Dog allergies?

Person_one

teddysmum wrote: »

Some time ago, I read that people are more likely to be allergic to dander than the dogs' hair, so moulting would make no difference in their case.

The experiences of most people with dog allergies, and the breeds they are able to live with without symptoms, definitely suggest that shedding or non-shedding makes all the difference.

That may well be linked to dander, as it means there is less in the environment and 'loose' around the dog, but when choosing practically, non-shedding is the key!

rustyboy21

You might just have a short term allergic reaction to the hair at the moment, which will wear off quite quickly.


I had a cat for 18 years when I lived at home with parents. The cat slept with me, was always by me and no reaction. Then when I moved out, we got a dog as you can see as my avatar. We had him for 16 years, no issue.


We now have Tibsey the cat. When we got her, I was sniffly and throaty all the time I was around her, but persevered and all the symptoms went away. Now I cannot sleep, unless she is on the bed with me at night.

beluga

I'm allergic to dogs (and anything with fur, really!), when I was younger we had a lovely spaniel but I ended up in hospital with breathing problems from the allergies, and sadly had to rehome the dog I have several friends who have supposedly 'allergy free' dogs (a poodle / bichon frise) and my allergies are just as bad with them. There's no way I could live with a dog!

Person_one

beluga wrote: »

I'm allergic to dogs (and anything with fur, really!), when I was younger we had a lovely spaniel but I ended up in hospital with breathing problems from the allergies, and sadly had to rehome the dog I have several friends who have supposedly 'allergy free' dogs (a poodle / bichon frise) and my allergies are just as bad with them. There's no way I could live with a dog!

This is why its a good idea to spend time in the home of somebody who has the breed of dog you're interested in (and only that breed, if they have others as well it defeats the object!)

Its really rare for an allergic person to be affected by poodles and bichons, but it does happen so you do have to check. No breed is completely 'allergy free', the 'hypo' in hypoallergenic means low, not none.

Person_one

rustyboy21 wrote: »

You might just have a short term allergic reaction to the hair at the moment, which will wear off quite quickly.


I had a cat for 18 years when I lived at home with parents. The cat slept with me, was always by me and no reaction. Then when I moved out, we got a dog as you can see as my avatar. We had him for 16 years, no issue.


We now have Tibsey the cat. When we got her, I was sniffly and throaty all the time I was around her, but persevered and all the symptoms went away. Now I cannot sleep, unless she is on the bed with me at night.

It would be irresponsible to take on the commitment of an animal and just crossing your fingers that it'll be ok. Not to mention the fact that you run the risk of the allergy getting worse not better and being very dangerous to your health/life.

chris_n_tj

A Bichon owner with allergies here. If i go within 100yards of a cat then I start suffering. If I visit family with dogs I have to take meds before I go.
I am fine with Bichons, but I did my research and handled Bichons before I bit the bullet. Having had Bichons for over 10 years now I have never had a problem, and I come into contact with many, many Bichons.
If anyone is local to me and wants to spend some time with one of the nuttiest Bichons ever then you would be welcome to do so. (South Yorks)
Also the amount of Bichons that come into rescue is unbelievable. People just dont realise just how much work goes into keeping a Bichon looking and feeling good. The gromming isnt just pu$$yfooting around with a slicker brush, it takes time and effort to keep them looking good and knot free.
But I can say they are the most daft, stupid,zany, stupid loving little dog you could ever wish for.
Just bare this in mind please, and this goes for any puppy you are looking for.
Aviod newspaper adverts, Guntree and such like. Facebook and the local nutter breeding for a fast buck.
Do go to. Breed clubs, KK but be careful puppy farmers cam be part of this.
Make sure you do your homework and you will be fine.
And finally remember, not all of us can take a rescue, it doesnt make us bad people.
I take my hat off to all who take in a rescue dog I really do. Three cheers to them all.
Lets face it, a dog no matter where it came from will give you all the love it can and never ask for anything back in return. But isnt it nice that 99.9% of the Pet Board posters give their fur friends all the love and care that all dogs should get. Wouldnt it be nice to say that about every dog/cat x

san40blue

I am allergic to dogs and cats and get itchy eyes, wheezy hives. When i stayed with my brother he had a labrador and I was so ill. I love dogs but resigned myself to the fact I would never had one, I started having a look at hypoallergenic dogs and thought maybe we could get one. My husband had a westie when we 1st met and I wasn't allergic to her, so I borrowed a neighbours westie and had a snuggle and seemed to be fine. So we got one on the understanding if I got ill we would re home her in the family. I am fine now with no allergies at all, so we have our little poppy who sleeps on our bed sometimes and on the sofas. I am totally in love with her and am so glad I got a dog after 49 years lol!! Borrow a dog and see how you get on!

MrsAtobe

I am not allergic to most dogs or horses (I'm currently on springer spaniel number 3), but I am allergic to cats. My OH agreed that we'd cat sit for his sister two years ago, and despite taking antihistamines before and during the week we cat sat, I ended up with the worst chest infection imaginable, I came very close to being hospitalised.

Try to find out which dogs trigger your allergies before you rehome, it will break your heart if you have to give a dog back for any reason.