I Think My Sons Are Allergic to Dogs and My Inlaws Have One...

Testing is definitely a good idea...But any allergist will also tell you that a child's reaction is the utlimate test, even if a test comes back negative. Try checking their reactions when exposed to dogs in other settings, even if an allergy test comes back negative. If it's positive, or if you've otherwise determined that they're allergic to dogs some otherway, there are a few things you can do.

Allergy to dogs is an allergy to their dander, and there are ways to minimize exposure to their dander. My son was allergic to dogs and this seemed to eliminate all reactions (although our dogs were already low dander dogs to begin with).

1) Keep the air filters throughout the house changed regularly (i think the standard is monthly, but not sure about that--my husband changes them). Also use the ones that are good for allergies.

2) there is something called AllerPet that we used whenever the dogs got groomed. It's topical and goes on their coat and inhibits pet dander.

3) have the dogs groomed frequently (if that's a possibility). We changed their schedule from every 3 weeks to every 2 weeks, with only baths every other time (and provided the Groomer with the AllerPet to apply every time)

4) Have a good air filter in the room they sleep in when the dogs are around (or other room they might spend a lot of time in). Not those fufu ionic ones. You need one with a fan. I love ours. Let me know if you'd like for me to check the model, etc. for you. I did a ton of reasearch before i bought it and it was worth it.

5) do not allow the dogs in the room where the children will sleep.

hope this helps!

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Another option is NAET treatments. Dr. Steve Homoky is great at this. ###-###-####.

Hi A.,
You have gotten lots of good advice. It may very well be the dogs, but have you ruled out seasonal allergies too? The months you mentioned are the only time of year a lot of people have allergies. In regard to the dog... Tell your in-laws your concerns and ask them to vacuum very well before you come. Furniture too. If the dog can stay out while you are there even better.

I sell vitamins and minerals and have learned a lot about what the different ones do. One of things you can do for your kids is build their immunities. That is a great way to fight allergies. There are three products I can think of off the top of my head that might help. Alfalfa (a natural antihistimine) tablets (can be ground up for kids), protein shakes and probiotics.

Also, I have heard that Whole Foods sells drops that can help. You could check that out. I think you could just give your kids a few drops before your visit. Just read the label because I only know adults who have tried this.

Good Luck!

I personally would just pop a Claritin in their mouths when they get up if they're going to see Gramma.

The dog is a inside dog? If so ask them to keep him out while they are there. And have them wash their hands and face a lot. I am allegic to dogs and cats and it is awful. Good luck, you could ask your dr maybe he will have a different suggestion.

A.,
Another thing you can do in addition to the things suggested by others is to buy a Neti pot or Rinse bottle. This is a product you can buy over the counter. You buy small packets of a salt based powder and mix it with cooled boiled water and rinse away the allergens before bedtime. It can be used in the morning also and during the day.
Rinsing the allergens away, out of the nasal membranes, keeps them from irritating the tissue and causing it to swell. Using an air filter in the room helps remove the allergens from the air. Vacuuming the room (needs to be done earlier in the day, not at bedtime. Run the air filter after vacuuming) helps remove the (loose) allergens from the carpet. Keeping the dog out of the room with the door closed keeps the allergens from settling in the carpet.
It all helps and it might mean you can skip the meds.

Good luck!

Oh! the rinse bottle I use is from NeilMed company. I get their sinus rinse packets also - 100 in a box. My friend uses a Neti pot with her kids and thinks it's easier than the rinse bottle with kids. Look into it. It might help avoid taking meds.

Hi A., my nephew is allergic to our dog. He was tested by an allergist to make sure. Although he didn't test positive for dogs in general, the allergist told my sister that he is probably just allergic to my dog's breed. Anyway, she just gives him some OTC Zyrtec and he's fine. He seems to be doing much better the older he gets and needs the Zyrtec less now. He's 4

Our natural health doc gives us homeopathics to take when allergies strike. He is a great guy and does an awesome job! His name is Brian Hickey, D.C. His number is ###-###-####. Tell him S. Rosson sent you. We have gone to him for years now and would not go anywhere else.

I haven't read the rest of the responses but here are some things that have worked for my family. Try to coach the kids not to touch the dog if possible and not to let the dog lick them. I know that may be tough, but . . .
Tell them to wash their hands frequently and give them a SHOWER as soon as they get home. If they take a bath they'll just be swimming around in the dander and fur - use a shower and wash their faces really well. I have had good results with Zyrtec Children's Liquid - now OTC.

L.

Not sure if anyone had mentioned this or not. Little Remedies sells a product for allergies that is a cream you rub on their noses and just below on the upper lip. It seems odd but it helps my son with his seasonal allergies. It's not medicated but some kind of blocker, you find it in the cold medicine aisle at Walgreen's - this is the only place I've seen it around our house. It can be reapplied every 4-6 hours and after washing a face. I prefer giving him this over Claritin but if he get's really bad I'll give him a Claratin.

Hello A.,

Get them tested. and if they're allergic... no exposure is the best. could it be anything else? smoke, dust, mold? do they keep plants indoor, etc? well, I know that your sixth-sense/mommy-radar is telling you it's the dog. Most likely IT IS the dog. before you say anything to your in-laws... get them completely tested. Good luck! ~C.~

It does sound like allergies. One all natural way to lessen the severity is have the dog bathed. Getting the dander off is key. Unfortunately with allergies, controlling them is only obtained with medications. I'd have your kids tested if it's severe. However, if it's only when the dog is visiting, you can wash the dog and get an over-the-counter medication like Benedryl for kids. Have them start taking it a few days before the dogs arrival to get it in their system. Good luck!

I would give them benadryl right before your visit...

A. J