Allergic to my dog

[themiddleismyhome]

We got a puppy last week. I've never had a dog before and we were so excited as a family to get him.
Unfortunately within an hour of him arriving I had started sneezing and the next morning woke up with a tickly throat runny nose and sore eyes. It's gotten worse each morning to the point my face is now all puffy and swollen. Antihistamines don't seem to be doing anything.
Has anyone else experienced this? What can I do?

I had a horrible rash all over my hands and arms from where the puppy licked and I cuddled him. It took weeks to get better but it did.

It does sound like you are allergic to him whereas I think mine was more of a contact allergy.

Could someone else take care of the puppy for the moment and make sure there are puppy free rooms you can escape to. Could you ask your vet if there is anything you can do to minimise the dander which is I think what most people are allergic to? Wondering if bathing the puppy might help although you would need to make the experience for the puppy positive at that age.

Ask at the pharmacy if they recommend anything stronger for you.

OP, is it this individual dog specifically? A reaction within an hour suggests you might have seen some of these symptoms when you visiting the breeder if it was all dogs of this breed? If not, it might be worth asking their house cleaning/dog care routine to try and mimic it.

Otherwise, HEPA air purifiers, hard floors that are vacuumed and washed daily, rinsing the dog off regularly (without shampoo to prevent skin drying) may all help. Alternatively, allergy shots/injections may help (not sure if they are offered on NHS but you can get privately).

Thanks for replying. I will just try persevere with the antihistamine and see the pharmacist see what they can recommend.
Yes good idea to ask the vet.
I have carpet in most rooms but I hoover at least twice a day anyway because I have children and I hate having bits on the carpet. I sweep and mop the other floors every day and will step that up to twice a day too.
I always have the windows open trying to get fresh air in.