DD allergic to our dog :(

[greeneone12]

Hi All

Now my DD is crawling she has taken an interest in our dog. She is a very old boxer dog and we have had her almost 10 years.

A few times when the dog has been around her her face has flared up with a red and white 'nettle' type rash.

She is allergic to our dog isn't she? It makes me so sad as I really don't know what to do. Is there any non-drowsy anti-histamines (sp) I could give her?

I know the obvious thing - but we can't give her away. She is so old now.

I will just have to keep the seperated but any other tips about pet allergies would be really helpful.

Thanks

[eragon]

I would get some more advice on this, my son has a allergy to dogs and at one time it was pretty serious. Its got better over the years, but we do avoid dogs inside.

but thats just my opinon.

[mousyfledermaus]

if she really is allergic, you have no choice but to rehome her.
go to the gp and press for tests. if she is allergic (and sorry to say it sounds like it) it will likely get worse. in the meantime look for a new home for the dog.

[mousyfledermaus]

oops, sorry. I meant to say no choice but to rehome the dog. of course not your dd.
keeping them separated is not enough as saliva particles and dander are all over the house. you can reduce that by meticilously cleaning every day and every surface.

[BikeRunSki]

Wait, wait. speak to your vet about a product called PetalEase, which you put on the dog's coat and can drastically reduce the impact of dog allergies. Although if you DD is reacting to saliva too, then that is a different matter.

[4madboys]

you will have to get some more advice but if she is allergic yes you will have to rehome the dog, or can you keep them seperate, first obvious step is to keep them apart, dont let the dog where your dd sleeps etc.

but as someone who is allergic to dogs myself please dont let your dd suffer :(

[greeneone12]

Thanks all. I am so gutted. The 'rash' that comes up after contact (and she only rashes when she touches her) takes about 45 mins to go down so I feel it's not THAT bad at the moment but as mousy said it could get worse. I of course won't let her suffer as my DD is the priority.

Thanks all.

[eragon]

my son as a baby would have one dog hair touch him and a hive would rise underneath.
by 7 just being a room with a dog would make him flush, hive and cough constantly.... we were told by his allergy docs not to let him in near a dog , or in a room that had a dog in.

he is now a teen and his skin prick test have dropped, but is still allergic but not with such dramatic reaction.

so get some medical advice so you know where you stand.

[greeneone12]

Thanks. She is due her one year check soon so will ask. She has just come up in 'nettle' like rash all over her feet too. It can't be any cleaning chemicals I use as I use a steam mop for the floor. Sorry if this is a silly question but could she be allergic to dog saliva but not hair?

[mousyfledermaus]

people who are allergic are usually allergic to the proteins the animal shed. unfortunately the saliva contains many many allergens (and is soo much harder to clean because it becomes part of the overall dust once it's dried).

[LaWeasel]

As I understand it allergies that develop as babies can get worse after repeated contacts, so what's just a rash now might get worse unfortunately.

If you do need to rehome the dog try asking for advice in the dog kennel section someone will be able to give you advice (long term fostering is a good option for old dogs that aren't likely to be rehomed)

[booge]

Go and see an allergist, our dd is allergic to the dog and we have been able to control it and keep the dog. Once you have the tests you will know the extent of the problem and if it can be managed by medicine, allergy wipes or controlling the rooms your dog has access to. Our daughter's allergy has got less with consistent exposure to the dog and the specialist at the hospital indicated that may happen. It may not have to be good bye to the dog.

[booge]

Yes I can see that re breeds, I'm very allergic to most cats but seem to be ok with British Short Hairs. I always thought it was due to the coarser hair but it's probably more compatible proteins.