Dog Allergy

[PepperPot3]

We are thinking of getting a puupy sometime in the next year. However, I do have a dog allergy which is worse in some breeds than others. There are some dogs we could not have at all. I would love a Westie , which I am fine with as long as I take an antihistimine daily.
Is it okay to take these on a long term basis? I would visit the doctor prior to getting the dog but wondered if anyone had any advice or experience of this? Many thanks.

Get a labradoodle - half poodle half labrador, supposed to be great for those with allergies.

Labradoodles are no more hypoallergenic then any other breeds - Sorry

The best breeds for people with allergies tend to be breeds like bichons/yorkies/poodles/terriers as they shed the least but it might be best to meet dogs from the breeds you like and see how you go. This link is good for finding puppies and breeders

Re: Antihistamines - Maybe see if the doctor can prescribe a long term allergy medicine as I'm not sure they're safe longterm?

HTH
Carla

Thought they were supposed to hardly shed their fur - or at least that's what is claimed.

Apparently, it makes a difference as to what type of coat the labradoodle has (there's more than one)

The Wooly Coat: Somewhat poodle like which requires regular grooming is non-shedding and allergy and asthma friendly.

The Fleece Coat: The ultimate coat that is easily maintained, non-shedding, allergy and asthma friendly and somewhat like that of an Angora Goat.

The Hair Coat: Anything from flat and straight to curls down the back and possibly wavy and minimally to profusely shedding, that is less likely to be allergy and asthma friendly.

That said, if you're alergice to dog saliva rather than dander (or however it's spelt) it won't make any difference what type of dog you get.

allergic, even

Copy and paste this link, it has very good information about having/keeping a dog when you are allergic to them. (including info about more suitable breeds and products to reduce their allergenicity: Petal is marketed by Allergy Best Buys -here in England- and apparently reduces the allergens in dogs/cats' coats in 75%, don't know if that's true but worth a check -)

www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/allergy.htm

P.S. DS seems to be less sensitive to Yorkies than to other dogs that regularly shed their coats. However, keeping the house relatively free from pet allergens is a pain: dogs are not allowed in any carpeted area of the house, they are not allowed onto sofas or into the bedrooms, I have to wash them and their beds every week, and I can not hold the dogs and then DS without getting DS's nose irritated unless I change my clothes .

I only do all this because the dogs were here around for years before DS's arrival and it brakes my heart to let them go, but I'm not quite sure if I would take into such work burden if I were dogless and considering adopting one.

We had a poodle when I was a child which I was fine with. However, I do like Westies and would love one. It is their saliva which brings me out in a stinging-nettle type rash. I shall have to visit the doctor and see what she recommends.
Can see us going down the poodle route again - Labradoodles are a good idea but too big for me, I like small dogs.

Labradoodles come in three different sizes - like poodles.