Posted: 4/5/2011 10:11:40 PM EDT
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Curious folks, what do those of who have pets but either have allegic reactions to them or have family that do to help ease the burden/suffering? It appears as though my son (8 months) may be developing allergies. We're not 100% sure that his reactions are due to our kitty and or guinea pig, but we are begining to prepare for the possiblity.
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| I have been allergic to dogs and cats all of my life (along with dust, grasses, mold, hay) but I grew up with dogs. As a kid, I took allergy shots and OTC medication. As an adult, have developed a fair tolerance to the animal dander, but still need the occasional OTC medication. I can't imagine having to grow up without pets. |
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Quoted:
I have been allergic to dogs and cats all of my life (along with dust, grasses, mold, hay) but I grew up with dogs. As a kid, I took allergy shots and OTC medication. As an adult, have developed a fair tolerance to the animal dander, but still need the occasional OTC medication. I can't imagine having to grow up without pets. Medications are a more difficult proposition for an 8-month-old infant. You can't just pop an Allegra in their mouths. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I have been allergic to dogs and cats all of my life (along with dust, grasses, mold, hay) but I grew up with dogs. As a kid, I took allergy shots and OTC medication. As an adult, have developed a fair tolerance to the animal dander, but still need the occasional OTC medication. I can't imagine having to grow up without pets. Medications are a more difficult proposition for an 8-month-old infant. You can't just pop an Allegra in their mouths. But you can crush it and mix it something. 
In all seriousness, though, having dogs and a wife who is allergic to dogs... it's an uphill battle, and a VERY steep hill. It takes a LOT of changes, and a TON of work. Get rid of the carpet. Keep floors, walls, curtains, etc. cleaned regularly. Keep dog(s) out of bedrooms. Don't let them on the furniture. Keep in mind that "dander" is not hair. It's more like dandruff. While washing your dog often sounds like a good idea, it can dry out their skin, and cause MORE dander. Use shampoos that are specifically made for dogs, and to moisturize their skin to help keep the skin flakes down. And start buying the 365-count bottles of generic Claritin at your local Costco... When you see an allergist, a good number will simply insist that you get rid of the dog. Some can be understanding that not everyone is willing to do that, and will give you in-depth, detailed information on steps to take. It took my wife a few years of going to different allergists to find one like that. |