Help! I'm Allergic to my Dog!

What Do You Do When You Discover a Pet Allergy After You Brought in A New Pet?

In my case, a new puppy. But my symptoms didn't begin until a year or so after bringing him home. 

It didn't add up at first. 

I remember in March of 2022 I developed a cold that turned into a sinus infection that was later diagnosed as bronchitis. My symptoms mostly resolved with a dose of prednisone and an Advair inhaler. The sinus infection never left. 

From June until the end of December was great! I can deal with a chronic sinus infection compared to the non-stop coughing and congestion. But now, the cough is back. It started off at night a little here and there, then nightly. Now again, all day and night. NOTHING HELPS! I managed to find some cough syrup with Codeine, and it has helped but I'm all out and the doctor won't give me anymore.

Because of the cost of healthcare these days, I am putting off gong to an ENT.  My doctor suggested an allergy test, B-I-N-G-O! Highly allergic to Dogs, cats, cow milk and egg whites. Specifically, my puppy, a cattle dog/papillon mix. 

So, I was given some Zyrtec 10 mg, a rescue inhaler, and some Tessalon pearls for the cough. Such a cough that I would not wish it on my worst enemy! I'm talking pee your pants and vomit bad! The pearls don't work btw. 

Just to be sure, I am investing in a few additional items that God allowing, I will be able to replace any potential dependence on any prescription. 

Causes of Pet Dander

Duh, easy answer is animals. If the animal has fur or feathers, it sheds dander. I've had hypo-allergenic dogs in the past and they didn't cause a stir. Some dogs just have a stronger proteins in their skin.

What is Pet Dander?

Pet dander is animal skin flakes. Tiny, microscopic flakes that float around the air. It is not necessarily the hair that causes allergies. It is the dander. 

Why Are Some People More Allergic Than Others?

Everyone's immunity is different. I was sick with a cold and subsequent sinus infection (chronic). My immunity was low at the time, I wonder if I invited the pet allergy in and it just took over my system? 

Different dogs emit different dander. Being exposed to dogs over time can increase your allergic reactions. The likelihood of exposure at a time of lowered immunity can possibly take a bigger toll on one's immunity.

Is There A Cure?

No. Pet dander allergies are not curable. The most effective thing someone can do is keep their living areas clean and take over the counter medications like Zyrtec or Claritin. 

The experts say to:

• wash your dog once a week.
• vacuum at least every other day with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. 
• air purifiers can help keep dander from flying all over the place.
• wash your hands often.

What Are Some of the Symptoms?

In my case, it is a chronic sinus infection. Coughing, itchy throat, congestion and wheezing. Other side effects are:

• swollen nasal passages
• shortness of breath
• hives
• asthma
• cough
• sinus infection
• sneezing

How Do I Keep My Allergies at Bay?

In doing my own research, I discovered a couple items on Amazon that I think can be helpful or at least help your allergy symptoms. 

• Allergena Pet Dander Drops. This is a homeopathic remedy made from animal antigens and some additional herbal ingredients to help for drainage. You are basically ingesting the allergens and creating a natural immunity to them. The directions say to take 10-15 drops three times a day.  It is too soon to tell but, well worth the price if it helps tame my cough. $19.99

• Pet Hair Remover Roller. This on the lower price of the spectrum compared to similar items. Works great in the car. My puppy sheds a lot. Every time i get in the car my allergies act up. after a good vacuuming and rolling, I feel better getting into the car, allergies are a bit less noticeable. $11.99
• Allergy Asthma Clean Allergen Mineral Spray. Just add water, shake and spray. This stuff immobilizes the protein in pet dander, killing it immediately. I use mainly in the bedroom. The majority of my allergies happen at night when I lay down. I start wheezing and coughing like crazy. I notice coughing less during the night. Mainly at the time I law down and wake up with a couple spells during the night but much less than before. $18.99. This can be bought at some Whole Foods stores as well, if you don't have an Amazon account.

• Nasal Guard Airborne Particle Blocker. It's a tiny little tube for $9.95 but, if it works... I can't actually say it works great. I dab it on and go in for a cuddle but still cough and wheeze. I will use the rest, but I am not that convinced.  You dab a tiny amount on your finger. Work it in with your thumb and dab around and under your nose. Should create a barrier for 6-8 hours. I think it makes my nose run. 

            I cuddled my boys without any product and I started coughing right afterwards. I applied the                 product and went in for a cuddle, I think it worked. No coughing! But my nose is running.

•  A VacLife Hand Held Vacuum. $35.99, this thing is amazing. Both my dogs shed a lot. My puppy creates dust bunnies at double the rate as my other dog. In order to keep a cleaner environment, having this little guy handy is a must! I see dust bunnies, I attack! I had virtually no problem sucking up the dog hairs in my car using the brush attachment.

• Febreeze Pet Odor Eliminator Spray.  This is something I had laying around anyways. I think it works great considering the cost comparison to the mineral spray above. In fact, I even have the Wal-Mart brand. It doesn't claim to get rid of pet dander, but I think it works just the same.  I spray the living room everyday. 

These are some of the things to look out for. Zyrtec alone didn't help me. It reduced my symptoms of not being able to breathe out of my nose and everything else by like maybe 20%. There are some over the counter remedies that I hope start kicking in so I can have my cuddle time back!

I made a commitment to my boys. Rex, my puppy is here to stay. That is why I am going out of my way to accommodate my baby. 

UPDATE: I used half of my Advair. The symptoms resolved but come back about every six months. I take a couple weeks work of Advair and Zyrtec, the symptoms go away for a while. This is the best way to reduce my allergy cough. 

Last week I my cough came back with a cold and I am currently going through treatment with Advair and occasional rescue inhaler. I expect I should be good to go in a week or so. Just need to get rid of this phlegm.

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