air filter. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[SeeEff]

I have CF & have always had dogs. if the pets make him happy, that's what counts. if he is sad because his beloved companions are gone, that's going to do him zero good. attitude has alot to do with health, if you're happier, you're healthier.
bathe the dogs more, and get an air filter. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[SeeEff]

I have CF & have always had dogs. if the pets make him happy, that's what counts. if he is sad because his beloved companions are gone, that's going to do him zero good. attitude has alot to do with health, if you're happier, you're healthier.
<br />bathe the dogs more, and get an air filter. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[sheanna]

My opinion: Just be smart!

I have had pets since I was two years old: cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, turtles, frogs, lizards, chameleons...anything you can possibly think of.

My animals have made such a positive difference in my life attitude-wise. If I am sad or bummed out, my kitties cheer me right up. I make sure to vacuum regularly, and when I raised hamsters and gerbils for our local pet store (which I also worked at) I just made sure to wear a mask. A lot of the stuff that irritates CFers isn't just sitting there...doing things like changing cages, etc is what kicks things into the air. I've also worked at a bird refuge for the last 3 years, and again, I was just careful about what I did and how I did it. I haven't picked anything up in those three years that I didn't have when I started college.

Being that I'm a pre-vet major, I understand there are risks to working with animals. However, for me at least, the benefits outweigh these!

Regarding your son's retriever, please don't get rid of it! like others have said, attitude accounts for a lot, and taking away the dog would be pretty demoralizing. The main thing you should worry about is pet dander, and with regular bathing that shouldn't be much of an issue.

 

[sheanna]

My opinion: Just be smart!

I have had pets since I was two years old: cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, turtles, frogs, lizards, chameleons...anything you can possibly think of.

My animals have made such a positive difference in my life attitude-wise. If I am sad or bummed out, my kitties cheer me right up. I make sure to vacuum regularly, and when I raised hamsters and gerbils for our local pet store (which I also worked at) I just made sure to wear a mask. A lot of the stuff that irritates CFers isn't just sitting there...doing things like changing cages, etc is what kicks things into the air. I've also worked at a bird refuge for the last 3 years, and again, I was just careful about what I did and how I did it. I haven't picked anything up in those three years that I didn't have when I started college.

Being that I'm a pre-vet major, I understand there are risks to working with animals. However, for me at least, the benefits outweigh these!

Regarding your son's retriever, please don't get rid of it! like others have said, attitude accounts for a lot, and taking away the dog would be pretty demoralizing. The main thing you should worry about is pet dander, and with regular bathing that shouldn't be much of an issue.

 

[sheanna]

My opinion: Just be smart!

I have had pets since I was two years old: cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, turtles, frogs, lizards, chameleons...anything you can possibly think of.

My animals have made such a positive difference in my life attitude-wise. If I am sad or bummed out, my kitties cheer me right up. I make sure to vacuum regularly, and when I raised hamsters and gerbils for our local pet store (which I also worked at) I just made sure to wear a mask. A lot of the stuff that irritates CFers isn't just sitting there...doing things like changing cages, etc is what kicks things into the air. I've also worked at a bird refuge for the last 3 years, and again, I was just careful about what I did and how I did it. I haven't picked anything up in those three years that I didn't have when I started college.

Being that I'm a pre-vet major, I understand there are risks to working with animals. However, for me at least, the benefits outweigh these!

Regarding your son's retriever, please don't get rid of it! like others have said, attitude accounts for a lot, and taking away the dog would be pretty demoralizing. The main thing you should worry about is pet dander, and with regular bathing that shouldn't be much of an issue.

 

[sheanna]

My opinion: Just be smart!

I have had pets since I was two years old: cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, turtles, frogs, lizards, chameleons...anything you can possibly think of.

My animals have made such a positive difference in my life attitude-wise. If I am sad or bummed out, my kitties cheer me right up. I make sure to vacuum regularly, and when I raised hamsters and gerbils for our local pet store (which I also worked at) I just made sure to wear a mask. A lot of the stuff that irritates CFers isn't just sitting there...doing things like changing cages, etc is what kicks things into the air. I've also worked at a bird refuge for the last 3 years, and again, I was just careful about what I did and how I did it. I haven't picked anything up in those three years that I didn't have when I started college.

Being that I'm a pre-vet major, I understand there are risks to working with animals. However, for me at least, the benefits outweigh these!

Regarding your son's retriever, please don't get rid of it! like others have said, attitude accounts for a lot, and taking away the dog would be pretty demoralizing. The main thing you should worry about is pet dander, and with regular bathing that shouldn't be much of an issue.

 

[sheanna]

My opinion: Just be smart!
<br />
<br />I have had pets since I was two years old: cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, turtles, frogs, lizards, chameleons...anything you can possibly think of.
<br />
<br />My animals have made such a positive difference in my life attitude-wise. If I am sad or bummed out, my kitties cheer me right up. I make sure to vacuum regularly, and when I raised hamsters and gerbils for our local pet store (which I also worked at) I just made sure to wear a mask. A lot of the stuff that irritates CFers isn't just sitting there...doing things like changing cages, etc is what kicks things into the air. I've also worked at a bird refuge for the last 3 years, and again, I was just careful about what I did and how I did it. I haven't picked anything up in those three years that I didn't have when I started college.
<br />
<br />Being that I'm a pre-vet major, I understand there are risks to working with animals. However, for me at least, the benefits outweigh these!
<br />
<br />Regarding your son's retriever, please don't get rid of it! like others have said, attitude accounts for a lot, and taking away the dog would be pretty demoralizing. The main thing you should worry about is pet dander, and with regular bathing that shouldn't be much of an issue.