have i suddenly become allergic to dogs?

Question

growing up, i've had several dogs. a few beagles, and a few mutts. i got a dog in the beginning of august, and i found that whenever she scratches me, and sometimes when she licks my fingers, i develop swarms of little itchy red bumps.

they aren't all that bad either, i just shower, and they stop itching, and they disappear within the hour. i hardly ever sneeze or have any sinus type problems, and my asthma doesn't ever start up.

so it seems i've recently developed a very small case of an allergic reaction to my dog. i haven't gotten any contact with other dogs, but ... i'm wondering if i'm only allergic to MY dog...

black lab, so it's not got much hair, and shedding is minimal.

Answer 1

As one doctor told me " You either grow out of allergies or you grow into them". Well, I grew into mine at 16. I was cutting the grass, which I had many times before, all was fine for awile. Then the nose started itching and running, my skin was itchy all over, hives were developing quickly...it happened so fast! I had been cutting the lawn for 30 minutes when that episode started up. It was scary. As for dog allergies, that is a bit different. Some have wool type hair. Those are the safe ones. There is a ton of info reguarding what you're going through. I hope you find out whats wrong.

Answer 2

First of all it would be the saliva that is causing the problem.
Yes you can be allergic to one dog or cat and not another one.
I have a friend that is generally allergic to dogs but has a Bichon and bathes her frequently with no ill effects.
Into the bath for the dog and a possible change of food would help.

I find some cats bother me and others don't.
Usually it is the long haired ones.

Little bumps could end up a big allergy.

Good luck, bathe and brush and change the food.

Answer 3

Possibly, but I would look into these possibilities too. You might be allergic to your breed of dog not all dogs. If you only get a reaction when your dog licks you it could be a reaction to the saliva, or something your dog is eating, maybe try changing foods. If the dog goes outside is it eating something (plant or animal, etc.) that could be in the saliva? Is the dog rolling in something like poison ivy and then licking it's fur, and then you? May sound crazy but just some ideas you might look into before the finger gets pointed at the dog itself.