2007-02-10 15:16:11 · 18 answers · asked by David B 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
Some dogs are virtually hypo-allergenic, because they generate less dander and oil excretions than others. I think poodles are one of the main examples.
And yes, depending on how severe your allergy is you may build up a little bit of a tolerance. If you are severely allergic I wouldn't recommend getting a pet though...It will break your kids' hearts if you get a pet only to realize that the allergy makes you too sick to function! Good Luck!
2007-02-10 15:26:46 · answer #1 · answered by Monica 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Will I get use to the dog? No you will not, I would ask how long has it been since you were tested. Many people, (me included) for some reason out grow their allergy's. Dogs, Cats, and Cattle all use to deal me a fit, for 10 years I took 2 shots a week, by that time I had a job that required not being around any of the three. After 12 yrs I started being in their presence again. I was very concerned, even went and had test. Test showed I was not allergic, and I don``t believe I am but I still flinch every time a cat jumps on my lap.
Plan on taking shots or medication if you get a dog, but maybe you will be lucky. Get a short hair. Best you stay away from cats. You will have a lot more exposure. Also be careful the insect spray or powder you buy, and then test it before you put a liberal dose on your dog. I found that out the hard way.
You might consider having the children tested quite often it is an inherited problem.
2007-02-10 23:41:49 · answer #2 · answered by George O 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to go and see a Allergist, and it can be expensive. I'm getting shots right now and it takes a lot of time and commitment. I just reached maintenance level and I still go in 3 times a week for a shot in each arm. However; I'm allergic to things in the house and outside, dogs are one of the many and I want a dog, and some time it's hard for me to breath in the summer heat, and I ended up sick often all year around. I also understand these shots may not work. So before you get this dog and end up sick and your children are attached to the dog. I think it will be best that you get a professional opinion and testing. If you can't afford a dog explain to your children. Dogs love to be loved and they need love and attention. I'm sure they don't understand why you or anyone else can't pet them and give them the things they need. I wish you and your children the best, I hope some day to have a dog myself, but I have to wait and see. Good Luck!
2007-02-10 23:37:16 · answer #3 · answered by rainingonme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the more you're exposed to the allergen, the worse the allergy can become, and it can change. A doctor told me that a person can be allergic to one kind of dog or cat, and not to another! That could indicate a possible way to choose a breed, if you could pay attention and find the kind that doesn't bring out the problem.
With allergy shots, they say exposure once every five days can help build up a tolerance to a substance. Good luck!
2007-02-10 23:27:55 · answer #4 · answered by jelmar106 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may eventually. Depending on how allergic you are, you might be ok with allergy meds or shots. You should also look into a breed that doesn't shed a lot and is good for people with allergies. Poodles and shih tzu are good breeds. I'm supposedly allergic to dogs (got a 4 weal on my allergy test) but have no problem with the shih tzu.
Check out this website's "what's good/what's bad" for each breed and see if there's a breed you like that's recommended for allergy sufferers: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/index.html. You could also talk to a vet and see if they have any recommendations.
Good luck.
2007-02-10 23:26:21 · answer #5 · answered by Just Me Alone 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am also allergic to dogs & cats. There are what's called hypoallergenic breeds of dogs. Some of these are Poodles, Schnauzers,Yorkies, & Maltese to name a few. I wouldn't recommend any of these if there is even a slim chance the dog might not be an inside dog though. These breeds are not meant to be outside dogs. I am a retired dog groomer, & my allergist told me to get a new career, & get rid of my dogs (all poodles). I wound up with shots, which does help, a little. The reason the hypoallergenic dogs do not produce a reaction is that they do not produce "dander". Their hair grows like ours does. So consequently they require a lot of grooming.
2007-02-10 23:35:22 · answer #6 · answered by Foxy lady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you won't get used to it. Try to get a short hair dog, this will be better for you and make sure you brush it regularly and keep it bathed. Boxers are a most excellent short hair breed if you want more than a lap dog. They usually top out at 60-75# or so. They are great with kids and very loyal. Like I said, any short hair breed should suit you very well, but you might still need OTC remedies or DR rx if symptoms are more severe. Bless you for giving your children the gift of a pet. They will remember this through out their lives.
2007-02-10 23:25:35 · answer #7 · answered by biker_beeotch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you live in a place that is warm, and have a big garden, get an outdoor dog, and get kids to take care of their pet. Also, you might want to get tested specifically for allergy to dogs -- and the extent for flare ups. You might find that the allergic reaction is quite mild.
2007-02-10 23:50:55 · answer #8 · answered by Roger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to think about what breed your going to get, a lot of dogs can be found on yahoo pets and it will tell you if they are good to have around people who are allergic. You can get a dog it just has to be one of the breeds that is reccommended for people with allergies to dogs, or you could just get a chinese crested.
2007-02-10 23:24:24 · answer #9 · answered by Kenneth W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look into getting allergy shots. This will help you cope with the dog dander. Go see your doctor.
2007-02-10 23:19:27 · answer #10 · answered by purple_lily76 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋