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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Can you be allergic to puppies but not dogs?

5 replies

LozS87 · 19/11/2023 10:36

We’ve had our new puppy for almost 2 months now, and he’s fitted in perfectly and we all love him so much. Our wider family is very animal orientated so whilst previously we didn’t have a dog of our own, my 3 year old was regularly around all sorts of animals for prolonged periods, including dogs. We regularly looked after a dog in our own house for days/weeks at a time which is the same breed as the puppy we’ve just brought home. We saw our puppy almost every week for two months before he came home with us with no issues.

Neither my partner in his 30s or my toddler (almost 4) have ever shown any signs of being allergic to dogs, however since we brought our puppy home I think they’re both allergic to specifically our dog. It’s like they both have always got a minor cold. It’s hard to tell whether it’s just the usual winter nursery bugs with toddler, but partner very much feels he at least is a bit allergic and has started taking an antihistamine and I’m beginning to suspect toddler is the same as he’s just at the same constant level of snotty with no break.

I really don’t know what to do, I feel I could never have predicted this and we all (toddler included) absolutely love this dog to pieces and he’s so happy with us too. Could this be something that improves itself as time goes on? Is there anything I can do to help? I’m thinking of buying an air purifier but not sure if it’d make a difference or not.

OP posts:
margotrose · 19/11/2023 10:43

I may get slammed for this but if the only issue is a mildly snotty nose then I'm not sure I would be doing anything, to be honest. As you say, you don't even know if it is an allergy anyway.

Personally, I would just carry on as you are and just make sure the puppy is groomed regularly and that all his bedding/blankets etc. are washed and cleaned as often as possible too. Vacuum daily and maybe keep the dog out of beds etc. for now as well.

Is the anti-histamine making a difference to your partner?

onlyoneoftheregimentinstep · 19/11/2023 10:49

I can't directly answer your question but I think you can gradually become less sensitive. We got two kittens when the DC were small and it was immediately obvious that I was allergic to them - wheezing, sneezing, swollen eyes etc. It would have broken the DCs hearts to rehome them so I stuck it out and the symptoms definitely decreased over time. I had to be scrupulous about washing my hands if I touched them, and slight scratches turned into weals but I was otherwise ok.

Doveyouknow · 19/11/2023 11:17

Is it a cross breed? If so it might shed more than the dog you have looked after in the past. As it's prime cold season a toddler with a snotty news wouldn't make me think allergy. Did the antihistamine work for your partner?

muddyford · 21/11/2023 15:53

A friend's daughter wasn't allergic to our Labradors but got the sniffles when I got a spaniel.

PurpleBugz · 21/11/2023 15:55

I have a family member allergic to black fur. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it myself

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