Getting a dog but have allergies

[Whoohoo75]

OK our two boys are busting to get a dog. DH and I have just talked and he’s said he doesn’t mind if I don’t mind. Only problem is, I’m allergic. Don’t laugh.

So my questions are 1) best dog for the least allergic reaction, 2) are we mad for even considering taking on a dog? I know it’s not possible for any dog to be totally hypoallergenic

I think it would really help with DS2’s anxiety. DH permanently works from home part time and I’m home two days so it would not be left alone.

You are mad. Absolutely mad.

Interesting fact, did you know that allergies often worsen as women age and go through peri/menopause?

Nope I did not know that Totoro

There are types of dogs that produce fewer allergens, so no, not mad. Poodles, bichon frise, airedale terriers, Bedlington terriers, maltese, there's actually a surprising amount to choose from. You might still be allergic to their saliva or dander. If you know anyone with a non shedding breed you could see if you can hang out with it a bit and see if you're allergic to that.

Depends what triggers the allergy. Is it the hair or the saliva or something else? I was told I was allergic to saliva ( which may be present on their hair) when I was young - asthma, dermatitis.
I have 2 labs. I truly think I have gained immunity to them specifically, but if a strange dog licks me, my skin can erupt. DDog1 came to me at 8 weeks and the first few were tough but now I am fine.
It’s not scientific but I would say it depends on what your symptoms are, as allergies can be dangerous.

Bichon gets my vote, DH is seriously allergic - itches and sneezes for days after visits his DM who has cavaliers, totally fine with our Bichon. Non shedding curly hair seems to make the difference.

What happens if you go for it and your allergy kicks in?

Yes - you're mad - for 2 reasons.

My DP gets very bad asthmatic symptoms from cats, dogs, horses , you name it. He's allergic to all animal dander including poodles.

As a child his family had cats and he had very bad asthma. Went to boarding school and the asthma vanished only to re-appear at half term. So for him, there was no build up of 'immunity'.

second reason for not getting a dog - unless you reeeeallly want one, you'll be doing all the caring - walking, brushing, feeding etc so you'll be up close and personal and with extra workload. I know of so many families were the family have all promised to care for the pet and the Mum's not keen. And yes within weeks the pet is forgotten and its the Mum doing everything for the animal. Not minding about getting a dog is not an active choice to get a dog.

Would strong advise you not to get a dog

Yep it’s the asthma and then if I let a dog lick me and I don’t go and wash my arms or hands I come up in hives and itchy eyes if I touch my face.

What am I thinking? Clearly stupid to even consider it aren’t I.

I have allergies and asthma. Dh has asthma. We have 4 ddogs including a Husky..
Hand washing after ddog interaction and a pet vacuum cleaner.. I take anti histamines more for our dusty old house than for the ddogs.

depends how bad it is. my sister takes an antihistamine every day so she's OK, she didn't know she was allergic until after getting one, but she's been taking a tablet a day for 16 years now to survive it..

If you're allergic to saliva there are no 'hypoallergenic' breeds

Non-shedding breeds are often touted as hypoallergenic but only if you're allergic to hair. Crossbreeds of non-shedding breeds (poodles crosses/popular doodles) would likely be a allergenic for you as the saliva is the issue.

The likely options are that you either need to reconcile yourself to spending the next 10-15 years with a potent allergen, or get a dog out of blind optimism and reduce its life chances by causing distress/attachment problems through rehoming, or reconcile yourself to life without a dog.

One of the very lowest allergen breeds is the Xoloitzcuintli

But as saliva can bring you out in a rash, I don't think even they would be suitable.

Are there any other pets you could divert you DSes towards? How about snakes?

Im allergic to dogs. Then I met my partner with three greyhounds. I'm not allergic to them.

I’m anaphylactic to Animal fur dander & saliva.
I’ve been stood close to no shedding type dog without issue.

Problem you might have if you can’t go into the vets because of other animals in there.
Or walking the dog and have other dogs running up to you.

I’d not say you were totally mad, you just need to test out a lot of different dogs (which currently might be harder than normal). My husband is allergic to almost all other dog breeds than ours, hives, watery eyes, needs an inhaler etc as soon as he walks in the house of another dog. Ours he’s totally fine with. We spend a good few hours with both parents to make as sure as we could be, and fingers crossed he’s been fine for the past 12 years of this one (and we’re about to get another!)

Our rottweiler gave me a red bubbly rash. Lurchers make me sneeze. Husky gives me itchy eyes!!
No regrets!!
I don't take meds for asthma. Classed as dormant apparently..

Two of our household are seriously allergic to cats.
So far we have had Yorkies, Lhasa Apsos and a Dandie Dinmont with no adverse affects.
As mentioned above you really need to know what you are allergic to, Many off the dogs on the Vulnerable native breeds list are non shedding
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/are-you-ready/vulnerable-native-breeds/
I would suggest looking for breeder who would loan you a dog or at least spend a day with one to see.
www.donthibernate.co.uk/dummys-guide-to-dandie-dinmont-terriers/

Thank you everyone, we’re not going to take it any further. The saliva really is a problem so as lots of you have said no dog would be suitable.