Try switching to chicken or turkey based foods.
Here's a link to an excellent evaluation of kibble brands:
www.whole-dog-journal.com/food/whole-dog-journals-approved-dry-dog-food-list/
I would also be careful what you put on your hands before cuddling with your dog; lotions, essential oils, etc. can cause allergies in dogs
Allergies
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I remember that feeling well
Another thing to possibly look into, I don't know how old you are, but if you are young (I think under 25) he could look into the COBRA option. I did that until I was 25, which was 3 yrs ago. What you do, is you actually pay to go under your parents insurance. I did that with my dad, and payed about $150 a month, again this was several years ago. Its for people who are 25 or under, to help you because you aren't a dependent anymore, yet many people are still just out of college/looking for jobs, and can't get insurance. I payed that amount, then had the exact same coverage they had. Again, I don't know if this is an option for you, but I just thought I would share.
Eventually things will work out, but I know its a scary thing until you get settled…especially since its so expensive for insurance, yet its not like most younger people have that extra money to throw out for it!!! -
Also, Are you absolutely sure he is allergic to the dog? I know you got your puppy recently, but seasons are changing, especially I would imagine with you living in FL, where there is warm weather. Are you sure there is nothing else in his environment that could be causing the allergic reaction?
Again, good luck Keep us informed as to how things go! -
We don't think it could be anything else because he is fine when he is away from our apartment for a while. For example, when he is at work during the day his allergies go away. They don't really come back until about 30 or so minutes after being back at our place.
He's been tested before by an allergist (although while he was a kid) for an allergy to pet dander & so it is a confirmed allergy. I just wish we could find some way to at least minimize his symptoms since they have been so bad lately. I am going to try some of the techniques already mentioned & I guess hope for the best…
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Any update to the allergy problem?
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Not yet. His allergies were the worst ever the other day when I posted this. They have calmed down so he isn't sneezing every 2 seconds like the other day. Not sure why the other day he was so affected but it's been better. I'm going to buy a HEPA air purifier tomorrow, we have officially switched Dallas over to Merrick's to help with his dry skin [which he LOVES by the way], Mark's taking Allegra daily now , & I plan on buying the allergen wipes tomorrow too . So we'll see how much it improves. I really think he'll get better with time since the body is very adaptable to things like this. But only time will tell…
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well Nina, you can always send Dallas here lol, Mia would love it (lol, ok maybe not) or you can send Mark here which ever you feel you would have to part with
lol -
Not yet. His allergies were the worst ever the other day when I posted this. They have calmed down so he isn't sneezing every 2 seconds like the other day. Not sure why the other day he was so affected but it's been better. I'm going to buy a HEPA air purifier tomorrow, we have officially switched Dallas over to Merrick's to help with his dry skin [which he LOVES by the way], Mark's taking Allegra daily now _, & I plan on buying the allergen wipes tomorrow too _. So we'll see how much it improves. I really think he'll get better with time since the body is very adaptable to things like this. But only time will tell…
You might also consider use 3V caps for Dallas to help with the dry skin here is a link. http://www.3vcaps.com
I have used this, especially when after my bitches would whelp and would really blow coat…..__ -
I am actually going to a pet sciality store today [not the one I normally go to] to see if they have the fish oil in a pump like I know Michelle uses. If not then those pills look good & so I'll probably buy some
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I am actually going to a pet sciality store today [not the one I normally go to] to see if they have the fish oil in a pump like I know Michelle uses. If not then those pills look good & so I'll probably buy some
The 3V also comes in a pump… and you can search for places on the internet for the best price...
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Very true. I found a place online for $11. I'll see how expensive it is with shipping v. the local pet store [if they even carry it]
Thanks for the tip! I'm sure him having dry skin is not helping with Mark's allergies one bit considering dander is dead skin which comes off more when their skin is dry. Duh! LOL -
Very true. I found a place online for $11. I'll see how expensive it is with shipping v. the local pet store [if they even carry it]
Thanks for the tip! I'm sure him having dry skin is not helping with Mark's allergies one bit considering dander is dead skin which comes off more when their skin is dry. Duh! LOLI have never found them in pet stores, at least not in California… so usually you can find places on line that do not charge sales tax, so the shipping turns out to be a trade off..
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quick question, tanza. How is dry skin related to blowing coat?? You said you give the 3V for when your bitches shed alot, and Nina's getting it for Dallas' dry skin. Is a heavy shed a symptom of dry skin? I wonder if our humidifier helps with that at all…
Also, Nina: Does Mark consistently wash his hands after touching the dog? That has helped me with my cat allergy. And when I'm home on Maui they're not allowed in my room. -
quick question, tanza. How is dry skin related to blowing coat?? You said you give the 3V for when your bitches shed alot, and Nina's getting it for Dallas' dry skin. Is a heavy shed a symptom of dry skin? I wonder if our humidifier helps with that at all…
Also, Nina: Does Mark consistently wash his hands after touching the dog? That has helped me with my cat allergy. And when I'm home on Maui they're not allowed in my room.It is not a symptom of a heavy shed (dry skin), the blowing of coat after whelping a litter is usually due to hormons, but the skin can become drier and more "flakly" when shedding. Spayed bitches have hormon changes too and I have always found that spayed and/or neutered will have a heavier shed then in-tact at least every couple of years. The 3V caps are just a good skin supplement.
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Dallas doesn't shed I just can see his dry skin in his ears & if I part some of his fur away. He scratches his & I can actually see the skin flaking off sometimes, although not always.
And yea we have germ-x all over the house & so not only does he wash his hands after playing with Dallas but he always is using germ-x after doing anything at all, including just sitting on the sofa. We did talk about not allowing Dallas into our bedroom but Mark doesn't like the idea since we do plan on allowing him to sleep in bed with us after he's housetrained since he spends his days in the crate & we don't want him crated during the day & at night. I am getting a purifier for our main living space & a second one for the bedroom
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Puppies will typical shed their baby coats… so if Dallas is not yet, he will be at about 10 months or so...
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Not yet. His allergies were the worst ever the other day when I posted this. They have calmed down so he isn't sneezing every 2 seconds like the other day. Not sure why the other day he was so affected but it's been better. I'm going to buy a HEPA air purifier tomorrow, we have officially switched Dallas over to Merrick's to help with his dry skin [which he LOVES by the way], Mark's taking Allegra daily now , & I plan on buying the allergen wipes tomorrow too . So we'll see how much it improves. I really think he'll get better with time since the body is very adaptable to things like this. But only time will tell…
Zyrtec is also available OTC. Lots of people have great results with that one! -
Yea he tried that before it was OTC & didn't have any results…maybe if the allegra doesnt work we can try it again. So amy pills to choose but so little money...lol
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Yea he tried that before it was OTC & didn't have any results…maybe if the allegra doesnt work we can try it again. So amy pills to choose but so little money...lol
Darn. Sadly, it's true…so expensive. :eek:
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I read this in an allergy article the other day - people said it really helped them and it's holistic (Drugstore.com has reviews of this product so you can see what people have to say about it).
bioAllers Animal Hair & Dander Allergy Relief, Liquid 1 fl oz (30 ml)
They sell it at Drugstore.com
Hope it helps!!! Take Care
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I have some pretty severe dander allergies to dogs….like tanza, I hate it when people advertise a dog as being "hypo-allergenic" it really is unfair advertising.....next thing you know, you are working at Barnes and Noble with moderate to severe dander allergies and some Paris Hilton wannabe comes in with her little Chihuahua in a purse and when I tell her I won't help her until she leaves the dog outside, she throws a little hissy fit about how her dog is hypo-allergenic and what is my problem, but I digress....
That is not your fault that this era of designer dogs has led into false advertising. I too thought that certain dogs were hypo-allergenic when I started looking. MANY MANY KUDOS to you for looking for a solution to manage the allergies.
I have found that my allergies lessen over time as I get used to a dog (or cat's) dander. ie- I go out of town for a while and come back, my allergies to Jack are worse because my body is less used to combating the dander. In the meantime, the pills work (but they are pricey). I have taken FloNase as well, which is a nasal steriod (think turning your nose into Barry Bonds- knocking that dander right out of the park). Zyrtec makes me drowsy, but you can find store versions of claritin and alavert OTC at walgreens or CVS which are less expensive than the name brands.
How is it going, though- have you found anything that helps?
