Getting a pet yes or no

[Jill777]

Hi all hope you are all coping ok. As my house has been smoke free for just over a year now after finding out i had COPD and recently retiring from work i have been thinking about getting a budgie. But i have just realised that birds in general can cause breathing problems through their feathers. If i keep its cage very clean and make sure it can have baths regularly could i get one do you think. Or is it best just to get the idea right out of my head. I was so excited about getting one and now feel deflated realising it might not be the best idea.

[Hidden]

I have a golden doodle. Non shed. Brings me a lot of companionship.

[stone-UK]

Hi

May not be suitable.

Quote

Allergic alveolitis is a bronchial disease that occasionally affects humans, usually after several years’ contact with birds. This has earned it the name ‘pigeon fancier’s lung’, as a homage to those dedicated people who spend lots of time in pigeon lofts with their prized birds. It could just as easily be called ‘budgie fancier’s lung’, though, and does indeed have yet another name, ‘budgerigar (or parakeet) dander pneumoconiosis’. The cause of the problem is dust from bird feathers and dried droppings.

Once the asthma-like symptoms have manifested, continued exposure to the birds will make the condition worse. In its chronic form, if the sufferer has failed to stop breathing in the irritant, the process can no longer be reversed, and lung capacity will be permanently diminished.

Full story

omlet.co.uk/guide/budgie_gu...

[Jill777 in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you for that information. Very grateful.

[Hidden]

My massage therapist said that dogs actually take your stress from you and give it back to the earth. Maybe a little wow wow?

[megannell]

" Hello jill777..I wouldn't recommend you getting any birds what's so ever. As Stone says. All birds contain danda on there skin... as do most animals.. Sadly I found this all out a little to late. I am stage 4 severe COPD as a result of working with animals and birds.. I know suffer cage birds lung disease with a fev1 of 20. But! What i do keep now which is very relaxing.. is tropical fish..it gives me a purpose plus no alergys to fish.. worth a thought..good luck to you jill777...Megan.."

[sassy59 in reply to megannell]

Thinking of you Megan. Xxxx

[Jill777 in reply to megannell]

Thank you and sorry to read how it has effected you. Take good care.

[Hidden]

A pet could be a fantastic idea! Not only do they provide companionship and comfort, but it could help you keep up with your new smoke-free life! I would definitely recommended talking to your COPD doc first though, and maybe ask about allergy testing to make sure you’re not allergic to anything you might be thinking of getting

[sassy59]

Hi Jill, do some research as that could help with any decision. Budgies like to have a companion if possible or a well placed mirror perhaps. We have tropical fish but I find them a pain at the moment. Water changes, filter changes etc. Just give things lots of thought as to what will be best for you. Good luck. Xxxx

[BrianTaylor in reply to sassy59]

Same! I was very enthusiastic about the fish tank when we first got them, and the train set, and the scalextric! I’m finding them all a pain at the moment, like other members my health engulfs me more often than I’d like and leaves little time for things like ‘enthusiasm’

As for the birds, if they might cause an issue, how about keeping the birds in a room that you don’t regularly use, and wearing a mask to clean them? Not sure how useful that suggestion is, if at all, just thought I’d mention it.

If you get a dog, I’d go for a rescue that has passed the puppy stage - less stress for you 😊

[sassy59 in reply to BrianTaylor]

Good reply Brian. The fish belong to Pete, are in a big tank with a fancy pump/filter that has already given me stress I don’t need. I feed them though and do my best. You take care. Xxx 🙄🤭😃

[BrianTaylor in reply to sassy59]

All you can do is do your best. Hope Pete is doing ok 😊 xx

[sassy59 in reply to BrianTaylor]

Thanks Brian. Petes not doing too badly thank goodness. Xxx 😘

[BrianTaylor in reply to sassy59]

That’s excellent! One less thing for you to worry about xx

[sassy59 in reply to BrianTaylor]

👍😊🤞🏼xxx

[2greys in reply to BrianTaylor]

Another room, filters, water spray system and vinyl flooring. A bird shower before interaction. Yes it is possible to keep birds.

[caroleoctober]

I had two canarys which sang beautifully but was advised by my respiratory nurse to get rid of them because of dust they raise so I had to let them go to a friend that had avaries. I have two shitz tsu which I have had for about twelve years, they don't shed so they are ideal . Keep smiling

Carole x

[cazza34]

Jill I’ve got hypersensitivity pneumonitis....a lung disease often referred to as bird fanciers lung, hot tub lung, bakers lung....mine appears to be caused by allergens unknown. I’ve had this condition 3 years, ive got a dog she is 14...great company. My advice if your going to get a dog get a short haired one and get the dog groomed ie washed and clipped very regularly...I have my dog groomed monthly it’s not cheap, but a small price to pay. Also by the best hoover you can and vacuum a lot. I bought a shark pet hoover with 3 filters. You don’t want to be in the position years down the line where the dander is a breathing issue for you. I suspect that my dogs dander doesn’t help my condition, but she is 14 now and hard to let go now hence I throw money at alleviating hair from her. Positives I excercise her daily...keeps me fitter and she is great company.

[Tilantoe]

I wouldn't get any sort of bird. I have worked with animals all my life, and birds cause the most dust and dander. I had to part with my budgies. Even with baths, the dust and dander is really bad

And when they flap their wings the dust is everywhere. If you put it in another room you are defeating the object of having one, as it's for companionship and it wouldn't be any company at all in another room, it would just be a chore! Sorry if I have disappointed you.

[Jill777 in reply to Tilantoe]

Thank you for the reply. Most people are replying in a similar way.

[corriena]

I was told early on to get rid of all my pets 3 cats a dog 3 chickens a hamster and 2 fish and a budgie( i found cold and huddled one winter in a hedge). I said dont be ridicules. I had a alergy test witch showed no alergies. 25ish years later, l now have 2 cats and a tortoise. All of the lost pets have passed of old age. I spent a few years without any animals and i did miss having them about, so my daughter got two rescue kittens for me and the tortoise is hers. Think carefully what type of pet you get. as i am often unwell i wont have a dog as i cant always get out to walk them. But i do think for friendship and company pets are wonferfull.🐕🐈🐧🦁🦄

[welllaners]

Hi Jill, I am in early stages of COPD, so decided to get a dog for exercise and company, its the best thing I ever did, I now walk 2-5 miles a day depending on the weather and she makes me laugh every day with some of her antics. If you are able to walk enough to take a dog out, then I would consider going to your local animal rescue etc and have a look, in my case I was able to take her for a test walk first.

I wish you all the best

Steve

[Jill777 in reply to welllaners]

Glad that worked for you . Thanks for the reply

[copdber]

Hi I’ve got a little 17 week old cavision it’s a cross between a King Charles and Bichion Freese she won’t she’d I adore her I sit with her on my lap and stroke her she’s diffidently therapeutic

[jmmc]

Hi Jill777 I have COPD and Conjestive Cardiac Failure. I have a Bichon Frise dog which is non shedding and does not require lots of excercise. They do need brushing every day but they are so ĺovable and love to give you cuddles & be in your company.

[peege]

I wouldn't touch birds with a barge pole, unless of course you can have bird specific allergy testing.

I had allergy testing when aspergillis was suspected and was much relieved to find out that had a low reaction, mould was severe reaction, pet, dust and something else (there were 6 in all on NHS) were nil reaction. Phew, the Chocolate Labrador got to stay! He took a lot of grooming to keep the hairs clear year round. Now I have a non shedding dog, a mutt made up of Tibetan terrier, poodle and cocker spaniel. She's a marvellous companion, she gets us out, we get chatted up every day because she's gorgeous. Financially she cost £800, insurance is £25 per month, food approx £20 per month, annual vaccines £40, then there's worming/flea & tick prevention. I cut her hair & bath her myself saving at least £150 per year. That's all before incidental vet bills, teeth, neutering etc. Beyond my means really but worth every penny for her unconditional love & loyalty.

Takes a lot of thought choosing a pet so good luck!

[Jill777 in reply to peege]

Thank you for the reply. It sounds quite expensive but has rewards.

[peege in reply to Jill777]

Definitely not to mention 💩

[And33]

I have a bichon dog, I have asthma, they don’t shed, I’ve been fine with her for almost 2 years. The down side is you have to have them groomed every 6-8 weeks

[Jill777]

Thank you for that reply.

[challny]

I have two dogs, both over 70 pounds. Both rescues. One sheds magnificently. I got them before I was diagnosed. They are probably not good for me, but I would feel terrible to just give them away. They love their daddy, and I cannot abandon them.

[Whitechinchilla]

I asked my respiratory nurse about getting a bird as am in Independent Living” and not allowed 4 legged pets. She said emphatically NO.

Best would be to ask your own consultant as I have a friend with emphysema who has a budgie seemingly without any ill effects. Good luck and I admit to being very envious if you do get a feathered friend.