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Hi all----
So I'm a middle-aged guy recently dating a woman who has two German Shepherd mixes..about two or three years old each...no idea of what breeds the dogs are mixed with. Two friendly dogs, but they shed. And the dander is working on my allergies bigtime.
I'm also putting this out there: I am not a dog person at all. I like dogs (and always enjoy meeting them) but She is a serious dog owner with the mindset, vehicle for maximum dog hauling, etc.
***I have now started "sleeping over" at her place (woohoo!), in fact, I stay there most nights now.
***dogs sleep on the floor around the house and in the bedroom sometimes but don't sleep on the bed. Though they get on the bed every chance they get otherwise, though we're both policing it when present. When we are at work the bed is open season I'm sure.
***I have had cats in the past, and have been around other dogs before in previous relationships. What has worked for me in the past is a bath towel on the pillowcase which I sleep on at night, and then after I wake up I put the towel and the pillow on the dresser and get it off of the bed.
***dogs have warmed up to me, and petting ensues, etc...hand washing and clothes washing questions I now have also.
*** I'm thinking allergy meds? If so, which ones to do (or not do). We are both high school teachers and I need to be alert throughout the day.
***I have no other allergies at all, so I know the tell-tale signs of this. back of my throat closing up, sinuses at the top of my throat by my uvula burning, voice hoarse, coughing, etc.
We both fell hard for each other and I will do whatever I can to make it work....anything....but I know I'm totally clueless on this. But I hate these allergies and what it's doing to me.
Any thoughts/comments/advice/links would work wonders (just on the allergy part of things, not on the psychosocial/training/romance part of things)---much appreciated and thanks.
There is an allergy shot for dog allergy. You might try that.
Believe me, your partner will give you up before she gives up her dogs and she will not consent to spend the rest of her life without any dogs. "No dogs" is not a solution.
Some of the newer allergy medications re non-drowsy and they work better than the ones that put you into nap time. I buy mine s generics at Costco and they are darn cheap.
You could see an allergist for recommendations, if you are seriously wanting to stay with this woman.
I'm going to add this for the persons who recommend that she gives up her dogs. Asking a partner to never wear read shirts again is probably do-able. People can find shirts that aren't red that they still like to wear. But asking a person to give up their dogs is asking them to change who they are. It would be a major change to their basic personality, and that huge of a change probably isn't going to happen and it if does, it would damage the relationship.
You both may also consider blocking the dogs from the bedroom during the day (we use a baby gate) to help minimize the dander in the bedroom. You might also consider an air purifier in the main rooms.
There are a lot of ways to minimize dander in the house (removing carpeting, rigorous cleaning schedule, etc) but that is likely something that will need to be discussed before becoming "permanent".
Allergen machine.
Ion machine.
Monthly allergen shots.
The dog owner can also be proactive with the pets dander shedding.
Certain vet prescribed shampoos can condition the dogs skin to lower the dander components. Ask this lovely lady if that is an option.
My preference has been in the allergen machine- HEPA filter .
I'm going to add this for the persons who recommend that she gives up her dogs. Asking a partner to never wear read shirts again is probably do-able. People can find shirts that aren't red that they still like to wear. But asking a person to give up their dogs is asking them to change who they are. It would be a major change to their basic personality, and that huge of a change probably isn't going to happen and it if does, it would damage the relationship.
Quote:
Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke
There is an allergy shot for dog allergy. You might try that.
Believe me, your partner will give you up before she gives up her dogs and she will not consent to spend the rest of her life without any dogs. "No dogs" is not a solution.
OP here:
Missed the part where I asked that or would even consider that, and I was only asking about allergies as I said in my post.
Thanks! Allergy advice only please.
The allergy shot is indeed a great idea. What is the name of the med....does anyone know?
Closing the bedroom door as someone stated during the day is not easy (one dog is so smart he turns the handle and walks in anyway) but looking at another latch is certainly doable.
I take the generic Claritin from Costco every night, that may be the one being referred to, it doesn't make me groggy. I have dogs and am not allergic to them (plenty of other things) but Huskies and German Shepards can sometimes give me an allergy attack. My neighbor has a GSD and she gives her a supplement to help lessen the shedding, that may be something to look into as well as a good grooming every month or so to help lessen the fur and dander.
OP here:
Missed the part where I asked that or would even consider that, and I was only asking about allergies as I said in my post.
Thanks! Allergy advice only please.
The allergy shot is indeed a great idea. What is the name of the med....does anyone know?
Closing the bedroom door as someone stated during the day is not easy (one dog is so smart he turns the handle and walks in anyway) but looking at another latch is certainly doable.
You will need to go to the allergist and get a full allergy test before they can recommend shots. FWIW, my sister thought she had a cat allergy as she would go over to her in laws’ house when they had the cat and immediately started having allergies. When she had the test, she was not allergic, so it was likely related to something the cat had been getting into (like going into dusty areas). In that type of situation with a dog, you can more easily handle the issue by doing some more rigorous cleaning via a robot vac or the like and also doing more deshedding and bathing with products that will help with that.
First thing to try is probably taking medications like Allegra or Zyrtec to see if that helps. If she can’t keep the dog off the bed when she isn’t there, another option is to get a quilt or some cover that is over the entire bed (including pillows) that you can take off at night/put outside the room and replace with a blanket.
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