Do You Think I Can Live With A Pet Allergy Without Medication?
November 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Allergy Questions
I think I might be allergic to my daughter’s new puppy. My skin itches in random places at random times or if I hold her, then my arm and wrist itch, or if she plays at my feet and jumps on my legs, then my legs and feet itch, or if I snuggle her under my chin, then my chin itches. I can’t bear the thought of not handling her, she’s too cute. I also can’t bear the thought of giving her away ’cause we’ve all fallen in love with her. She’s already a big part of the family. I do not take medications on a daily basis and don’t want to start. I only take the occasional headache medicine. I used to be allergic to cats when I was younger and I got over that ’cause now I have three indoor-only cats. I wonder if it’s possible that I might just get over this puppy allergy, too. Any ideas?
I am guessing this itchiness does not last otherwise you would be itching all over and insane by now. So I would say if you FEEL like you can live with it then you can. I would suggest washing up after holding the dog, by getting the dander off of you it might lessen the itching. I would also give the dog fish oil mixed in with it’s food it will reduce dander a bit and could probably help you. (As well as improve the dog’s skin quality.. never a bad thing for a dog.)
Hi. I would try the OTC (over the counter) allergy medications to help ease your allergic reactions/symptoms. Simple things like vacuuming daily; dusting weekly and a humidifier for your home work wonders.
I do this all the time and I have 4 pups and 4 cats and yes I have allergies and we live in Florida. LOL Highest pollen counts in the US. Lucky me. 
So I do know what you are going thru. I usually take Sudafed or Benadryl. The allergy shots work for awhile, but get expensive and time consuming, so the over-the-counter products work allot better.
Yes, you will adjust to the puppy. We also bath our 4 pups every two weeks and that helps tons.
Many blessings, Patti
Yes, if you have the dog be an outside dog, at least most of the time, you won’t have much trouble, we don’t use medicine and my mom is alergic to my sisters dog, and my other sisters cat, both are outside pets and verry celdome come in the house, also my mom was alergic to my hamsters, but I got rid of them, they took up to much space in the house.
some people do develop a tolerance to their own pets after a few months.
Also.. are you using any products on her.. shampoos, doggie colognes, flea preventatives? It could be the product that you are allergic to, and not the puppy itself! If she is outside alot and playing in the yard, she could be picking up some pollens that you are allergic to.
Here’s some helpful tips
feed your dog a high quality kibble. A better food means healthier coat and skin. Healthier coat and skin means less dander!
Brush her daily.. if not several times a day! It will help brush away loose dander and hair.. better on the brush than on your furniture! Brushing also stumulates healthy hair and coat.
Dont over-bathe! Too much bathing can dry out her skin. You can rinse her with water to help rinse out any allergens.. but do not use shampoo unless she is dirty or stinky. Use a conditioning shampoo.
A dog sheds and different types shed more, you might be allergic to the animal hair or to the smells that they put off, it escapes me what that is called right now but it is an allergen. Allergy shots will cure the problem and honestly that is about the only thing.
its possible that it could go away but if u r allergic to the dog then u will be miserable unless u take meds. it is just so much easier. which would u rather do. not take the meds and be miserable and sick feeling or take them and feel great. my mom was like this too. she was allergic to our cats and she went and got allergy meds and she is fine now. its not that hard to remember. its not going to interfere with ur daily life. just take it once u wake up and u wont have to deal with it til the next day. it really is worth it
Well, my brother is allergic to some dog breeds, and sometimes only if they lick him. He’s had really bad reactions before. We have 2 puppies now, my brother isn’t allergic to their fur, only if they lick him. He reacts badly after they lick him sometimes.
If you want to keep the puppy then you should probably take allergy meds.
u can. get a humidifier.
it also depends on what kind of dog it is. some dogs, like yorkies, have hair, not fur, therefore do not shed. ehnce, you’d be less allergic.
some dogs, like golden retrieversr and a bunch of others do shed. hair is light and it settles on the floor VERY SLOWLY, and so it hangs out in the air you breathe.
so make sure you pick a breed that’s more compatible with your sensitive respiratory tract.
I live with a cat I’m allergic to. If you want to keep the pup get a referral from your doc to a good allergist. Lots of time they can give you something, or make suggestions to help you cope with the allergy. GL
P.S. I don’t take any meds for my allergy. I’m so allergic to my cat every doc has told me to get rid of the cat. So I just bath the cat more often and it helps…