Many people are unaware that exposing an allergic to a pet can be life threatening. Pets should not be a vital part of family life where there is a history of asthma or hay fever they simply are not a good idea. As a canine behaviourist my interest is in both human and pet behaviour. Anything that has an effect on the relationship will have an effect on behaviour. As an asthmatic I am always interested in reports from the National Asthma Campaign and British Lung Foundation both of who are unsympathetic towards the pets before people brigade.
Myths abound about breeds of cats and dogs and even horses that are supposedly safe.
Many say that poodles will not affect you because they are woolly rather than hairy. It is not the hair that causes the problem it is the allergens and enzymes secreted on to the animal's skin and into its saliva that causes the reactions. If you move into a house where a cat or dog has spread dander it can take up to two years to clear the allergens. They stick to walls and are in the carpets and soft furnishings. If you suffer any form of allergy then you should consider removing the pet from the home.