Anyone with a severe dog allergy have a dog?

[Deb in IA]

And didn't the Obama girls famously choose between a Labradoodle or a Portugese Water Dog, which the ultimately got in Bo, as good choices for people with dog-related allergies?

 

[CathrynRose]

And didn't the Obama girls famously choose between a Labradoodle or a Portugese Water Dog, which the ultimately got in Bo, as good choices for people with dog-related allergies?

I thought Ted Kennedy got them the dog, as a gift - which came from the same breeders he got his dog(s) from.

ETA - Yes: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20271921,00.html

 

[Cornhusk]

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.

One question, why would anyone go to a chiropractor who can't even remember her training due to being hopped up on allergy drugs?

 

[JessicaR]

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

It actually means below normal or slightly. Each individuals allergens are different. So a dog that may not cause a reaction in one person is the same dog that causes a severe reaction in another. Even if they are on the list.

Mayo Clinic
While some dogs may cause fewer allergy symptoms than others, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypoallergenic-dog-breeds/an01953

 

[JessicaR]

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.

Thats the bottom line. The only way to know for sure is for the individual to spend time with a specific dog to see if they have a reaction. Even a dog in the same breed can cause different reactions.

 

[Wall-E1]

I have two cats. I didn't realize how badly allergic to them I would be, until it was too late. The kid loved them more then me. So, when I told him that it would no longer be possible for me to live in the house with the two cats, he told me he understood. He went and retrieved a suitcase and offered to help me pack (true story).

I ended up going to an allergist and beginning allergy shots. At first, I would get them twice a week and little by little they spaced the shots further apart. It's been over three years now and I only go once a month for shots. It is truly amazing how well the shots have worked. I went from constant sneezing fits, itchy and watery eyes, etc. to having almost no symptoms today. I wasn't a believer beforehand, but I am now.

 

[LisaR]

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.

My honest advice is that you should not get a dog. Between your allergies and the fact that you state that you flat out don't want one, I really don't think a dog is in your best interest. I am not knocking you at all. I respect people that are honest. But I have seen time and again people that don't really want a pet to begin with, give in, only to take it to the shelter or find another home for the animal a year later. JMHO.

 

[simba928]

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!!

Nope, you aren't the only one. I'm allergic to animals. I've had dogs since I was 2, a cat since I was 4, and I've worked at a humane society for the past year. My allergies are not that severe and never have been. My main issue is horrendously itchy hives. I used to sleep with my old cat and I'd wake up every morning with horrible hives on my arms. They'd last almost all day and just as they were going away it would be time for bed again. This was the cycle every single day for all 14 years that I had her. Overtime I built up a tolerance and she didn't bother me, but it took years for this to happen. Since working at the shelter, I have come to find out I am only allergic to certain types of dogs (Pit bull type breeds, Boxers, and Chows). Usually if I wash my hands and arms and splash my face off with water after handling them I'm fine. One time, though, I had to hold a little pit puppy still and he was not cooperating so it took a while and man, was I suffering for awhile after that one. Some cats bother me still and some don't. There's really no rhyme or reason to it (it's not shorter vs longer hair, breed, etc), though it seems that the more they shed the more likely I am to not be able to handle it.

I've also come to find out that most of the people I work with at the shelter are allergic to animals.

The one thing that I do need to tell the OP, though, is to test out the animal before you get him/her home. It is VERY stressful and traumatic on the dog to be shuffled around a lot. I've seen people get animals home only to realize they or someone in their house is allergic to the animal and bring them right back to the shelter. This happens ALL the time, more than you would think. My advice is to go, spend time with the animal (and any good shelter/rescue wants the dog to go to a forever home and not just a temporary one so they should not mind you spending quite a bit of time with the animal, I know I don't mind spending 30-45 minutes with someone seriously considering an animal, I'd rather them decide against it in that 45 minutes than bring the dog back a few days later), then go home and wait a day to see if there is any reaction there. Just because you don't have a reaction with one dog does not mean that that breed will always be ok for you, either. For example, if you are ok with a friend's lab it doesn't necessarily mean you will be ok with all labs. I don't have a reaction at all with some pits, but others just kill me.

 

[Aimeedyan]

My honest advice is that you should not get a dog. Between your allergies and the fact that you state that you flat out don't want one, I really don't think a dog is in your best interest. I am not knocking you at all. I respect people that are honest. But I have seen time and again people that don't really want a pet to begin with, give in, only to take it to the shelter or find another home for the animal a year later. JMHO.

I agree - and should have said so in my post. IMO, dogs are hard work. REALLY hard. I adore my dogs, they are my only babies and our lives revolve around them in many ways, but not everyone is meant to have a dog. They are not the same as cats. You cannot leave water and food out and leave them alone. There is a lifelong commitment involved - 10-15 years for most dogs, maybe even more - lots of vet bills, training, socialization, good food, manners to be taught, destruction when bored, daily walks, poop scooping, grooming, potty training, and then arrangements when you travel or bring someone over that can't be around them. It's a lot of work. Worth it to me but not to everyone. If you are the primary caregiver and don't want one, don't get one. If you are the one dealing with allergies, don't get one. It's not fair to the dog to have an owner that may or may not keep it for it's lifetime because they are hesistant on the lifestyle change (which it is).

What about fostering dogs for a local rescue? You usually have the dog for a short period of time - so you don't have a longterm commitment - and all vet bills and usually food are covered by the rescue. Rescues are always looking for foster homes and the dogs are typically already potty trained and well mannered. This would give your child a pup to have on a semi-regular basis and also be an opportunity to teach them about volunteer service and giving back. I've been able to stay in touch with all the dogs I've found forever homes for so it's not as hard saying goodbye. Just an idea.

 

[Alesia]

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

What on earth were you taking? And, where can I get some?

The allergy medicine I take just makes it possible for me to breathe. It certainly doesn't have any mind altering properties.

 

[Wall-E1]

What on earth were you taking? And, where can I get some?

The allergy medicine I take just makes it possible for me to breathe. It certainly doesn't have any mind altering properties.

 

[Deb in IA]

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)

What on earth were you taking? And, where can I get some?

The allergy medicine I take just makes it possible for me to breathe. It certainly doesn't have any mind altering properties.

That's what allergies medications do for the vast majority of people that take them, Alesia. Bumbershoot is, um, well, different.

Don't expect an answer to your excellent question, though. Bumbershoot's posts are full of exaggeration and fantasy, but sadly lacking in any specifics, science, data, or evidence.

 

[Mermaid02]

I'm very allergic to animals- hives, my eyes swell up, asthma etc. We have a weimaraner- I seem to have a tolerance for her (other people's dogs flare my symptoms).

If you flat out DO NOT WANT A DOG- you probably shouldn't get one though.