Originally Posted by rentfrog (Post 2794161)

I fortunately have not dealt with allergies to dogs, although I and my oldest daughter do have allergies. I am allergic to cats though. I am so sorry you are going through this. It would be a horrible situation to be in. From my experiences with mine and my daughter's allergies, sometimes doctors are not really positive of what causes hive breakouts.
Prior to rehoming permanently, some things you might look at; what do you use to bathe her? If you are using pet shampoo, you might try bathing her with your shampoo for a while, (don't bathe her as often as human shampoo has a different ph and can dry out the skin, but if you don't have an issue with the shampoo you use right now, chances are you wouldn't have that issue when using it on her.) If the allergist thinks it could possibly be fleas, have her groomed prior to starting to use your shampoo and have the groomer really check well for fleas (I would go ahead and ask the groomer to use your shampoo at that time and explain why) If the allergist thinks it might be Karlee's diet, there are other options for feeding her (chicken, rice, vegetables) that are things you would normally eat and would not contain the preservatives that might be causing the reactions. As for the puppy pads, they could also be an issue, and I might try to start her going potty outside if the other suggestions do not seem to alleviate the issues. You said she was treated for fleas.....if you are treating her with a topical product, those work by secreting the medication through the oil glands, this could also cause an issue, so I might stop using it If you are in an area where it gets cool in the fall and winter it would be a good time to try this out anyway.
If all of these suggestions do not seem to alleviate the symptoms, I would see if I could find someone to temporarily foster her. This would give you time to clean the house thouroughly and see if all symptoms subside. If they do, and all of the above issues did not help, then you may have no other choice, but I would try all of these first.
I wish you all the best of luck!
Michelle

Originally Posted by lovelylf1 (Post 2794577)

I have severe allergies and I have a question for you. I went through 2 years of shots and still take a pill and 2 nose sprays everyday (just to show how insane my stupid allergies are). I also used to carry and Epi pen. I have all environmental allergies, no food allergies thankfully.

Have you switched your laundry detergent recently? If you have, try switching back your old kind. If not, did the maker change the formula at all? Believe it or not, I can only use one kind of detergent because if I switch, I get nasty hives....everywhere. My mom tried switching brands several times and I had similar reactions to your son. There is no test for laundry detergents, it is mainly hit or miss. It was so bad that I actually did a science fair exhibit on the effects of different detergents on people with allergies (geeky but it was serious for me). This was years ago and I am sure many more brands are now available but I am sticking with what I know until they stop making it. The only kind I can use is Tide Original Unscented. It costs way more than so many other brands but if it saves me from hives and other fun components of allergic reactions, I will use it.

I can tell you love your baby but before you give her up, think about that.

Originally Posted by RachelandSadie (Post 2794578)

I would advise NOT to use human shampoo on a dog ever! It is not made for their skin and hair and the PH balance could dry out their skin even from one use. Do not use this as it might give the dog an allergic reaction as well. Try another pet shampoo, possibly a hypoallergenic solution, but NO human shampoos!!

Originally Posted by yorkie_mama22 (Post 2794684)

I used baby shampoo on Stormy and she was fine, alot of people use it on dogs I've seen.

My mom uses her shampoo on her yorkie and her skin is fine.

Originally Posted by RachelandSadie (Post 2794692)

my aunt uses baby shampoo as well on hers and does well with it, i just wouldn't use some of the more "fragrant" brands of human shampoo because some of them might give the dog an allergic reaction to the perfumes

Originally Posted by RachelandSadie (Post 2794578)

I would advise NOT to use human shampoo on a dog ever! It is not made for their skin and hair and the PH balance could dry out their skin even from one use. Do not use this as it might give the dog an allergic reaction as well. Try another pet shampoo, possibly a hypoallergenic solution, but NO human shampoos!!

Originally Posted by AbbysMom08 (Post 2794204)

I am so very sorry that you are going through this.
I'm sorry I can't offer advise as I have not had this experience.
I hope you find it is something other than Karlee.
You sound like a wonderful yorkie mommy.
I will keep you, your family and Karlee in my prayers.