I am allergic to cats, but I grew up with a dog from ages 17-30, when we had to put her to sleep. I am 34 now

Question

and married, no kids yet, but my wife and I were thinking about getting a dog. I say that I am not allergic to dogs, but then again, I wasn't allergic to my dog that I had growing up. Would that correspond to all or most dogs too? I know I'm allergic to all cats, because I've never been around a cat that I haven't sneezed or gotten an allergic reaction to. Instead of going to the pound and getting a dog, etc, should I first go to an allergist to see if I'm allergic to dogs too?

Oh yeah, the dog I had growing up was a mutt, half springer/half lab

Yes, having severe allergic reactions would probably mean bringing the pet back to the shelter. I can't live with a pet i'm allergic too, by the way, I also have asthma

Answer 1

Allergies can come and go throughout our lives. Excessive exposure to some allergens can trigger allergic reactions that may have stayed unnoticed otherwise.

Even if you were allergic (or not) as a child, it does not say that you will be (or not) as you get older.

Some people have stronger reactions to some dogs while not to others leading to the idea of hypoallergenic breeds. Allergic reactions may also be a result of the concentration of allergens in the environment. Houses with hardwood or tile flooring versus carpeting, blinds versus drapes and good air filtration can reduce the number of allergens in the air and help keep down reactions.

Dogs with thick, double coats and big dogs with lots of surface area can bring out allergic reactions whereas small dogs with short hair or non-shedding hair might not. Dogs that are bathed regularly also help reduce allergens.

You may not have a reaction until you get a concentration of dog in close quarters. You might want to foster a dog or dogs for the humane society or a rescue group to see if it is a problem.

If you decide to get a dog then you can minimize the risk especially in the bedroom.

Answer 2

I know that people with mild allergies, when living with pets they are allergic to, can actually develop and immunity during the time they live with that animal. My sister is such a case as she had cat allergies, but also had cats. She got regular allergy shots in the beginning and eventually weaned herself off from them, and then had no issues with allergies still. It is now years later, her cats have since gone and she never got another. Now, when she is here around my cat, her allergies pop up and show themselves. Having gone some time without living with cats, she has now had her allergies resurface.

I would definitely go to an allergist if you suspect you might be allergic at all. Best to know before bringing a dog home you might later find out you can't live with. Have you been around other dogs much? Pet them, then touched your face, rubbed your eyes, and had any kind of a reaction. If you have done this, with no problems, it is likely that you probably are not allergic, or that the allergy could be so mild that it's not issue enuf to be concerned over.

Good for you for thinking about this sort of thing before taking in a dog. Far too many don't ever give this stuff any kind of thought, and those poor dogs get surrendered instead.

Answer 3

There is a way you can solve that problem with out going to all the expense of going to a professional.

If you have friends or family that have dogs start hanging around them more often and try petting or playing with their dogs a little, then if you have no reactions then you will know if you are allergic to other dogs or not

I have a sister who is allergic to cats to, but she is not allergis to dogs.

just give it a try before you spend all that money on an allergist

Answer 4

Cat allergies are extremely common but do not necessarily mean dog allergies. I would say to either do the allergist route, or take your wife and make a trip to the animal shelter to visit with the dogs- should be obvious fairly quickly if you are sensitive to the dander or hair of dogs. If every thing is fine after spending an hour or two there, then you can proceed with researching just what type of dog you want. I personally couldn't do the "bring it home for a day" thing, as I get attached to pets very quickly.

Answer 5

If having an allergic reaction would mean relinquishing the dog, then yes - go to an allergist first. Also, you may want to think about your future children also being allergic. Too many dogs are relinquished to shelters due to allergies (among a host of other reasons). Thank you for having the forethought, as many others obviously don't.

Answer 6

If you are allergic to the dog, that should be obvious in the first hours you spend with him. So just take the dog for a day and see how it goes.
However, I know many people who are VERY allergic to cats and not at all allergic to dogs, and since you were not allergic to your dog, I would not expect you to be allergic to any dog - but it's better to check.

Answer 7

I don't think you will have a problem. My father, my brothers and I are all allergic to cats, but none of us are allergic to dogs. It is possible to be allergic to one and not the other. And since you have lived with a dog for many years, I don't htink you are allergic to dogs.

If you are in any doubt, bust spend a little time with the dog you plan to adopt. Play with it at the kennel or breeder, and then you'll know if you are allergic.

Answer 8

i to have an allergy to some short haired cats and some dog...and have 2 short haired cats and 2 lab mutts...lol its not a bad one..the cats not allowed in my face.or at the head of my bed. the dogs don't bug me.

I might if i where u all breeds let off a differ dander. i don't mine the furry ones labs shepherd etc. but boxers fur and dobbies drive me nuts i get a rash. pretty much short haired dogs.

but it would be a good idea so u don't get attached and have to turn the dog back.

and the shelter or a rescue is a great idea!
petfinder.com =)

Answer 9

You should be fine. I suggest a lab if you think you are going to have children, or are planning in the near future. Female lab. Extremely patient with babies, and toddlers. You dont need to bother going to an allergist. If you werent allergic back then, you wont be now.

Answer 10

I am severely allergic to cats also, but I have no problems whatsoever with dogs. Try getting a short haired breed just to be on the safe side. My step-daughter is allergic to my mother's retriever but she is not allergic to our boxer. I think it has something to do with the longer hair.