Allergies....help!! Is it possible to develop an allergy to a Yorkie? We looked into getting this breed because it was supposed to be hypoallergenic, hair not fur, etc. My asthma really kicked up after being without a dog for months (our 9yr old mix breed died Jan 1st) when we dog-sat for a friend's Golden. Our 10wk old male triggered me a little, but my daughter is having an awful time. We brought him home Sunday, she started sneezing and eyes watering on Monday morning. Coincidence?? Seasonal?? We have an appointment with my allergist next week. What if she is allergic to him? :( Any suggestions? |
We've had our Aira for just over three weeks and both my boyfriend and myself are allergic to her. I have never completely believed that so called hypoallergenic dogs are really fine for people with allergies so we were expecting slight reactions to her. Most people are allergic to the dander rather than the fur anyway. She bothers us much less than large, furry, shedding dogs but our allergies have definitely been acting up (i.e. stuffiness, itchy skin). Unfortunately I cannot offer much in way of suggestions. We have decided to try to live with it but we try to reduce the problems by brushing her outside (weather permitting), not allowing her on the couch unless a blanket is down, not allowing her to sleep in our bed, and frequent hand washing. I find I react the most when I brush her so I do it in old clothes that I change out of once I'm done and also wasi my hands and face after brushing. Most days are ok but on the really bad days I also take an anti-histimine. Good luck! |
I have severe allergies and asthma, but am able to live with my 4 furbabies. No dog is hypoallergenic and I'm sorry you were sold on that idea. It is usually the dander, saliva, and proteins in the urine that cause allergic reactions. For Medicines I use Advair 100/50 (asthma) and Claritin for allergies daily. I still experience some itchyness and sneezing/coughing spells but it is usually when I forget my medicines. The maintenance things I do are: Buy a HEPA air filter (per room) if you can. Run them 24/7 and be sure to change the filters as needed. Wash bedding daily/weekly. Try to eliminate curtains or wash them weekly. Rip up all carpet if you can. Wash walls weekly (reduces dander). Use ALLERPET D on pets every day/every other day (strips dander from the fur) Never allow pets on the couch/bed or in bedrooms. It's been shown that an allergy free 8 hours of sleep leads to less symptoms during the day. Get heating cooling ducts cleaned regularly or install a home HVAC system. Wear long sleeves/mask while bathing and brushing. I hope some of those help. I've battled with my allergies and asthma all my life, but have as an adult decided to carefully use medication to control it, as well as maintenance in my home and cleaning so that I am able to have my furbabies. Also remember that "usually" as time goes by you can build a resistance to your own pets dander. So it might pass as time goes on, good luck! If you are truly commited to keeping your pet and are willing to suffer some symptoms at times, I definitely believe it is managable. |
The beginning of Fall is typically a terrible allergy season as well, especially from mold. If your daughter doesn't already use one, get a Neti Pot (you can find them at CVS, Walgreens as SinuCleans) and have her start using it daily. Whether or not you keep the pup, this will help to keep the nasal passages clear of allergens and should greatly reduce sickness. Since the instructions on use are not that great, you use one of the salt packets (NOT table salt) in the pot, fill with luke-warm water, mix. The snout of the pot goes in one nostril, hand your head over the sink and find the correct head-tilt for you (nostril without the pot goes lower). The solution will run through the sinus cavities and out the other nostril. Do not swallow while doing this or you will just swallow the solution!! Repeat in other nostril. It takes a little getting used to, but after doing this for 3 years now, I can't go a day without it!! |
Thanks for the suggestions. I bought a Hepa filter yesterday. That helped a little last night (for my daughter). I would take meds to feel better with no problem, but my 14yr old daughter? She is worse than me, which is unusual, but taking meds every day?? I have an appointment with an allergist next week, we'll see what he says for both of us. My pup does not go up on the furniture or bed as he is not potty trained yet. Thanks again, Liz |
Have you given him a bath yet? Yorkies should be bathed more frequently than standard dogs since they have hair not fur. I could be that his hair is full of smells from the home he came from that are triggering both of you. Make sure you use a good shampoo without fragrance (since that can trigger allergies/asthma) and blow him dry. He should be bathed every week. I would definitely start by bathing him and see if that reduces anything. Also watch out for topical flea treatments. The chemcial smell can be bothersome for those with allergies/asthma as well. |
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Reducing the allergens in your home however may be enough to keep your daughters allergies at bay without medicine. If the yorkie is the cause of her allergies I can almost guarantee that your allergist will recommend getting rid of the dog. It seems most believe avoidance is the best policy, although there are allergists who are exceptions to the rule. If she is allergic to dog dander, ect.. they will most likely suggest all the things I posted above to keep the home as dander free as possible or keeping the dog in an isolated room :rolleyes: or outdoors. Allergy shots are also a good option to build tolerance to dander, and you could also look into natural remedies by calling your local natural health pharmacy. Good luck with it! |
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I keep an air purifier in my room and turn it on for about half the day. It pulls pollutants like dust and fur out of the air. I had a hardwood floor in an apartment once and needed something desperately. It has made a difference, but I still struggle with allergies. |
I am allergic as well, to both cats and dogs. Luckily, Wobie doesn't trigger reactions like my bigger dogs (4) or my cats (12) do. Honestly, I just deal with it, I used to get allergy shots, but now I just keep the cats out of my bedroom, and that helps a little... |
If the dog will tolerate it, then vacuum the coat every day. You would not believe how much it cuts down on allergies. In between bathing the dog, spray the dog with Magic before brushing. This producte is fantastic and smells wonderful. http://www.shop.synergycafe.net/mm5/...de=crown_royal |
I would try a bath. I have allergies to other dogs but my Yorkies sleep on my pillow and I'm fine. They get bathed weekly. When Sammy came I could not figure out what I was allergic to and it ended up being a scented spray conditioner that her previous owner used. After I gave her a couple baths and washed everything I was fine! |
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