i just wondered if the fur on dogs was similar to that of a cat
2006-09-18 08:54:56 · 27 answers · asked by BEVERLEY O 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I have asthma and am allergic to both cats and dogs. They are similar but it doesn't necessarily mean she will be allergic to both. To be safe, because of the asthma, I would not get a dog.
2006-09-18 08:57:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most people that are allergic to cats are really allergic to dander, the dead skin under their fur. The great things about dogs is that they are generally easier to bathe, which minimizes the danders.
It will most likely be ok, but if you are set on getting a dog, try a test-drive first. Go to your local humane society and volunteer to be a pet foster family. You will be a short-term pet owner that way, and if it doesn't work out, the animal can be returned to the shelter. If it does, you can keep it or go get your jack russell after the foster dog gets adopted out.
Just make sure you tell your doctor your plans. That way, he can offer the best action plan if she does take a turn for the worse. Otherwise, good luck! Pets can be a joy, and have great health benefits, between the emotional (love) and the physical (walking them).
2006-09-18 09:02:09 · answer #2 · answered by ♥ Butterfly ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your daughter has a cat allergy it is a good possibility that she will be allergic to the dog. It is the dander of the animal that causes the reaction. A short haired dog such as a poodle would not do the same to her.
I am allergic to cats and dogs so these are the things that I have learned about my allergies and I had several poodles with no reaction. Also, make sure that these animals are indoors for the most part and it will help.
2006-09-18 08:58:16 · answer #3 · answered by rltouhe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have asthma and am allergic to cats but have no problems with my two dogs so why not see if you can get your daughter allergy tested at your local asthma clinic to be on the safe side. But NO cats fur and dog hair are not the same!
2006-09-19 03:17:48 · answer #4 · answered by widow_purple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its possible. However I would think its unlikely. As an asthmatic who owned horses for years and wheezed constantly around them, it was only when the doc suggested allergy testing that we discovered I was allergic to Saddle Soap! I had cats all through my childhood with no probs and have had a dog for 12 years and he doesnt make my asthma any worse. You'll find she has certain 'triggers' so Im afraid lovie it'll be a process of elimination. Have you tried introducing her for a short period of time to dogs and seeing if she wheezes?
thats about all you can do. Hopefully she'll grow out of it. And yes, that is a possibility if she's quite young now.
My best wishes to you. I hope it works out with the dog xx
2006-09-18 09:02:18 · answer #5 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cat fur and dog fur is different - cat fur tends to be much finer and can trigger allergic reactions much more easily. My friend is very allergic to cats but she is fine with our dog.
Get it checked out with the doc though - cant be too sure as it would be awful to get the dog and then have to send it away again!!
Good luck!
2006-09-18 08:59:02 · answer #6 · answered by smileyscribe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your daughter might indeed be allergic to the Dog. I would suggest that you have her tested by an Allergist to see if she is allergic to dogs and their dander. It is a simple and relatively inexpensive test and should give you an answer relatively quickly. If she is not allergic to dogs then you could get the dog and see how she does. If her allergies get worse, she could be in the process of becoming allergic to the dog. You should note whether she has her allergic symptoms made worse when she is around dogs. If she is fine with dogs, then you could try having a dog around the house and see how she does.
2006-09-18 08:58:44 · answer #7 · answered by bertojame 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly. Some people are only allergic to cats but a lot of asthmatics are allergic to all animal fur.
It would be best if you check it out before getting the dog.
2006-09-18 21:25:24 · answer #8 · answered by Catwhiskers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can ask your doctor to check if your daughter is allergic to dogs the same as to cats. As for the asthma - if I am not mistaken it doesnt matter if its dog, cat or dust, any of those can trigger an asthma attack unless you keep your house extremely clean - again it is probably best to discuss this with your doctor.
2006-09-22 00:03:53 · answer #9 · answered by soulsurfer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What she is most likely allergic to is pet dander
rather than the pet. Yes she would be allergic to
the dog as well. Purchase a dehumidifier and put
it in your home. You can also wipe the pet down with
a damp towel twice a day to remove pet dander. This should cut down on the allergic reactions. Discuss
this with her doctor. There might be other options
available.
2006-09-18 09:07:16 · answer #10 · answered by Precious Gem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋