New puppy in house!

[Shann07]

Is it 'safe' to have new puppy in house with lupus & low immune system? My husband surprised my children with new pup & hes gorgeous but Im a bit worried as my immune system is so compromised would he pose any risk to me?

[Lupiknits]

I'll leave this to other puppy experts. My rescue has rescued me in many ways though. With a puppy, I think all the proper vaccinations, dewormers etc are a necessity in any case. The house training is no fun. I'd suggest DH and children take a large part in that. Perhaps a vet would give best advice on what you can "catch" from a dog, and puppy training to stop any nipping or clawing at people is a must . The training applies to children in handling a dog as well, especially if they have never had one before. In fact, a vet is your best source of info. Main thing that comes to mind in terms of transferrable diseases is rabies, but very unlikely in this country and you don't need to have a low immune system for that to be trouble.

[whisperit]

A Google search - which I'm sure you can do too! - seems to bring up a consensus which I would roughly summarise as saying that the usual petting and play activities represent minimal risk BUT:

- avoid intimate contact such as kissing pets and allowing an animal to sleep in bed with you

- avoid exposure to faeces

- wash your hands after handling a pet

- puppies are more risky than older dogs because they are more likely to pick up infections and to scratch and bite

- dogs should be immunised and treated promptly when they get diarrhoea etc , neutered so they are less likely to seek out intimate contact with other dogs, and professionally trained not to jump up, paw at or nip people (good advice for all dog owners of course!)

But your degree of risk will partly depend on exactly how immune compromised you are. And as Lupiknits says, you would be well advised to get more expert opinion from your doctor and vet. x

[farmerfeste in reply to whisperit]

We have had two pups and a kitten since me diagnosed with sle with no issue's

They can be very therapeutic in my exspieryance.

[GlasgowHen]

I have 4 dogs and on a whole cupboard full of immunosuppressants. I haven't had any problems at all just use the sensible universal precautions of hand washing. My dogs have on occasion licked my face which I don't like but it happens and I've had no ill effect. I poo pick in the garden,clean up sick,diarrhoea and all that goes with dogs and been fine. I think just be sensible, keep pup up to date with vaccinations and worming in particular, wash hands, get a box of gloves for the more yucky jobs and I reckon you should be fine. enjoy your little bundle! What sort of dog is it?

[Shann07 in reply to GlasgowHen]

Its a wee shih tzu so cute. Hes had his vaccines & Im getting him groomed. We're working hard on house training at the mo - not an easy task!! I always wear gloves to lift any poo! Im prob super cautious around him but my kids love him!

[willowwag]

I would say wow enjoy your new puppy, apart from you know the norm washing hands etc you shouldn't have any problems, my mums just had a puppy fresh bulldog and I have a cat and I find when I'm feeling really rotten I love nothing more than a lovely long cuddle with them, I find them really relaxing and takes my mind of feeling so ill x good luck with the new puppy x

[Hidden]

That's a lovely thing to do but with out sounding harsh did he not think of your needs b4 doing this

A puppy or dog is a wonderful thing for our health they become our best friends when we are low I have 2 minature jacks and they are my fur baby's the best thing ever I done but seriously this could be a good thing for you

It could work out well for you if you all work together

[Hidden]

Also this could be very therapeutic for you perhaps your husband thought of this best of luck

[Kevin53]

Dogs are perfect therapy. Best wishes Kevin

[johare]

Hi I have lupus and take immune suppressants. My four children have had a whole list of animals whilst growing up, including dogs, cats, rodents, chickens. As long as they wormed etc and not licking your face I can say I have always been fine. Enjoy your pets they do you more good than harm.

[molly19]

My westie dog has done me loads of good, and also met new dog walking friends. Enjoy your new puppy. Hugs x