View Full Version : Dog allergies?
Tricia
08-09-2005, 07:47 PM
Anyone allergic to dogs? I'm trying to self-diagnose myself before we go out and get a dog. Son and hubby begging relentlessly for one but...and I know this will sound dumb...I think I'm allergic. Whenever I'm around a dog one eye gets wicked (a Bahstin word!) itchy and I get this gunk (nice word!) in it. I know I basically have to go to an allergist but I've been putting it off. Anyone allergic and what, if anything, can I do if it turns out I am.
Oh, and by the way, hubby wants a big, hairy dog. Won't settle for a non-allergenic small one so that's out! TIA
Tricia
08-09-2005, 07:47 PM
Anyone allergic to dogs? I'm trying to self-diagnose myself before we go out and get a dog. Son and hubby begging relentlessly for one but...and I know this will sound dumb...I think I'm allergic. Whenever I'm around a dog one eye gets wicked (a Bahstin word!) itchy and I get this gunk (nice word!) in it. I know I basically have to go to an allergist but I've been putting it off. Anyone allergic and what, if anything, can I do if it turns out I am.
Oh, and by the way, hubby wants a big, hairy dog. Won't settle for a non-allergenic small one so that's out! TIA
puckin_A
08-09-2005, 08:06 PM
alot of people are allergic to cats but I have not heard of anyone allergic to dogs.....which means absolutely nothing that I haven't heard.
I guess one way to test would be when you feel perfectly normal, borrow a friends dog for the day. See how you react to that. Maybe not the full day. If you are truly allergic, it won't take too long for a reaction.
I have no clue why I am acting like I know anything about this.....because I don't. :D
I have absolutely ZERO allergies.....
puckin_A
08-09-2005, 08:06 PM
alot of people are allergic to cats but I have not heard of anyone allergic to dogs.....which means absolutely nothing that I haven't heard.
I guess one way to test would be when you feel perfectly normal, borrow a friends dog for the day. See how you react to that. Maybe not the full day. If you are truly allergic, it won't take too long for a reaction.
I have no clue why I am acting like I know anything about this.....because I don't. :D
I have absolutely ZERO allergies.....
Shattered
08-09-2005, 08:25 PM
My husband and I are both allergic to dogs. Not as badly as we are to cats - but after a few hours in a house with dogs, we both start to get itchy eyes and sniffles, which progresses to asthma if we don't either take medicine or leave.
I would second Puckin's suggestion and go spend the day with a dog, preferably the breed that your husband wants. If you are allergic, it is to the dander, not the hair itself, so big and hairy may be okay. My mom has a small collie that sheds like no tomorrow and I have no problem being around her. It's a very personal thing :)
Good luck!
Shattered
08-09-2005, 08:25 PM
My husband and I are both allergic to dogs. Not as badly as we are to cats - but after a few hours in a house with dogs, we both start to get itchy eyes and sniffles, which progresses to asthma if we don't either take medicine or leave.
I would second Puckin's suggestion and go spend the day with a dog, preferably the breed that your husband wants. If you are allergic, it is to the dander, not the hair itself, so big and hairy may be okay. My mom has a small collie that sheds like no tomorrow and I have no problem being around her. It's a very personal thing :)
Good luck!
tommy
08-09-2005, 08:49 PM
I'd also agree with spending the day with it. I'm wicked allergic to cats - within 15 minutes of hanging around near one, I have a runny nose, insanely itchy eyes, etc. although that's the extent of it - no respiratory problems. No problems with dogs, though - I have an Airedale, in fact.
So yeah, I'd see how you tolerate it for a day, if you can.
tommy
08-09-2005, 08:49 PM
I'd also agree with spending the day with it. I'm wicked allergic to cats - within 15 minutes of hanging around near one, I have a runny nose, insanely itchy eyes, etc. although that's the extent of it - no respiratory problems. No problems with dogs, though - I have an Airedale, in fact.
So yeah, I'd see how you tolerate it for a day, if you can.
apolinar
08-09-2005, 09:08 PM
I am allergic to dogs, but it always happens that when I am around the dog for a month my allergy goes away. I spend a whole month suffering with itchy goopy eyes and wheezing, and after that month I have less allergies. Getting constantly exposed to a dog is exactly like getting allergy shots. The more small exposures you get the more resistant you are to the allergy.
Most studies show kids that are exposed to a dog have less allergies too and less asthma. My kids have allergies too, we got the dog to make sure they didn't become asthmatic, and so far so good... their allergies have improved by having the dog around!!! It's worked out so well that we are getting dog number two this week.
Make sure you get a dog with a return policy: one where the person will take the dog back if your allergies never improve. We adopt from this girl in wilmington who will take the dog back for any reason to prevent it from going to a shelter.
apolinar
08-09-2005, 09:08 PM
I am allergic to dogs, but it always happens that when I am around the dog for a month my allergy goes away. I spend a whole month suffering with itchy goopy eyes and wheezing, and after that month I have less allergies. Getting constantly exposed to a dog is exactly like getting allergy shots. The more small exposures you get the more resistant you are to the allergy.
Most studies show kids that are exposed to a dog have less allergies too and less asthma. My kids have allergies too, we got the dog to make sure they didn't become asthmatic, and so far so good... their allergies have improved by having the dog around!!! It's worked out so well that we are getting dog number two this week.
Make sure you get a dog with a return policy: one where the person will take the dog back if your allergies never improve. We adopt from this girl in wilmington who will take the dog back for any reason to prevent it from going to a shelter.
talkingcanes
08-09-2005, 09:15 PM
I just endured a round of allergy testing on Monday. I've been through this before so I knew I wasn't allergic to dogs, but I am incredibly allergic to the dust that comes in with them. I have 3 dogs and there is no going back at this point! Allergy testing is much improved since I last had it done 10 years ago. It didn't take long and I had my current status. I do recommend insurance though. I looked at the bill and said thank you for my co-pay only requirement!!
My point, which I completely missed telling, is that it is not always the animal that causes the allergies. Also, there are breeds like poodles, and I can't think of the other one, that don't cause allergies.
talkingcanes
08-09-2005, 09:15 PM
I just endured a round of allergy testing on Monday. I've been through this before so I knew I wasn't allergic to dogs, but I am incredibly allergic to the dust that comes in with them. I have 3 dogs and there is no going back at this point! Allergy testing is much improved since I last had it done 10 years ago. It didn't take long and I had my current status. I do recommend insurance though. I looked at the bill and said thank you for my co-pay only requirement!!
My point, which I completely missed telling, is that it is not always the animal that causes the allergies. Also, there are breeds like poodles, and I can't think of the other one, that don't cause allergies.
I've owned dogs all my life and never seemed to be allergic to them, except when around my best friend's Rottweilers. Then I start sneezing and watering up and wheezing.
The trick here is to get a dog with FUR not sheddable hair. Jennifer said she'd heard of poodles being hypoallergenic. It's sort of like this one breed of horse called the Bashkir Curly that comes from Russia -- it has this peculiar curly silky coat that's FUR. They dont shed hairs like other horses. That makes the Bashkir suitable for people with even the most virulent allergies.
I've owned dogs all my life and never seemed to be allergic to them, except when around my best friend's Rottweilers. Then I start sneezing and watering up and wheezing.
The trick here is to get a dog with FUR not sheddable hair. Jennifer said she'd heard of poodles being hypoallergenic. It's sort of like this one breed of horse called the Bashkir Curly that comes from Russia -- it has this peculiar curly silky coat that's FUR. They dont shed hairs like other horses. That makes the Bashkir suitable for people with even the most virulent allergies.
puck_it
08-09-2005, 09:48 PM
i thought it was get a dog with hair not fur.
puck_it
08-09-2005, 09:48 PM
i thought it was get a dog with hair not fur.
i thought it was get a dog with hair not fur.
NEIN!
Hair sheds -- fur doesn't. :smoke: Which is why we're all allergic to you. :p
i thought it was get a dog with hair not fur.
NEIN!
Hair sheds -- fur doesn't. :smoke: Which is why we're all allergic to you. :p
puck_it
08-09-2005, 10:07 PM
well my cape masks my shedding
puck_it
08-09-2005, 10:07 PM
well my cape masks my shedding
Tricia
08-09-2005, 10:12 PM
AHH...I'm so confused!!?!?! LOL I don't know what we'll end up doing but I do need to figure it out before getting the dog. It was all brought back to my attention this week because there's a guy who walks a dog that's the same breed that my hubby has his eye on and everytime he walks by our house we accost him with questions! I'm surprized he hasn't switched routes! Sunday when he walked by the dog was sitting next to me so I was patting him and about five minutes after he left I noticed my right eye started to itch...grrr..... Tonight when I went next door to feed and take out the dog that we're watching overnight -- btw, totally different breed -- when I touched him to put the leash on him it happened again. Can you take medication for dog allergies or a shot or sumthin? I'll do what I have to do if that's what it boils down to but I guess I need to figure it out first. Oh and for the record...hubby wants a Bernese Mountain Dog. Big, black, furry, shedding dog in my house that's being renovated completely from studs to new floors, new walls, new everything. I think I must be nuts! :faint:
Tricia
08-09-2005, 10:12 PM
AHH...I'm so confused!!?!?! LOL I don't know what we'll end up doing but I do need to figure it out before getting the dog. It was all brought back to my attention this week because there's a guy who walks a dog that's the same breed that my hubby has his eye on and everytime he walks by our house we accost him with questions! I'm surprized he hasn't switched routes! Sunday when he walked by the dog was sitting next to me so I was patting him and about five minutes after he left I noticed my right eye started to itch...grrr..... Tonight when I went next door to feed and take out the dog that we're watching overnight -- btw, totally different breed -- when I touched him to put the leash on him it happened again. Can you take medication for dog allergies or a shot or sumthin? I'll do what I have to do if that's what it boils down to but I guess I need to figure it out first. Oh and for the record...hubby wants a Bernese Mountain Dog. Big, black, furry, shedding dog in my house that's being renovated completely from studs to new floors, new walls, new everything. I think I must be nuts! :faint:
Can you somehow trick him with a gerbil?
Or you can try this: Tell him that if he gets a dog, you get to have a tattoo -- a skull with a rose in it's teeth. Something big and biker. If he flips out and says no, then no dog. If he flips out and says "Oh baby! Yes!" then you've married a Freaky MacFreakerson from the clan MacFreaky and there's no helping you. lol :D
Can you somehow trick him with a gerbil?
Or you can try this: Tell him that if he gets a dog, you get to have a tattoo -- a skull with a rose in it's teeth. Something big and biker. If he flips out and says no, then no dog. If he flips out and says "Oh baby! Yes!" then you've married a Freaky MacFreakerson from the clan MacFreaky and there's no helping you. lol :D
Tricia
08-09-2005, 10:26 PM
Can you somehow trick him with a gerbil?
Or you can try this: Tell him that if he gets a dog, you get to have a tattoo -- a skull with a rose in it's teeth. Something big and biker. If he flips out and says no, then no dog. If he flips out and says "Oh baby! Yes!" then you've married a Freaky MacFreakerson from the clan MacFreaky and there's no helping you. lol :D
LOL!!! My son wants a...oh, I can't think of it, not a hamster, the other thing AHHH, hubby just said gerbil. I couldn't think of what it was. All those little furry things freak me out..
As for the tattoo...that wouldn't phase him ;)
Tricia
08-09-2005, 10:26 PM
Can you somehow trick him with a gerbil?
Or you can try this: Tell him that if he gets a dog, you get to have a tattoo -- a skull with a rose in it's teeth. Something big and biker. If he flips out and says no, then no dog. If he flips out and says "Oh baby! Yes!" then you've married a Freaky MacFreakerson from the clan MacFreaky and there's no helping you. lol :D
LOL!!! My son wants a...oh, I can't think of it, not a hamster, the other thing AHHH, hubby just said gerbil. I couldn't think of what it was. All those little furry things freak me out..
As for the tattoo...that wouldn't phase him ;)
As for the tattoo...that wouldn't phase him ;)
Then it's too late for you, Mrs. MacFreakerson. I'm afraid you're going to be owning a new dog. :D
As for the tattoo...that wouldn't phase him ;)
Then it's too late for you, Mrs. MacFreakerson. I'm afraid you're going to be owning a new dog. :D
Shattered
08-09-2005, 10:47 PM
Apolinar is right about building immunity. I had a cat, and the first few weeks were miserable, but then it got better. If your allergy isn't severe and you love animals, it's worth it.
They do have shots for dog/cat allergies now - when I was getting shots many moons ago, they wouldn't give them for animal allergies b/c they suggested you get rid of the animal. But one of my friends gets them for cat allergies, so I guess they've changed. There are also new drugs that are supposed to be good.
When I'm around dogs & cats, I make sure to wash my hands frequently and don't do things like rub my face into their coats :) It also helps if you have hard floors and a HEPA vacuum.
Shattered
08-09-2005, 10:47 PM
Apolinar is right about building immunity. I had a cat, and the first few weeks were miserable, but then it got better. If your allergy isn't severe and you love animals, it's worth it.
They do have shots for dog/cat allergies now - when I was getting shots many moons ago, they wouldn't give them for animal allergies b/c they suggested you get rid of the animal. But one of my friends gets them for cat allergies, so I guess they've changed. There are also new drugs that are supposed to be good.
When I'm around dogs & cats, I make sure to wash my hands frequently and don't do things like rub my face into their coats :) It also helps if you have hard floors and a HEPA vacuum.
apolinar
08-09-2005, 11:09 PM
I know a family whose kid wanted a dog so much they got a bird instead.
apolinar
08-09-2005, 11:09 PM
I know a family whose kid wanted a dog so much they got a bird instead.
Ashleygirl
08-10-2005, 09:57 AM
Labradoodle (sp?) are becoming very popular, . They are expensive, but are a large breed, cross between a yellow lab and a standard poodle. No shedding and supposedly no allergies to them....My sister is getting one as she's very sensitive to dog "dust" :D Good luck!
Ashleygirl
08-10-2005, 09:57 AM
Labradoodle (sp?) are becoming very popular, . They are expensive, but are a large breed, cross between a yellow lab and a standard poodle. No shedding and supposedly no allergies to them....My sister is getting one as she's very sensitive to dog "dust" :D Good luck!
I know a family whose kid wanted a dog so much they got a bird instead.
Was it you, Arthur? ;)
I know a family whose kid wanted a dog so much they got a bird instead.
Was it you, Arthur? ;)
corylav
08-10-2005, 11:20 AM
One of my good friend's husband is deathly allergic to dogs. Their kids wanted one, so the parents charged them with doing research and finding a breed that is as non-allergenic as possible.
They wound up with a Bichon Frise and he's had no problems.
Here's a page with breeds that are a little better on the senses.
http://members.aol.com/AHTerrier/allergyb.html
corylav
08-10-2005, 11:20 AM
One of my good friend's husband is deathly allergic to dogs. Their kids wanted one, so the parents charged them with doing research and finding a breed that is as non-allergenic as possible.
They wound up with a Bichon Frise and he's had no problems.
Here's a page with breeds that are a little better on the senses.
http://members.aol.com/AHTerrier/allergyb.html
puckin_A
08-10-2005, 07:40 PM
labradoodles......how cute!!
http://dogs.about.com/library/gallery/labradoodles.jpg
I have a scottie myself.....but I have them cut his hair like a westie....
puckin_A
08-10-2005, 07:40 PM
labradoodles......how cute!!
http://dogs.about.com/library/gallery/labradoodles.jpg
I have a scottie myself.....but I have them cut his hair like a westie....
HubbyHatesHockey
08-11-2005, 01:34 PM
Everything sheds. Basically the 3 options in dogs are: clip, shed or blow coat.
Breeds like Poodles, Bichons and Schnauzers have coats that are more like human hair. Not much drops all over the floor, but some comes out with brushing. The downside is you must give them haircuts just like humans.
Breeds like Labradors and Dobermans shed all year long. Shedding may be even heavier seasonally.
Double coated breeds like Huskies and Shiba Inu (my dogs) "blow coat" twice a year, but don't shed much in between. They literally explode in fur to the point where you can pluck the undercoat out easier than brushing it!
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but breeds like poodles tend to get recommended for those with allergies. Maybe it's because their hair won't be all over the house? Maybe less hair --> less dander --> less allergies?
Be aware when considering crossbreed dogs like labradoodles. These are usually bred by crossing a Lab with a Poodle. Just because you cross 2 dogs doesn't mean you'll get traits in the middle of the 2. You may get a very labby labradoodle or a very poodly labradoodle. Labs are notorious shedders and poodles must be clipped, so who knows what you'll end up with. I'm not saying they're not great dogs, but their traits could be less predictable than a dog whose parents are the same breed.
Apolinar made an excellent point: make sure the dog has a return policy, especially since you're allergic. You want to get a dog from a place that is concerned about the dog as much as the sale.
A quick search on the internet showed Bernese Mountain Dogs are profuse shedders. I've always had a soft spot for them, they're extremely cute! Good luck in your dog search!
{Edited to add a 'not' where it should have been!}
HubbyHatesHockey
08-11-2005, 01:34 PM
Everything sheds. Basically the 3 options in dogs are: clip, shed or blow coat.
Breeds like Poodles, Bichons and Schnauzers have coats that are more like human hair. Not much drops all over the floor, but some comes out with brushing. The downside is you must give them haircuts just like humans.
Breeds like Labradors and Dobermans shed all year long. Shedding may be even heavier seasonally.
Double coated breeds like Huskies and Shiba Inu (my dogs) "blow coat" twice a year, but don't shed much in between. They literally explode in fur to the point where you can pluck the undercoat out easier than brushing it!
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but breeds like poodles tend to get recommended for those with allergies. Maybe it's because their hair won't be all over the house? Maybe less hair --> less dander --> less allergies?
Be aware when considering crossbreed dogs like labradoodles. These are usually bred by crossing a Lab with a Poodle. Just because you cross 2 dogs doesn't mean you'll get traits in the middle of the 2. You may get a very labby labradoodle or a very poodly labradoodle. Labs are notorious shedders and poodles must be clipped, so who knows what you'll end up with. I'm not saying they're not great dogs, but their traits could be less predictable than a dog whose parents are the same breed.
Apolinar made an excellent point: make sure the dog has a return policy, especially since you're allergic. You want to get a dog from a place that is concerned about the dog as much as the sale.
A quick search on the internet showed Bernese Mountain Dogs are profuse shedders. I've always had a soft spot for them, they're extremely cute! Good luck in your dog search!
{Edited to add a 'not' where it should have been!}
StormChaserBH
08-11-2005, 02:12 PM
Insert my standard recommendation here for Second Chance Pet Adoptions (http://www.secondchancenc.org)... I've had friends use them to adopt wonderful dogs, and without sounding like Bob Barker here, it's a better alternative than supporting the puppy mills and such... Best of luck.
StormChaserBH
08-11-2005, 02:12 PM
Insert my standard recommendation here for Second Chance Pet Adoptions (http://www.secondchancenc.org)... I've had friends use them to adopt wonderful dogs, and without sounding like Bob Barker here, it's a better alternative than supporting the puppy mills and such... Best of luck.
Lady J
08-11-2005, 02:43 PM
I know a family whose kid wanted a dog so much they got a bird instead.
Sounds like a sad story about to be told, eh? Tell us about it Arthur.
:vamp:
Lady J
08-11-2005, 02:43 PM
I know a family whose kid wanted a dog so much they got a bird instead.
Sounds like a sad story about to be told, eh? Tell us about it Arthur.
:vamp:
VandyCane
08-11-2005, 03:36 PM
Most rescue groups let you return dogs that "don't work out" for your family. When we got our dog I had to sign that if for whatever reason we got rid of the dog we had to return her to the rescue group and not do anything else with her. There are quite a few breed specific rescue groups. Just google the breed name and Raleigh and you'd be surprised what you find!
VandyCane
08-11-2005, 03:36 PM
Most rescue groups let you return dogs that "don't work out" for your family. When we got our dog I had to sign that if for whatever reason we got rid of the dog we had to return her to the rescue group and not do anything else with her. There are quite a few breed specific rescue groups. Just google the breed name and Raleigh and you'd be surprised what you find!
Tricia
08-13-2005, 09:49 AM
Thanks everyone for the advice, links, etc! I appreciate it! I guess for now we're on hold as our whole house pretty much is being renovated so we're putting it off for a little while, even though now that the house is a mess seems like a good time to housebreak a puppy. I think my first stop will be the allergist and see what's really up and go from there!
Thanks again!
Tricia
08-13-2005, 09:49 AM
Thanks everyone for the advice, links, etc! I appreciate it! I guess for now we're on hold as our whole house pretty much is being renovated so we're putting it off for a little while, even though now that the house is a mess seems like a good time to housebreak a puppy. I think my first stop will be the allergist and see what's really up and go from there!
Thanks again!
puckin_A
08-16-2005, 01:29 PM
of all the dogs I have had.......labs, cocker spaniels, siberian huskies etc......my scottie sheds the least.....hardly at all.........amazing.
puckin_A
08-16-2005, 01:29 PM
of all the dogs I have had.......labs, cocker spaniels, siberian huskies etc......my scottie sheds the least.....hardly at all.........amazing.
We have cocker/terrier/****zu mixes and they shed like a mofo... I sweep 20 times a day..
We have cocker/terrier/****zu mixes and they shed like a mofo... I sweep 20 times a day..
IceSaber
08-16-2005, 02:33 PM
My husky, "Ice", MOLTS! I have a new house with hardwood floors - if I don't clean the floors daily - the hair forms tumbleweeds and blows down the hallway when the air conditioning cuts on...I refuse to humiliate him by shaving him..
I hear bearded collies (they look like sheepdogs) are great for people with dog allergies becuase they have hair, not fur (my cousin - the vet - and his severely dog allergic wife have one for this reason.)
IceSaber
08-16-2005, 02:33 PM
My husky, "Ice", MOLTS! I have a new house with hardwood floors - if I don't clean the floors daily - the hair forms tumbleweeds and blows down the hallway when the air conditioning cuts on...I refuse to humiliate him by shaving him..
I hear bearded collies (they look like sheepdogs) are great for people with dog allergies becuase they have hair, not fur (my cousin - the vet - and his severely dog allergic wife have one for this reason.)
I hear the best "shed proof" dog is a Labradoodle.. I know that has already been addressed in here.. and what cuties they are..
I hear the best "shed proof" dog is a Labradoodle.. I know that has already been addressed in here.. and what cuties they are..
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