Anyone own a dog with a person that is allergic in the house?

toneneuwin · 08-03-2008, 11:25 PM

I was wondering if anyone owns a dog and lives with someone in the same household that is allergic to the dog. If yes, how do you guys work it out so the dog doesn't bother that person. I know there are allergy medicines and stuff you can buy out there for humans, but those can only do so much. Sometimes they don't even do anything at all. I just adopted a puppy and had it for about 3 weeks, but my brother, who is on vacation, just called me and told me he's coming home in a few weeks and he heard I got a dog. He said he's allergic to dogs so I might have to return this puppy back to the animal shelter if we can't work anything out.

I've gotten really attached to it and it's going to be pretty hard because I did sign a contract to give the dog a "forever home". They also stated that if for some reason I can't keep or take care of the dog, I should return it to that same shelter.

RBark · 08-03-2008, 11:31 PM

I'm allergic to dogs.

Dyson Animal Vac helps a lot, daily vacuuming. Air purifiers. Clean the pup's sleeping area often.

toneneuwin · 08-03-2008, 11:42 PM

Wow, that vacuum is crazy expensive.

I have hardwood floor and tile inside my house. Since I am the only one in the house atm, I sweep/vacuum once a week. That might not be enough one my brother comes home. But I guess we will work something out. If he absolutely says no, I'm probably return the dog to the animal shelter.

This is technically my house, but he is going to make a big fuss about it with everyone else in the family. And that just ends up being a fat headache for everyone.

melgrj7 · 08-03-2008, 11:46 PM

I'm allergic to dogs, and cats. I have 2 of each. Brushing daily, giving them some omega supplements, daily vaccuming or sweeping, air purifiers and clariton work for me. Keeping the dog out of his bedroom at all times will help a lot too. If bedrooms are upstairs, keep the dog out of the upstairs entirely. Having a place to go that is allergn free actually helps to reduce allergic reactions. Also, give it 2-3 weeks for his body to get used to the dog. When we first got each of the animals I reacted pretty bad to them, but now I rarely have problems (usually only with the cats during shedding time).

Kathyy · 08-09-2008, 12:13 AM

I have slipcovers on the furniture, that helps.

Wash the dog often. *I* rinse my dogs weekly with no shampoo. *I* feel it preserves the coat oils which are much needed for my itchy old dog, but rinses out saliva, loose hair and dander that has built up over the week.

Mdawn · 08-09-2008, 01:16 AM

I'm allergic to cats and I have 3. I manage pretty well. I vacuum a lot and don't let them around my face. I usually wash my hands after I pet them, etc. Sometimes the allergy bothers me more than other times. Sometimes my face will start itching, eyes will itch, sneezing, etc. Sometimes, if I just take a shower I feel better. I think because it gets the cat hair and dander off of me for a bit. Also, having a room that they aren't allowed in helps. The cats rarely come into our computer room because that is where our dogs mostly hang out, so I have a "cat free" room to escape to if my allergies seem to be bothering me.

I hope your able to keep the dog. Personally, I wouldn't get rid of him or her...I'd make the brother deal with it or find somewhere else to live...

(I'm halfway joking...btw

)

jbray01 · 08-09-2008, 10:32 AM

i'm allergic to cats and dogs (weirdly enough have different reactions for each though...hmm)

i am just really careful, like after i touch my dog, i make sure to wash my hands, and i vacuum often. the dyson is great, but it is very espensive, so it just means you need to be a little more dillegent about it...

CalamityJane · 08-09-2008, 03:09 PM

Air purifiers. One is every room.

Vacuum or dustmop every day, and dust the air purifiers too. Just the outside part where the vents are.

Once a week open up the filters and clean the inside, vacuuming what's accumulated on the inside. I will vacuum the filters themselves, put them back in and just change them about every 2 or 3 months.

Keep every surface wiped down, and the floor swept. Air purifiers going. It helps a lot. It takes some time, but it helps a lot.