Dog allergies

[Erin]

Does anybody have any good tips on how to reduce dog allergies? It's really something I've never had to worry about before. My boyfriend, who is awesome, is allergic to dogs... for some reason it seems especially to Chops. But anyway, I know he does take medication before he comes over here, which 90% of the time we don't hang out here at all, or only for a little bit. I always vacuum really well before he comes over, open all the windows up, etc... but I'm really not sure what else I can do and picture him just DYING here in the winter with the house all closed up, etc..... ideas?

[ALDOGMOM]

Get a new boyfriend? LOL.

[krb0471]

Really, the only way for him to manage it is with drugs. Other than cleaning really well and bathing the dogs. Try one of those air purifiers.

[Erin]

Get a new boyfriend? LOL.

LOL! I can't - he cooks very well

Really, the only way for him to manage it is with drugs. Other than cleaning really well and bathing the dogs. Try one of those air purifiers.

Air purifier! Good idea, thanks.

[Swissies4Me]

Get a new boyfriend? LOL.

haha

I know Melissa has allergies, so I'm sure she's got some good tips to share.

[ToBScholarly]

Mel takes meds - I think they are prescribed, not OTC. When she gets on she will give you the name.

What about shaving the dogs? Hairless Danes - the new fad.

[Truman's Mom]

what about shaving the dogs? Hairless danes - the new fad.

lol!!

[gotbigdogs]

all I know is use an air purifier, and bathe and brush the dogs more regularly... keep bedding washed regularly and keep them off the furniture. Usually its the dander people are allergis to.

[NickandNora'smom]

I know there is something about being exposed in small doses to what you are allergic to...that's what many allergy shots are, but I'm not sure really how that works. I will say that I am allergic to cats, but I'm not allergic to my own. Weird, I know, but I'm fine with my cats, but when I go to other people's houses and pet their cats, I start itching like crazy and my eyes run, and the whole nine yards. So, what I'm saying is, he just needs to build up an immunity! : )

[bren]

My friend had a boyfriend that was allergic to cats ... she tried to keep the cat out of at least one room in the house (her bedroom, haha, but it was a small place!), so that was a spot that didn't affect the boyfriend as much to be in. She also vacuumed and dusted everything daily, and then before he was going to come over.

[mezmerelda]

I take Zyrtec, which is OTC now. But I still get it as a scrip (cheaper) for some reason. I also use a nasal spray when I'm going to be around allergens, like the horses in Galena. It helps quite a bit. My reaction is largely asthmatic, although I do sneeze and itch. Dogs aren't really too much of an issue for me anymore, although I do take meds every day, because repeated exposure does help quite a bit-same thing as an allergy shot. Other things that work are keeping the dogs clean/bathed, keeping the house clean, air purifiers (in every room), and trying to limit his physical contact with the dogs or things that aren't clean (ie, full of dog fur and drool). We keep the bedroom dog free, so I do have a nice area for retreat if I need it.

[Yeti_Girl]

I was doped up most my life. LOL. For me it is primarily cats, but some dogs just have a special dander. My sister's boxer used to make me break out in hives. I agree with Mez, the nasal allergy meds worked well, they block the allergens from entering your body through your nose. But what REALLY helped me was acupuncture. I went one spring a bunch (once a week for a month or something) and then maybe once a month a couple times, and then...nothing. For me it was mostly for outdoor allergens but it seemed to work!

[Hounds_N_Leo]

They do sell some dander shampoos that I have heard work actually...kind of well. You might try those. It might actually be BETTER in winter...I know our kids allergies are because we run the heater...and we have a MOTHER filter that gets about 95% of dander and dust and other allergens OUT of the air here...so in theory the more that runs the better!

Air cleaners are an option...vacuuming can sometimes stir UP things more than help...hardwood or other hard surface flooring is better by scads...than carpet. All soft surfaces should perhaps be treated with the Febreeze they make for anti allergens....

He can also consider allergy shots...I had a neighbor with a Chow who SWORE by them...

[Moni]

Jay is severely allergic to cats, but occasionally the dogs bother him. Tenchi bothered his allergies the worst out of all the dogs. So I just made sure to vacuum often, change bedding a lot and bath Tenchi more than the rest. He also wasn't allowed in our bedroom, though Mojo(and now Kedge) can sleep in there without it bothering Jay. I'm guessing the longer hair keeps the dander down the most.

I do know that Advair has really helped with all of Jay's allergies and it makes it so that we don't have to rush him to the ER at least once a month due to an asthma attack.

[Erin]

Thanks everyone! I'm not sure what medication he's currently on, but his allergies sound a lot like Mez' as he did have a bit of an asthama attack one time. He's been trying to sort of get exposed to them in short doses (stop by here and there for a few minutes, etc.) I'll def. have to get some air purifiers and start washing dog beds more frequently... generally we hang out in the bedroom since that's where my computer is and we watch movies (as opposed to the couch which basically belongs to the dogs in the living room) and before he comes I wash everything and vacuum... guess I'll just have to become REEEEEALLY diligent about cleaning everything 100% and maybe make one of the spare rooms a no dog hangout place... It stinks for him because he does like the dogs so much (and has no problems really hanging outside with them and playing) and I feel bad because Chops is like "WHY WON'T YOU LOVE MEEEE??" and doesn't get it, LOL.

And Jodi... hairless danes? LOL. I just picture the pissed looks I would get from them!!

[mezmerelda]

If it's an asthmatic response, he might want to speak to an allergist, too. I also take Singulair and a budesonide inhaler (both preventative) daily. It's that combo along with the Zyrtec that has made a major difference for me. Most allergists won't give shots with the dog stuff included if they've got a constant or frequent exposure to dogs.

And of course, the more you try to avoid/ignore the dogs because of your allergies, the more they want your attention.

[Yeti_Girl]

"generally we hang out in the bedroom" duh.... LOL!

[mezmerelda]

That's probably where all the magic happens.

[Yeti_Girl]

stirring up a lot of dander too.

[Erin]

I typed out about 5 different replies to the last threads and anything I wrote would have had an even better comeback, LOL!