Hypo-allergenic dog info needed

I am extremely allergic to dogs and have never met a dog who didn't make my eyes swell and my nose run even the ones that are supposed to be "hypo-allergenic."

I've been told that it is the saliva I am allergic to not the hair but because dogs lick themselves, it is especially bad with very shed-y dogs.

I have 2 sons who really really want a dog (and a husband who does too). I feel so bad that I am keeping them from having a pet so I thought I'd see if anyone with bad allergies has had any luck with a breed that I may not have tried. I'd love to get a rescue pup but I just don't think that is an option but I'd be willing to go meet dogs who might work and see how I feel. My reaction is so quick, I could tell in less than 5 minutes (If a dog licks me, I get an instant red-itchy hive)



There is no such thing as a hypo-allergenic dog. There is such a thing as a 'less' allergenic dog. I have been doing shots for a solid year, and my allergist has told me that I'll never be able to actually have a cat or dog - I'll just actually be able to spend time around animals without completely falling apart - my meds will actually have some effect (whereas now they are a joke). Sorry to be the bearer of pessimistic news, but I know that my kids will have to be disappointed about this fact.


You can come meet my wheaten terrier. He would be very happy if you did.

My husband is extremely allergic (hives and breathing problems within minutes of being licked by other dogs and breathing problems shortly thereafter without licks). He is mostly fine with wheatens (Rufus is our second). When Rufus hasn't been groomed in a while and has allergens from outside on him it is worse. But feel free to pm me if you would like to be licked by him and see what happens


The saliva has a protein that, when it dries, causes your allergies. All dogs have this in their saliva and urine. Some may lick themselves less often, so less of it gets dried and scattered, but it is still there. The tips below might be useful, but I am way too allergic, OP, for it to ever be bearable.


http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/expert-answers/hypoallergenic-dog-breeds/faq-20058425



Are there any hypoallergenic dog breeds?

Answers from James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.

There's no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed, although some individual dogs may cause fewer allergy symptoms than others.

Many people think that pet allergies are caused by a dog's or cat's fur, but the real source of pet allergies is often a protein that's in the saliva and urine of dogs and cats. This protein sticks to the dead, dried flakes (dander) from your pet's skin.

Some dog breeds are marketed as hypoallergenic because they don't shed fur or they shed very little. Because these dogs don't shed, the allergy-causing dander that sticks to their fur doesn't get released into the air or onto the floor as much as with a shedding dog. But while you may have less dog hair with a nonshedding dog, no dog breed is hypoallergenic.

If you're allergic to dogs, but still want to have one, consider the following tips to reduce your allergy symptoms:

  • Choose a smaller dog, which will shed less dander than will a larger dog.
  • Keep your pet out of your bedroom and other rooms in which you spend a lot of time.
  • Keep your pet outside, if weather permits.
  • Bathe your pet weekly to remove dander from its coat.
  • Choose carpet-free flooring, or shampoo your carpet regularly.
  • Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifier and vent filters to help reduce airborne pet allergens.

With

James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.


Get advice from an allergist. They can tell you what you can do to make life with a dog livable. They might even tell you not to do it.


Oh this is sad news indeed. I did ask an allergist and as you say, he said it was a bad idea. I got injections for years for mold and ragweed and while they changed my life, they didn't make me a-symptomatic. I don't think I would be willing to go through it again.

I am already on Allegra once daily so I guess the short answer to my kids is still no.


Look into getting a pet bird. The experience is very different from that of a dog, but you might be surprised how personable they are.


I think you need to be honest with yourself first. If you are extremely allergic to dogs then you should not have a dog.

I have a lot of allergies. I have also been around dogs my whole life and I rescued a cat that I kept for 10 years. I have two small dogs. One is a Bichon and the other is a Shih Tzu. Both are rescues and they are wonderful pets.

I think the points given in the article above are very good.

"If you're allergic to dogs, but still want to have one, consider the following tips to reduce your allergy symptoms:

  • Choose a smaller dog, which will shed less dander than will a larger dog.
  • Keep your pet out of your bedroom and other rooms in which you spend a lot of time.
  • Keep your pet outside, if weather permits.
  • Bathe your pet weekly to remove dander from its coat.
  • Choose carpet-free flooring, or shampoo your carpet regularly.
  • Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifier and vent filters to help reduce airborne pet allergens."

I agree with the first two points. I strongly disagree with keeping the dogs outside, especially if you have small dogs. Besides, they will just bring allergens into the house.

I'm not sure about weekly bathing. You must choose a good quality shampoo.

Keeping a very clean house helps.



It might be worth considering fostering a dog that is on the "less allergenic" list and see how you do. As others have pointed out, keeping the dog and your home very clean will help a lot. It will also be invaluable to keep the dog out of your bedroom, and also you should get an air purifier for the bedroom.

As your allergist said, it's a risk, and you are unlikely to be able to have a dog with no symptoms. But you could "test drive" a few, so to speak, and see how it goes, before you commit to one and break the kids' hearts when it doesn't pan out.

Or would they get super attached to a foster, too? I recognize that's a distinct possibility, that they will bond with a dog you are extremely allergic to.

Maybe best not to try. LOL


I am highly allergic to cats and most dogs, but have never had a problem with Wire Hair Fox Terriers (especially when their hair is stripped rather than just cut).




Have you ever spent some time with a miniature poodle? They are great little dogs and I know personally of friends who have them and also suffer from allergies.


My SIL has allergies to all kinds of animals, but they have had a cockapoo for more than a decade because the kids wanted a dog so much. AFAIK, she doesn't have a problem with that dog, but then she does tend to be a bit of a verbal hypochondriac... she talks constantly about being sick or getting sick or or or... drives me a little nuts, because I've never seen her actually get sick or react, even around my four cats.

I do think it would be possible to find a way to be around a specific breed to see if you will react if you want to "test the waters" for a bit. Just be sure to take any medication you have with you!


Jusy an FYI from my allergist, birds can be highly allergenic to those with cat/dog/dander allergies. They are lovable little creatures though and very enjoyable as companions.


The best would be to spent a little time with prospective breeds or dogs. It seems like allergic response is very individual. For example, my highly-sensitive daughter will break out in hives and need an inhaler within minutes near a friend's Labradoodle, but be fine around a different, shedding breed, but one with minimal saliva issues. Perhaps you could consider a rodent or a ferret as a pet? Affectionate and interactive


Pm me if you want to be around a labradoodle. He is due for a fleecing this week, so now is a good time to see him at his worst.


Thanks again everyone. I have tried both poodles and labradoodles which is how I learned it wasn't the fur. I am going to investigate wire-haired dogs but am not feeling hopeful.

The bird comment cracked my whole family up as I am ridiculously irrationally terrified of birds--from the tiniest to the largest. I refused to get out of the car for 2 hours when I spotted a wild turkey on Valley once even though I was safely back home blocks away.

Now my son is asking if we can get a pig. I guess I have to explore that...



goldilocks said:
Thanks again everyone. I have tried both poodles and labradoodles which is how I learned it wasn't the fur. I am going to investigate wire-haired dogs but am not feeling hopeful.
The bird comment cracked my whole family up as I am ridiculously irrationally terrified of birds--from the tiniest to the largest. I refused to get out of the car for 2 hours when I spotted a wild turkey on Valley once even though I was safely back home blocks away.
Now my son is asking if we can get a pig. I guess I have to explore that...

Consider rodents. Seriously grin Our kids have had multiple rats -- remarkably clean, intelligent, interactive, and affectionate creatures. Pigs are cool, too! ;-)


We had a rat, too. Loved that little guy. Very friendly and playful. The only thing was that I reacted to the rat's saliva (they groom themselves often, very much like cats). When it would climb on my arms and shoulders, I'd get itchy. Not enough to make me not want to have a rat as a pet again, but I thought it funny that cats, dogs and horses never were an issue or caused an allergy problem, and the little rat did (also had a guinea pig and I didn't react to that at all - also a nice little pet, but I had more fun with the rat).



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