Pet allergies vs. pet ownership

[Rogar]

I've been entertaining the thought of dog ownership for some time but have had a number of reasons not to go ahead with things. It's finally a better time and am down to the last obstacle, which is a history of pet allergies. Cats are totally out. I can't be in a house that has cats for longer than an hour or two without getting swollen eyes and congestion and even rash and itching skin some of the time.

I've had less of a sensitivity to dogs, but cannot recall being in a house with dogs without some reaction. I've been a guest for several days in houses with dogs and can generally tolerate the symptoms, but am not totally comfortable. Some dogs cause a more severe reaction and it doesn't seem to depend on breed, hair length, or size.

Friends have recommended so-called hypoallergenic species like labradoodles. I looked it up on wikipedia and they are saying hypoallergenic varieties are myth and don't exist.

Have any of you been through this and found a solution that works? I should either fish, or cut bait and forget about it.

[treehugger]

It's true that there's really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Allergies and reactions vary widely. However, there are certain breeds that you'll see mentioned that people with allergies has less problem with. A lot of times what people react to are the allergens (pollen, mold, etc.) that stick to pets' undercoats and are deposited inside. That might account for your own different reactions in the past.

Can you look into fostering for a local rescue group? I really think the only way you are going to know for sure for your situation is if you "try before you buy" so to speak. Fostering is a temporary home (with or without a set end date), without the obligation of an adoption, but with the potential opportunity to adopt if it works out for you and the dog (fostering rules vary greatly from group to group, so definitely ask first).

Good luck. Dogs add so much to my life. Oh, and greyhounds have no undercoat, so they don't bother some people who have allergies. :)

Kara

[artist]

Mixed breeds like a poodle mix are less likely to cause alergic reactions. However, a pure breed that is consider low allergen would be much better. Poodles and some terriers, schnauzers or a snauzer poodle mix (mix of two "Hypoallergenic" breeds) would be best. These dogs are less likely to cause problems because they are no shed dogs so there is no dog hair all over the house, furniture or on your clothing. Because they have hair and not fur they do need to be professionally groomed every month and that can be pricy (my 10 lb Schauzer/poodle runs me $50 for a full cut and $32 for a trim). You still have to deal with dander which can trigger allergies. I would try spending some time with a "hypoallergenic" dog. Perhaps dogsit for a weekend and see how you do before taking on the responsibilty of pet ownership. An animal should start out in it's forever home if possible.

[iris lily]

My friend who is allergic to dogs has been wanting a shih tzu, and finally got a rescued one. She doesn't mind spending money on grooming and the like, so it's a good match for her.

[Wildflower]

A purebred poodle is extremely low allergen. They are quite an intelligent breed as well. There are poodle rescues that would appreciate you giving one a home. Just google to find one local to you. They do need to visit the groomer on a regular basis, so that is an expense you have to plan on. Next to no shedding from these dogs either which is a real plus!

[Rosemary]

Our friends with allergy issues went with a purebred poodle and no one in the family has had any problems.

[herisf]

If you do decide to go w/ a breed that requires grooming, such as a poodle, you are not tied to having groomer's bills every month. I have a rescued Chinese Crested, and after paying the bills a few times decided to just go ahead and clip him myself.

I bought clippers for ~$60 (eBay or Amazon, can't recall), looked on-line and at a library book for clipping tips, bought the toothpaste/toothbrushes, comb & brush, etc. I'm never going to show him so it doesn't matter if he's not perfectly clipped, and I just clip him the way I think he looks best and keeps me happy (ie short enough that he doesn't mat but enough hair on his head & tail to keep him looking perky).

The process will engender a lot of laughs, and after a couple of months you'll figure out what look you like. It takes me about 15 minutes to bathe him, then I let him air dry because he hates the hair dryer, then about an hour to do the clipping/brushing/teeth cleaning.

Be firm ( you are the alpha dog) but gentle. On clipping days I always warm the house first to 70 (as he's only 10 lbs), and make sure the water is warm enough but not too warm. I still make mistakes, but my dog doesn't care, and he loves the one on one attention from me.

[Gingerella72]

My dog and 4 cats are the reason I'll be on allergy medication forever. It's worth it though....they are my babies. I'm allergic to a lot of other things too though so even if I didn't have pets I'd still have to be on medication.

I've found that after awhile I get used to their - meaning MY pets' - dander, but when I go into someone else's home who has pets my symptoms flair up. Same if I go to the vet clinic or the animal shelter, but I'm generally fine at home (as long as I take my meds).

[boss mare]

I have allergies to horses, cats dogs rabbits , dust grass and mold. I just medicate myself and with the horses I invested in an Electro-Groom a vaccuum designed for horses. When unloading and stacking hay, clearing dust and cob webs from the barn I wear a mask that get from the dental office that I work for
I cannot imagine my life with my animals

[jennipurrr]

I always thought I was allergic to dogs because I have symptoms around my dogs. Last year I got an allergy test done and I am actually not allergic to dogs but severely allergic to oak! My neighborhood and yard is mainly oak. So, we've amped up baths and added wipedowns in between when there is high pollen. But, it can actually be the pollen and the leaves. So, I would definitely get an allergy test done if you haven't already as it might not be the animal.

[Sissy]

I have had 3 poodles and can say that they didn't bother my allergies very much at all. Sometimes I might get a flare up when grooming them. And BTW, grooming is something that I finally just gave up on and paid to get done. Fur flying everywhere and then there is the matter of the anal gland to be expressed. Now, I don't have a weak stomach, but that is one odor that will make me throw up on the spot!

But, poodles are great house pets, mostly sweet natured and cuddly. (I did have one that I think might have been mentally handicapped or autistic, really) so spend time with them before committing.


BTW, I am SO wanting a a teacup yorkie, but DH says no more dogs! I mean, they are so little, and don't take up much room, eat very little, little puddles, etc. I just don't like him right now!!!!!!!!!!

[HumboldtGurl]

Dogs are so awesome, it's cool that you want to have them in your life despite your allergy.

Just an idea, but have you looked into seeing a NLP (neurolinguistic programming) practitioner to try eliminating your allergy? My friend Dave introduced me to NLP and it's an amazing way to re-program your brain, so to speak, to help you think differently about things like allergies and eventually eliminate them altogether. He convinced me that it works when I went through a few sessions with him and finally broke my nail-biting habit after 40 years. Dave became a NLP practitioner when he saw one and the practice eliminated his severe allergies to nuts. It's amazing and it works if you're open to the idea. My friend's website is here (http://manifestpositivity.com/) if you want to learn more about it.