Strange question..about allergy to horses

[son3disfan]

We want to do an excursion that involves a mule ride.

6 years ago, my son(now 12) was allergy tested and was positive to horses(very mild) and cats (very severe).

I will check with my doctor, of course, but thought I might check with some one who might have allergies to horses, and if they have reactions to mules ( it's a stretch, I know!)

I am also wondering if I give him benydryl before we go, long pants, even gloves and make sure he doesn't touch the hair, if that might do. He really wants to do the zipline and most tours appear to have a horse back tour included(out of the question) , and I found one with mules.
What you think?
I have an epipen for him, but don't want to subject him to a life theatening situation.

Especially in another country.

 

[mickeyfan1]

Mules are half horse, so it would make sense (I was going to say behoove you, groan) to check with the allergist and see what they recommend. He may have outgrown some of his sensitivity. I am severe when it comes to cats, I stay far away, I am not so severe with dogs, so when I know I am going to be around dogs other than my own, I take Claritin, because it is non drowsy and works the best for me. I think the pants and gloves are a smart idea. I would bring a change of clothes for him in a back pack for when you are done, make sure that you don't handle the clean clothes, let him do it after he takes off the gloves. But if he olnly tested mild, he may be fine with out anything. Remember you will also have been in contact with the animal fur.

Maybe the doctor can rescratch for horses and donkeys, that would give you an idea of how good or bad it is now.

 

[sjsjbrook]

I am allergic to horses, cats and dogs. I can tell you that I am also allergic to mules.

I would say seeing as these allergies usually start with sneezing and stuffyness, you could get a way with taking an allergy pill (benedryl causes drowsiness so I would get something nondrowsy).

I can handle horse drawn tours and I have a severe allergy to horses. I however can not go into a show inside where there are several horses performing like a medievil dinner. Inside I get so stuffed that I can barely breathe and need an inhaler.

I really don't see the need for gloves or long sleeves. Just as he is old enough to be aware of what he is around. Remind him to wash his hands before touching his eyes after being around the animals.

 

[son3disfan]

Thanks for your replies!

It's a 20 minute mule ride, and he really wants to do it, so hearing feedback from someone who is allergic themselves who has been around the animals helps my decision.

I am going to have him tested again for sure, but I guess I am wondering about the severity of animal allergies. Stuffy nose, ichy eyes? Like seasonal allergies I guess? I know everyone can react differently. Being in a different country just makes me a little more cautious.

I'm curious to know how you found out you were allergic to mules? I know it is not a common animal to be tested for. Was it a reaction you had?

Maybe if I bring him to a farm/park that has a donkey or mule I would be able to judge better.
Not sure where to find one . Mules are not a common animal up here in Canada!!!

 

[sjsjbrook]

I am allergic to all animals, they started when I was in grade 8 and have just gotten worse as I get older. I lived in farm country and my friends had mules.

I wasn't tested until I had food allergies in my early 30's, and low and behold my environmental allergies were really bad. The horse one took up almost my whole arm. Apparantly I am also allergic to dust mites, but not enough to remove carpets from the house.

I can control all my allergies with Claritin.

My kids are trying hard to get me to get them a pet, but they can't find one I am not allergic too. I found out a few weeks again that I am allergic to baby chickens. We were babysitting my friends newly hatched chicks for two days. I survived, but was glad to get them out of the house.

 

[maria-fan-22]

As for a good allergy medicine, I get really drowsy with allergy medicines. I have tried a lot of medicines and the best one for me is Advil Allergy\Sinus. I used to take Benadryl until i fell asleep at school almost daily. Then switched to Advil and it worked great. In Oklahoma it was made Illgal due to psuedoephedryn which is a main ingredient in Meth. It is a decongestant but when mixed with other things can be bad. When that happened I switched to NON DROWSY claritin which just put me to sleep also. Then they started selling Advil Allergy in Oklahoma again. Check with your doctor first of course!

 

[Cptjackandcrew]

Find a person who can do NAET. We no longer are allergic to MSG, B-complex, mold, dust, wheat....DD was allergic to her make-up and acne medication. This simple holistic approach will change your life!