Does this sound like allergies - or a cold?

[Anonymous]

We got a rescue dog last weekend and my 1yo has been having the following symptoms: coughing, sneezing, bloody nose (2x - NEVER has happened before), finally had some mucous come out of his nose last night and it was green and not clear (so that would be cold/viral, right??). We have the dog for 2 weeks ending this weekend and need to decide if we should return her to her foster mom or keep her. It's just really hard to decide if this is a bad timed cold or an allergy. My older son ADORES the dog and she has been great for him, so we would hate to just return her without really being sure of an allergy, but obviously don't want the health of the younger one to be jeopardized. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

At one year, environmental allergies are not that common. I would call your nurse. You could administer benadryl or allegra to see if the symptoms lessen. If they do, then it could be allergies. If the symptoms persist, then most likely it is not allergies.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP that environmental allergies are not common at this age. My 1 year old has the same symptoms (without the bloody nose), and he has been around dogs (ours, my parents', my brother's) all his life. We were at the pediatrician last night (he developed an ear infection), and I could hear at least two other babies there with coughs. I would say it's a cold.

Both of my dogs came from rescue organizations, and per the adoption contract, I must return the dogs to that rescue organization if I ever find myself in a position where I can't keep the dog. If, down the line, your child does develop allergies to dogs, I'm almost positive the rescue organization will take the dog back. What's the alternative, right??

[Anonymous]

if it's an allergy it would be instantly better when away from the dog/out of the house.