Toddler Allergies

My son suffers from the same along with a long list of others. He was tested at 3 months of age and is now 16 months. Our allergist suggested a number of things that seemed to help tremendously. First off we had our home air duct system professionally cleaned, bought air purifiers, and did a thorough cleaning (couches, drapes/blinds, walls, and floors) to rid our home of any dander. Stuffed toys had to go and other toys were cleaned and put in plastic totes with lids (this was good for organization as well!) I have learned that it does get better as long as you know how to control and prevent the reactions. We are on Zyrtec 2 times per day and it seems to work wonders, especially when we visit other homes with dogs, yet he is still not allowed to touch any dogs due to his reactions.

K.,

Here's some (maybe) good news. My daughter is very allergic to dogs and so am I. We have a dog. I've had dogs all my life, but many of them lived outside primarily or in other parts of the house. Well I bought our Shih Tzu 9 years ago, unaware of my allergy. I had my daughter 4 1/2 years ago and while she was a year, she was tested for food allergies because she had two known ones and environmentals. Well dogs came back and high. We have hardwood floors and the dog is never allowed in her bedroom or the playroom. She has never exhibited any symptoms with our dog (Nor have I). However, with other dogs she has. Our allergist says that it is fairly common for a person NOT to react to their own dog. So there is the good news. Other options are allergy shots and or prescription medication. Good luck.

if its just dog dandruff he is allergic to, try a animal that does not shed. Or if its hair you can invest in a dyson animal vacuum they are not cheap but well worth every penney you pay for it. I have one that sheds an one that does not spencer is the one that sheds an he does all year round an the dyson really sucks up the hair out of carpets.

Hi K.,

What did your doctor say about the dog? The reason I ask, is we had a cat for several years. My daughter (then 9 years old, now 14) and I both were tested and found out we were both allergic to cats. Our doc said that since apparently he did NOT seem to bother us he didn't recommend we get rid of him but not to replace him when he passed away. I will also tell you that we are around cats frequently and only once in the last 5 years have I had a reaction.
Also one of my brothers (now in his 40's) was born with allergies that he did out-grow. But as a nurse I can tell you that is not always the case and they sometimes can get worse.
At least he isn't allergic to foods!

In good health,

Lori K
www.YourKitchenCoach.net

Try finding a practitioner who uses the NAET system. I have heard good things about it reversing certain allergies, like pets. It would be worth looking in to so you don't have to get rid of your family pet.
Not sure where you are at, but I know there is one in Oakville, MO 63129 (suburb of St. Louis County). His name is Dr. Scott Deboroux (sp?).

Hi K., I work for a Dr. who is treating all kinds of allergies, including allergies to pets.He is the first Dr. in the metro to have this technology. The treatment is amazing, non invasive, no drugs. We are currently treating a 3 year old with awesome results. Here is a web site to check out. www.AllergicCare.com\clinics\olathe another thing is how did the allergist check your child? Was it the skin prick test? If so, this does not check for all allergies. Feel free to e-mail me for more info! A.

I am allergic to cats and lived with someone who had about three of them at one point in time. I would take Zyrtec when they started bothering me and it always cleared me up. They make Zyrtec in a childrens formula now that you can give your son. You can get the generic form of it for about $6 a bottle I think. Zyrtec works better for pet allergies then Claritin does from what I understand. Also, giving the dog a bath regularly will help. The allergies will probably always be worse this time of year when the dog is shedding.

Hi K., sorry about your little guy! I'm allergic to dogs and have had this all my life. I've never taken any every day medicine for it. We had an outside dog growing up, and I just never "played" with it closely, or if I did I washed my hands immediately. I don't believe it's gotten any better as I get older, and I'm more allergic to some dogs than others. In fact, the dogs that they say are hypoallergenic are some that I'm most allergic to. If I'm even in the house with one and don't touch it, I get asthmatic and start sneezing like crazy. Anyway, you'll probably just need to see what works for you and your child. I did seem to get more immune to our family dogs as time went on, so that's good news for your pup! and your little boy. Good luck!

I didn't read the other advice so sorry if I repeat anything. I know that you can get all natural drops to put under the tongue that really helps. my mom had really bad alergies towards our cats and horses of which never showed up until she got older. but they are all natural and you can find them at natural food stores. since i'm not sure where you are at the closest one to me is in lawernce. also if the dog is in the house and sheds a lot vacume once or twice a day will help.

each case is different, & your decision should be based on your son's allergic reaction to the dog. I too have pet allergies, & find that I cannot be around cats (break out in hives)...but I can be around minimal-shedding dogs - as long as we keep them clean.

Both of our dogs are inside thru the evening/overnight & on the weekends, but are outside during the day. I have found that if the dogs are clean, I am ususually symptom-free as long as they're not all over me & as long as I vacuum every day. But if we go past 2 weeks between baths, then as soon as they enter the house- my symptoms begin...runny nose, watery eyes, coughing. My doctor believes that this is my outside allergens coming in on their coats....& it makes sense. Oddball, but I think she's right. I also cannot do their baths....my head is a mess as soon as that bathroom door is closed!

So, in the end, I would base the decision on whether or not you wish to pharmaceutically treat your son as the result of the dog allergy. If the dog creates the allergy problems, is it worth putting your son thru treatments? In my case, I know how to limit my reaction...& it's worth it to me...even when I have to break out the inhaler!

I'm sorry I dont actually have any information regarding dog allergies. I was actually wondering what allergist your child saw because I am thinking about getting my 17 month old tested for food allergies and/or gluten intolerance. My email address is ____@____.com and my phone number is ###-###-####.