Sad about dog allergy

Pebbles82 · 07-22-2021, 01:23 PM

Just posting this to share. One thing I've always loved about having hamsters (one of the many things) is not being allergic to them. I am allergic to dogs and cats - although it seems to vary how badly depending on the type of dog or cat or how long you're in someone's house.

I gave into the idea of getting a low allergenic dog because stepson desperately wanted one. And it was a hearbreaking experience. It was a tiny breed (poodle) and supposed to be much less allergenic than most dogs - I thought I might get by with skin rashes and a bit of sneezing and manage - but I had severe asthma within 24 hours and ended up in a real state and on a lot of medication. So we couldn't keep the puppy. Even after just a few days you bond and it feels like a huge loss. I absolutely fell in love with the little thing - we all did.

We are so sad about it. And even if you were the wealthiest person in the world there is no solution. There is still no cure for dog allergy.

We would absolutely love to have a dog - stepson in particular - something to take for walks, run about with and train etc.

So - that is the end of the line with dogs for us. I've had a low allergenic breed before a long time ago which I tolerated with medication. The one we got was supposed to be even less allergenic - but things change over time - these allergies can become worse.

So to anyone who has a dog. Enjoy! It is a real gift. Our hamsters are wonderful too but we did want a family dog.

Now trying to think what alternative pet we can get for stepson - he's a teenager and really not interested in hamsters any more. Those are mine

Amethyst_ice · 07-22-2021, 02:09 PM

I'm sorry to hear that

I'm currently undergoing allergy testign and I came back high for dog! Which is suprising given Ive been around dogs fine all my life!

Allergies do change I agree, have you considered going to your GP to see if they have any suggestions on medications? Perhaps visiting different breeds when things open up a bit more may be an option?

It's awful when allergies stop you enjoyign something you love..on a lesser level I can't have red wine or oranges, I swell up!

Hugs x

Ria P · 07-22-2021, 02:47 PM

That is so sad for everyone involved.

How about a bearded dragon or a leopard gecko?

Pebbles82 · 07-22-2021, 03:01 PM

Thank you. Nope I think there is no dog I won't be allergic to now. I think lizards are a good option for stepson (doesn't appeal to me much and I'll probably end up looking after it a lot!). I did wonder about chinchillas but they are nocturnal as well. What is interesting (and miserable) I find is different dog breeds create different kinds of allergic reactions. Dogs with smooth coats that moult a lot - like labradors etc - trigger very bad asthma I know that. Terrier types don't trigger asthma but I get terrible skin problems - just touching one or being licked by one. I expected skin problems with a poodle but not severe asthma.

I am wondering about an outdoor cat. We could do with one - the rabbits keep eating everything in the garden since next door lost their cat. But really stepson wants an indoor pet to cuddle and do things with.

sushi_78 · 07-22-2021, 03:18 PM

It is very difficult. We can't have a cat for similar reasons, even though we'd all love one.

What about rats? Some people say they're like little dogs in that you can train them and they can be very affectionate. Degus are quite similar in care to chinchillas but they're active in the day. They're also less sensitive than chinchillas, which need a lot of specialist care (an air conditioned room is essential, for example, as they're so sensitive to heat). They tend to be a bit more aloof with people than rats though.

Birds can be quite interactive as well (also very noisy!) Some, like cockatiels, shed a lot of dander and dust though which can aggravate allergies.

Pebbles82 · 07-22-2021, 03:41 PM

I would quite happily have rats but OH absolutely refuses lol. He literally has a phobia of rats. I keep telling him pet rats are different but .... I think birds would be an issue too - testing was positive to feathers.

LunaTheHamster1 · 07-22-2021, 04:23 PM

So sorry to hear this, I love dogs, If I was allergic I would be so upset.
What about guinea pigs?

Pebbles82 · 07-23-2021, 03:27 AM

I did wonder about guinea pigs. I know it wouldn’t be stepsons preference but he might like it. I think he’s just of an age where he wants a one to one pet of his own.

Yes it seems horribly unfair to anyone to be so badly allergic to dogs (and for the rest of their family!). Although there are people who don’t even like dogs and aren’t allergic - strange world sometimes.

Ria P · 07-23-2021, 03:54 AM

How about skinny pigs?

Coco61 · 07-23-2021, 05:20 AM

So very sorry about the puppy. You must have done a lot of research and preparation and it does seem so unfair when such a loving home was available for the puppy.
We had a chinchilla for a few years as my daughter wanted one for an 18th birthday present. It turned out to be harder to take care of because taming was almost impossible and exercise was vital. They are also more fragile than expected.
Love guinea pigs and know more now about appropriate care and size of housing than when we had one for the children. Also you should not keep just the one.
Tough to know what would be the ideal pet for him.