Anyone with a severe dog allergy have a dog?

[Minnie824]

So my DD wants a dog. DH would like one as well. I do not want one. For one I am really really allergic..to the point that its hard for me to breathe. And then I'd be the one taking care of it. However, I am trying to be open minded and investigate whether it would even be an option. So, if anyone has really severe dog allergies and has a dog, can you tell me what kind you have and how you are with it? Does it bother you at all? Do you take medicine? Thanks for any info.

 

[taylor3297]

So my DD wants a dog. DH would like one as well. I do not want one. For one I am really really allergic..to the point that its hard for me to breathe. And then I'd be the one taking care of it. However, I am trying to be open minded and investigate whether it would even be an option. So, if anyone has really severe dog allergies and has a dog, can you tell me what kind you have and how you are with it? Does it bother you at all? Do you take medicine? Thanks for any info.

Are you specifically allergic to dogs? If so, a wired hair dog might be the best bet.

 

[Minnie824]

Well I have a lot of allergies, but yes, I am specifically allergic to dogs.

 

[lovesmurfs]

My mother had severe allergies (with asthma) and was able to have certain breeds of dog -- poodle, shih tsu were two that I remember. It had something to do with the hair type. You'll need to try specific breeds to see if it's the same with you.

....if you want to. Remember that in spite of all the kid begging and promises, the dog will be YOURS and will follow YOU around from rise through bed.

Best wishes.

 

[JustineMarie]

I do not have a dog allergy but my oldest daughter does and we have a dog. We have a yorkie-poo. My daughter has non problems with the dog at all. The dog even sleeps with her and it doesn't affect her. I was worried when we first got the dog that she would have a reaction, but we had visits with the puppy before we brought her home and our daughter didn't have any symptoms after handling the pup. That being said, all dogs do have dander so you do run the chance of having a reaction. Some dogs just have less dander than others. Yorkies and poodles are hypoallergenic as well as a few other breeds. Our dog is a great fit for our family. She has a great personality.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I do know someone with a dog allergy (I don't know how severe it is) that has a Westie and it doesn't bother them at all (they take Claritin but they have a lot of different allergies so they'd be taking it anyways). There are several dog breeds that are considered more allergy-friendly than others. Would you want to take care of the dog though? I wouldn't get one (allergy or not) until you'd really want to take care of one (or could convince your DH that he should do most of the care taking since you have the allergy ). Most of the "poo" or "doodle" dogs are allergy-friendly too.

 

[taylor3297]

The following dogs have, at one time or another, been listed as being hypoallergenic. The most common breeds are here.
American Hairless Terrier
Basenji
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Border Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Chihuahua
Mexican Hairless
Chinese Crested (hairless)
Giant Schnauzer
Havanese
Irish Water Spaniel
Italian Greyhound
Kerry Blue Terrier

Maltese
Miniature Poodle
Mexican Hairless
Miniature Schnauzer
Portuguese Water Dog
Shih Tzu
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Standard Poodle
Standard Schnauzer
Tibetan Terrier
Toy Poodle
West Highland White Terrier
Wirehaired Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

 

[loveysbydesign]

I have dog allergies and the only ones that do not affect me as strongly are the ones I was near frequently as a child. Those would be shetland sheepdogs(shelties), mini schnauzers and poodles. I seem to have built up a tolerance to those...we have a sheltie and she doesn't bother me at all..I pet, brush and bathe her with no allergy symptoms at all.

I react differently to all dogs...don't get me near a golden retriever, pug or dachsaund...I get to wheezing and have to use an inhaler!(we have friend's that have these breeds and I can only last about 1-2 hours in there house before I react) I did start getting shots a year ago and do take claritin.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I found this interesting article on about.com. I never knew people could be allergic to dog saliva!

Hypoallergenic dog breeds can be a great option for some dog lovers who suffer from allergies. No dog is 100% non-allergenic, but some dogs are basically "low-allergy." Though they shed little to no hair and less dander than typical dogs, all dogs will shed some dander - even hairless dogs. Generally, dogs without hair or with continuously growing hair tend to be the most hypoallergenic. However, some of these dogs will need to be kept on a strict grooming schedule. Please note that some people are actually allergic to dog saliva. Unfortunately, there are no specific breeds with "hypoallergenic saliva."

People with very severe allergies may still not be able to tolerate hypoallergenic dogs. If you are allergic but love dogs, consider some of these hypoallergenic dog breeds. If you decide one might be right for you, spend some time around the breed to see if you have an allergic reaction before you decide to get one of your own. Also know that each dog, regardless of breed, can affect each individual allergy sufferer differently. If you have allergies, you might even find a certain mutt that does not affect you adversely.

 

[beattyfamily]

I have dog allergies. I have dogs. I have poodles.

I am fine now. Hardly ever have allergy attacks. Now, if I cut their hair or touch the gunk that comes out of their eyes then I might get a ticklish nose but I wash my hands right away to avoid that.

I have been getting allergy shots for years and that has helped for all my allergies but my allergies were never that bad with my dogs anyway I think because they are poodles.

 

[N&B'smom]

I have allergies to certain dogs, Labs and Goldens REALLY bother me. But we do have a dog, a cocker spaniel and he doesn't bother me at all.

My brother has MAJOR allergies/asthma and he has a cocker also. (his second one) He also has a Golden. She doesn't bother him but she sure bothers me!! Everyone is different!

I will say this though, my bro said when he first got his original cocker that he REALLY bothered him. He said he just slept with him and shared a room and eventually it got better. Who knows!

 

[Aimeedyan]

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. There are, however, certain breeds that are considered low allergy if you are allergic to the dander. Since these breeds don't shed their coat like a normal dog, they don't release as much dander. They do - however - still shed some.

If you're allergic to the dog saliva, you're out of luck.

We have three dogs, I have severe dog allergies. I also foster on occasion. When we got our first dog he was a Shih Tzu since they are low shed. I had a reaction to him for the first few weeks but with time, he doesn't bother me anymore and actually sleeps on my pillow with me. I've built a tolerance to MY dogs. I still react to my cousin's poodle.

The best thing for someone with a dog allergy is to adopt an older dog. Since puppies have a different coat, you need to be around the dog when they are older so you can see how you react to their permanent coat - not their puppy coat. Also, with most rescue organizations you can do a trial run with the dog to see if you can tolerate it for more than a visit or two.

There are TONS of low shed dogs in rescue and shelters. Sadly, many of these breeds are being churned out by the puppy mills and backyard breeders so many need forever homes.

Also, reputable breeders often have older dogs they have retired that are looking for homes. You'd get a guaranteed well bred dog who is a little older so you can see how their coat works with your allergies.

 

[clutter]

I'm allergic to dogs and have two cockapoos. One I notice a little, one not at all. Joke's on me, my dog has even worse allergies than me!

Long time ago, I had a bassett hound, and I would sometimes get little itchy bumps on my forearm from the saliva. But I don't react to all dog's saliva, just some.

 

[flipturngirl]

We have a Chihuahua and he does not bother me with my allergies.. When I did have other dogs longer hair they did bug me... but short hair dogs typically don't bug me.. I just deal with the runny nose in the first part of spring getting used to it and then it goes away.. and I know it is a dog allergy because it rains here.. a lot

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm the one who can be allergic in my family. I get final say on pets. Period.

If I ever become brave (I will not drug myself with western medicine for allergies after years of doping myself for that reason, which is likely the reason why I have so few memories of high school and early college when I was taking them), I'll get a poodle (a big one b/c I generally like big dogs) or a maltese (always wanted one anyway (despite the big dog preference), and I found while babysitting on NYE that I wasn't even slightly sneezy with their Maltese). Though while growing up we had Alaskan Malamutes that I was NOT allergic to, so if we have a big enough place I'd go with one of them.

Things that have helped me lower my over reactions: acupuncture, not eating dairy of ANY kind (not even byproducts like whey), and chiropractic. Only the last is sustainable for me...I'm too addicted to dairy to go vegan (I'm already vegetarian), and acupuncture gets expensive.

Regardless, I get the final say, since I'm the one whose health is impacted, and I think you should get final say as well.

 

[CathrynRose]

We have three dogs, I have severe dog allergies. I also foster on occasion. When we got our first dog he was a Shih Tzu since they are low shed. I had a reaction to him for the first few weeks but with time, he doesn't bother me anymore and actually sleeps on my pillow with me. I've built a tolerance to MY dogs. I still react to my cousin's poodle.

.

Ahhhh - I thought I was the only one who liked to torture herself, here. LOL!

I am allergic to all animals. I grew up with cats, and those are actually the worst for me now, IMO. They start my asthma up.

Dogs give me runny nose and (recently with Baby Hazel we just got) Hives. Wherever she touches me - Hive-O-Rama!!

Just as Aimee mentioned, I also built up a tolerance to Charley and assume the same will happen with Hazel....and as soon as baby girl gets her spay stitches out, a good bath will help her too.

So - for now. I cover from head to toe. Long Yoga Pants and a long Yoga shirt (cuz she likes to snuggle - I cannot deny her this!!! ) and I know eventually I'll be fine around her.

Until then...Zyrtec, Calamine Lotion, and Benadryl cream.

All that being said - I couldn't tolerate the breathing thing. That would be a no, for me. I love cats. LOVE THEM. Cannot have them.

 

[golfgal]

I have a dog with allergies does that count?

We have some friends with a son that has dog allergies and they have a Lhasa Apso and he has done fine with her.

 

[JessicaR]

The following dogs have, at one time or another, been listed as being hypoallergenic. The most common breeds are here.
American Hairless Terrier
Basenji
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Border Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Chihuahua
Mexican Hairless
Chinese Crested (hairless)
Giant Schnauzer
Havanese
Irish Water Spaniel
Italian Greyhound
Kerry Blue Terrier

Maltese
Miniature Poodle
Mexican Hairless
Miniature Schnauzer
Portuguese Water Dog
Shih Tzu
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Standard Poodle
Standard Schnauzer
Tibetan Terrier
Toy Poodle
West Highland White Terrier
Wirehaired Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

No way. Some dogs may cause fewer allergic symptoms than others, but there are no hypoallergenic dog breeds.

 

[Pakey]

I have terrible allergies and did a great deal of research to determine what I believe to be the best dog for me. I got Chinese hairless cresteds. I have one very hairless and she doesn't bother me at all but my hairy hairless guy can trigger my allergies on occasion.

 

[golfgal]

No way. Some dogs may cause fewer allergic symptoms than others, but there are no hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Hypo means low-so hypoallergenic means low allergies or lower reaction--it doesn't mean allergy free so, yes, all those dogs are hypoallergenic.