‘12 weeks and SO disgusted by my dog’: what happens when you’re pregnant and can’t stand your pet?

‘A family’s capacity to meet an animal’s needs may change substantially.’ Illustration: Timo Kuilder/The Guardian

About three weeks into her first pregnancy, Sylvia Luu began to loathe the smell of her border collie mix, Ranger.

Luu could hardly be in the same room as Ranger without becoming nauseous. His drool repulsed her, and she found the smell of his fur so disgusting she wore a nose plug all day.