I'm allergic - could I become immune if I get a dog?

[dhw]

I grew up with a dog and never had any probs. As soon as she died, I became allergic to dogs, pollen, cats etc at the age of 17.

I desperately want a puppy now. Anyone have any experience of allergies and dogs? Is it possible my body just may become immune to the problem?

Thanks
DHW

[dhw]

anyone?

[dhw]

.

[dhw]

why oh why is nobody answering!?

[Callmemadam]

Very tricky to answer question - depends on how severe your symptoms were or are. Have you had contact with any dogs recently - that might tell you if you are still sensitive? I would suggest you try handling quite a few and then think about it. You can have a private allergy test done if youhave the money. Some breeds shed less than others but it is not only the hair that causes the allergy.

[CarGirl]

hmmm I am very allergic cats, we now have a cat, I am allergic to him but as I have to take anti histamines every day it's okay however I have to be careful to not stroke him then touch my face.

I feel I am more tolerant of cats than I used to be however I do not have asthma, if you do I wouldn't consider it tbh

I think poodles/laboodles (??) and bijoin frisse (??) have wook not hair?

[SlightlyMadSpider]

I would say that one of 2 things will happen. You allergy will get worse and worse and worse. OR you will have grown out of your allergy.

Agree with callmemadame. See what your reaction is to dogs before you commit. TBH I would expect that if you are still allergic - it is not going to get any better if you are in constant contact with animals.

[dhw]

I am still very definatley allergic to dogs....not astmatic luckily. Very sneezy, runny nose, runny eyes, itchy skin and if dogs lick me I come up in red itchy blobs. (nice!)

I want to investigate labradoodles as they supposedly are better for allergy sufferers.

Hmmmm....

[TheHerdNerd]

I was quite allergic to cats until DW persuaded me to get some - and now I'm fine with our two, but anybody else's makes me nearly die!

[brimfull]

dhw- I am allergic to dogs and I have one.I have to be careful to wash my hands when I have touched her so it's a pita.I wasn't allergic to dogs before I got her 12yrs ago ,it slowly developed and was very noticeable when I groomed her.I know longer brush her (bearded collie),but get her clipped, which helps.

I am also allergic to cats but I have lived with one in the past and seemed to get better.

[dhw]

thanks for this - my friend is v allergic to cats but wasn't allergic to her own.

[fuchsia0703]

Reputable labradoodle breeders do not claim they are suitable for allergy sufferers. The coats are very unpredictable - this is the website www.labradoodle.org.uk - we are looking to get a poodle in a few months - more reliable coatwise but still can give problems with dander. I would suggest you spend time round adult dogs and see how you get on. You really don't want to get a dog, fall in love with it, then have to rehome it because you are making it ill - it's not fair on the dog and you will be heartbroken too.

[dhw]

yes you are absolutely right fuscia. I will do some dog sniffing!

[LittleB]

You may find that you need to spend a while with dogs to get over any allery problems. My Dad has sore runny eyes and sneezing when he comes into contact with my dog at weekends etc, but when he's looked after her for a week he gets used to it and his symptoms go. We had a Golden Retriever when I was a child and he was fine with her until he went on holiday he'd come home and he'd be bad for a couple of days and then get better. Is there a friend or families dog you could look after to see if this happens with you? Or try fostering a dog?

[Maggie99]

Hey! My husband went through the same problem as you. He even slept with his german shepherd every night when he was in college. She died and then he can’t be around anything furry before it becomes unbearable for him, forcing him to take allergy medication before coming in contact with friends or family with dogs. We have three girls and I am desperate for a dog to add to our family! Can you give me an update on how things worked out for you?? Did you get a dog? Which one? How did you manage?
Thanks!🙏🏻