Unforeseen dog allergy - can anyone help?

[SparkleToffee]

I'm really hoping someone can offer me some help.......DP has always been an allergic person (hayfever / cat allergy /contact allergies etc). However he lived with a dog as a child and was fine. My last dog who sadly died 6 years ago now, never gave him a moments problem. He would occasionally be allergic (hives) to dogs in the park but I thought this was just from dogs that maybe hasn't had a wash for a while. We both adore dogs and finally got another dog (puppy!) in October. Since then DP has become increasingly allergic to much loved pup.

It is the saliva and dander he is allergic to so no breathing, wheezing, itchy eye problems . But if he plays or cuddles the dog up it comes up straight away. He went to GP today as OTC antihistamines are not as effective, as I know that they can give prescription ones or injections. GP basically told him he will keep on getting more and more allergic and so we will have to possibly just accept we are going to have to give the dog up!!! And then still just said to take OTC antihistamines.

Now the dog is much loved and the kids adore him. I spent a year researching getting this puppy and I wash him regularly and Hoover but just wondering if anyone can help as I can't bear to give him away and am sure there must be a better solution. Am totally happy to pay private Dr if necessary. Can anyone give any advice ???

[mrslaughan]

I would go and see an Allergist - thats a special it Dr in case you haven't heard of them, ...unless you suffer from allergies or asthma you may not have. It may just be that the GP doesn't have a good understanding of what can be done.

[Aquelven]

What breed was your last dog & what breed is the puppy? Some breeds do cause more allergies than others.
You can buy anti allergy wipes to wipe down your dogs coat, not sure how effective they are though.

I'd definitely ask your GP for a referral to an allergy consultant. Certain hospitals have very specialised departments to deal with allergies, you may have to travel to one but it can be worth it. You get to choose which hospital these days so, once the GP agrees to refer him, ask the GP's receptionist to look on the computer which ones nearest to you have the special department. They can tell you when the next available appointment is too & book it.
I was referred for a serious allergy. The nearest hospital that had a special allergy ( immunology) consultant didn't have an appointment for four months but I chose to travel to Salford Royal & got one within a month.

[SparkleToffee]

Thank you both. Last dog was terrier cross and new pup is doberman so totally different. I just didn't know what to do what with GP not being supportive. Will try the wipes to see if they help and get DH to go back to GP. Thank you again.

[Aquelven]

There shouldn't be much difference allergy wise between terriers & a Doberman.
You can get the wipes at Pets At Home or online try here
Amazon have them but not always in stock so try the online vet supply sites. They are really good to deal with, usually quick & free delivery, I buy medications from a few as they're cheaper than the vet
Here are a few but there are others if you google.
Vetuk
Viovet
another

This might be an interesting read allergy

I would try to get your DH to insist with your GP, it can be a miserable existence & there is help. I understand though, our old GP was dreadful, lots of people complained about him for years, but luckily he left & we got a much better one.

[Spookymum]

Does he still have puppy fur?
Speaking from experience if he does it could settle down eventually. We got a Chihuahua puppy last August and i had a reaction to him, his puppy fur came off all over us every time someone picked him up or stroked him it was everywhere (so the dander would be shedding too) But now that he has lost his puppy fur and has his proper coat I'm fine as it hardly sheds at all.

[K999]

My mil is allergic to short hair dogs but ok with long hair dogs???

[mousmous]

tbh research rehoming the dog.
just because if it does get worse you don't have to make a rushed decision.