After five years of whining that I really needed to get a dog; I just (2 wks ago) got one from a 'rescue' center. He is a poodle-mix, sweet, neutered, immunized, house trained, crate trained, adorable. The problem? After petting, brushing, or even if he sleeps nearby - and I haven't let him in our bed - my eyes and throat grow signifiantly drier (throat gets tighter). In the past, I have not been prone to allergies. I The other problem is my severe 'flare' days. I thought I could cuddle him and it would help, but it is not working. :( Anyone have a problem with pets (since dx'd with sjo)? If I am going to give him up, it needs to be soooooon. Each day gets harder and I feel so guilty. Thanks for listening
Hi P.Trish,
I understand your desire for a dog. I have 2 long haired dachshunds that keep me company. I am allergic to dogs, but since I have other allergies, I just take some allergy meds.
Have you given him a really good bath with dog shampoo?
I have not found that being around them make my sjogrens worse. Thank goodness. I think they keep me calm and happy.
I though that allergies make your eyes and nose more watery, itchy. But maybe you are allergic. I don't know. It also doesn't mean that your allergic to all dogs either.
I agree with you that the longer you keep your dog the harder it will be to give him up.
Good luck with your decision.
For me, the hard work associated with having a dog & 2 cats is worth the effort. On my sicker days, they give me a huge reason to get up & moving as my husband doesn't do pet care:) My dog gets me out to walk twice a day. This being said, if it feels stressful to you, or makes your symptoms worse, it probably is not in your best interest. Agree that making your decision quickly is for the best----just give yourself a little time to think it through.
In Milwaukee, our shelters are no-kill & pets are quickly adopted. Am sure your dog will find a new home if you find you must give him up.
I have severe Sjs and have never had any issue with having my dogs with me at all. I've had up to 4 at a time and all different breeds.
Personally don't think the symptoms you are describing (having an allergic reaction to your new dog) is Sjs related myself, but sorry to hear that you are having problems. If you've never had pet allergies before, you may want to try and eliminate other potential causes before giving the dog back. Also, maybe try to bathe the dog with a hypoallergenic dog shampoo that is guaranteed to reduce animal allergens and change his collar.
Good luck and I hope this has a happy ending for all concerned.
Daisy
Hi Trish,
I have a long hair cat and she gets a bath every 3-4 months as a regular routine (she hates it and its always battle but so worth it), and more if she gets into things like knocking over the powders and such.
Even though she's long haired, her hair is so silky and does not matt much, very odd as I don't have to brush it very often. She is really good company, a lot of fun to watch when she's playing, and quiet as all get out even with bells on her collar.
Like Doxie mentioned, can you give the pup a bath in good shampoo or have him done professionally? There are a lot of shampoos to choose from including no scent varieties available.
Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.
Take care of yourself -
Patze
Everyone is different. I have 5 cats myself and have had cats off and on since I was a kid. AND no I am not a weird cat lady. I work full time and have a social life. ::)
Mine are a comfort to me and help me take my mind off things. Sometimes I think there are better than people. They accept me as I am. AND as I tell my friends jokingly - they are a lot cheaper than Prozac and a phychiatrist. LOL ;D
Thanks - I've been bathing him - probably too much :). A vet assistant just me about a tablet that can be put into a dog's food to help eliminate dander. I'll keep trying
hi P. trish
Sorry your having these symtoms. I sure hope it is not your new dog and it works out.
I have a 4 year old toy rat terrier. he is alot of work at times but I need him. he helps me cope with it all. I am lucky he likes to snuggle on the couch in the sunroom with me because I do alot of that this time of year. some terriers can be "terrors" but not mine.
good luck with your pooch.
eye2dry
My wife and I had Westies for decades. As my Sjogren's was developing, I became allergic to dogs. When our last Westie died we did a good cleaning and my allergies let up. When we puppy sit our daughters Beagle, my allergies come back.
I have a Multese and she is hypo allergenic. She doesn't have dog
hair and she doesn't shed. She sleeps with me as my husband is
on night shift. She is a cuddle bug and wants to sit on you all the time.
I am sorry you are havi g problems with your little one.
Good luck
Love and prayers, harlin
Poodles are supposed to be hypoallergenic but poodle mixes can go either way depending on how the genes split up. I'm sorry you're reacting to your pup.
I have a Golden x Poodle and a friend of ours who reacts to dogs (but not cats!) started swelling up when she came to visit.
Thanks everyone - I am having a hard time making this decision. My best friend - who lives nearby - is willing to take the dog. I really am insane - I change my mind every 12 hrs. - poor dog (not to mention my husband :)
Try a couple of Antihistamine per day.
As a Vet Tech myself, I would like to ask the name of the pill you were given to lower the dander. Also excessive bathing creates dry skin and strips skin of essential oils. And dry skin flakes and that is dander. I may have some possible tips for you but please fill me in a bit more; your symptoms exactly, routine w/ dog and name of pill and any other pertinent info. Also, some folks are allergic to the saliva as well.
I will do my best!
Jodie
Well, only allergy tests will let you know for sure.
There are dogs that don't cause allergies, but not easy to get as a rescue for sure.
I have two cats, and they are my lifeline to serenity in many ways.
It would be heartbreaking to be allergic (tho' I'm sure I'm mildly allergic to them).
We have a grandpuppy (beagle) and he isn't a problem (except for the cats of course, when he visits).
I'd like a dog, and plan to try for a Havanese, they have long hair but don't shed and don't cause allergies.
However, they are expensive, so it will be a few years before our cash flow allows for the purchase.
I'll get a puppy so the cats will have half a chance to decide to accept the dog or not.
As I key this in, my Maine Coon Cat, Mia, is sitting on the footstool just staring at me. She'd like to jump on my lap but there isn't room.
Keep us posted
Hugs
Elaine
I am probably allergic to my 4 dogs, and one big white cat, but they aren't going anywhere, and neither am I. lol......
susanep :)
Thanks to all of you for your canine advice. I've decided to keep McBain (my dog)!
I am glad you kept your dog, or decided to do so. I read all the previous posts and it seems almost everyone with a pet would not part with it. I don't think you have given it enough time to get used to the routine, potty, walk etc. My daughter is single and had two cats and they both died a year ago. They were from the same litter and one lived to 19 and the other 20. She was devestated.
After awhile, she got a puppy and this puppy has done so much for her. She is recently on disability and I think the company of the dog and the routine is good for her. It gives her something to think about besides herself. Without kids, she has not much to occupy her time. She brings the grandpup over and she makes a mess of my house. We have to take everything up off the floor. We totally love her to bring the dog over. Gramp is especially loved by the dog. The dog runs into the house, straight to the recliner and ends up on my hubby's head and shoulders.. So, even though we don't have a dog, I think they do wonderful things. Lucy
Lucy, your advice was identical to what my son said about giving the dog (and me) enough time to get into a routine. He is a CHP Canine Officer. Even though his dog is not your typical 'house pet', the advice is the same.