Child Had Dog Allergy & Husband Refuses To Give Dog Away

[Anonymous]

I'm the owner of a 70 lb dog, and have a sister with a 120 lb dog. My dog is very short haired (luckily for me), yet she STINKS when she hasnt had a bath for 6 weeks. Smells like dog, for lack of a better term. And the 120 lb dog...wow. It is long haired and drooly and gross and matted if it hasn't been bathed. I dont even want to pet it when that is the case.

Based on that experience, I would recommend more regular dog baths/brushing and see if that helps your DC--it could be that 6 weeks is too long to go w/o grooming. What breed is your dog--if long-haired, can you get the groomer to give him/her a "summer cut" year round, to make the regular bathing/brushing easier?

While I am clearly on the pro-dog side of the fence, the reason I think that you should try this is not for the dog's sake, but your DC's. I have several very close friends with dog and cat allergies and dramatic though this may sound, they are at times worse than food allergies. A pet allergy controls where you can go, who you can spend time with, where you can live and ultimately who you can marry. I have a friend with pet allergies so bad that she has to refuse invitations to houses with dogs because it isn't worth the hassle--she has to base her schedule and that of her family on that of animals over which she doesn't have any control. She has gone to events at homes with pets and had to immediately leave--not good for anyone involved, esp her kids who dont understand whats going on.

That said, what you have seen in your DC--less reaction to your dog vs other dogs--is common for people w/allergies who have a pet in their home--they become used to the dander. If I were you I would want to try to build up a dog immunity in my child so that they can live their life without being a prisoner to other peoples' dogs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, your posts make no sense. What you describe is not an allergy. You want to get rid of the dog and you are blaming it on "open sores"?

Nope. Own it. You hate the dog.

Let me clarify this, it's not a 24/7 allergy. When my child has an asthmatic reaction and we have to take out the albuterol inhaler and the nebulizer that the insurance company gave to us, the dog is indeed the cause, per the allergist. Why should I keep a trigger in the house that pushes my child into ashtmatic fits that requires days of steroid treatment?

And yes, she is a bit desensitized to our dog, but is still allergic, she is much more allergic on initial contact to other dogs.

And again for people who are unclear, the eczema itches, so my child scratches her skin raw, which means open sores. Any lotion, even vanicream & aquifor burn, which leads to screaming, crying, bleeding, painful baths, scabs...

I'm not sure why this is just me hating the dog which isn't the case at all or how I am not describing an allergy. Is constant nasal drip not an allergy? I'm really thankful for the kind thoughtful responses offering solutions, but we've been to three specialists including dermatologists and allergists, both agree the dog is the cause. We've had painful skin testing done, the dog allergy was bright red and most reactive. Why would I make this up to get rid of a dog? You are unreal.

[Anonymous]

That said, what you have seen in your DC--less reaction to your dog vs other dogs--is common for people w/allergies who have a pet in their home--they become used to the dander. If I were you I would want to try to build up a dog immunity in my child so that they can live their life without being a prisoner to other peoples' dogs.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have this issue, although my DC is less allergic to dogs than cats and other stuff like dust and mold. Here's what we do:

1. Get religious about keeping dander out of the child's room. Remove the carpets, get a new mattress with a hypoallergenic cover and a hypoallergenic pillow with a hypoallergenic cover for that. Get a hepa air purifier and run it 24/7 in DD's room. Make sure she has no or virtually no stuffed animals or other things in there that cannot be wet wiped -- all those things collect dust/dander. Wet swiffer the room 2 or 3x a week.

2. Make DD change clothes before she goes into her room to nap or sleep, so she's not taking dander in there with her.

3. Getting rid of carpets in the rest of the house will help, but may not be necessary for a few years. You should vaccuum the play area every other day with a good vaccuum.

If DD spends 10-12 hours a day sleeping in the clean room, then the remainder of the time shouldn't be too bad, particularly if she's in daycare. Even if she's not, she will be in school in a couple of years, again taking her out of the house.

Obviously DD should avoid petting dogs and wash her hands if she does touch one.

We have two hepa air filters running, one in the hall & one in our room. I don't have one in dd's room. She doesn't like the noise it makes. We vacuum every day, sometimes twice a day with a dyson pet vac. I religiously keep the dog & dd apart, to the point it makes me look like a nut.

I spoke to DH about this again, we have friends with a farm, he is open to our dog going to the farm. These are good friends and we see them often, they have 4 dogs. I am going to see how they feel about taking him. The 4 they have they've taken in, and they often foster dogs. I don't see it would be a problem, but I feel so uncomfortable asking, however it's an amazing solution to this sad situation.

I would love to put in hardwood floors, we just cannot afford it right now, we just recently moved, one of our children is special needs, DH started a new job, and the floors are not an option. I would do it in a heartbeat if I could, I promise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, your posts make no sense. What you describe is not an allergy. You want to get rid of the dog and you are blaming it on "open sores"?

Nope. Own it. You hate the dog.

Let me clarify this, it's not a 24/7 allergy. When my child has an asthmatic reaction and we have to take out the albuterol inhaler and the nebulizer that the insurance company gave to us, the dog is indeed the cause, per the allergist. Why should I keep a trigger in the house that pushes my child into ashtmatic fits that requires days of steroid treatment?

And yes, she is a bit desensitized to our dog, but is still allergic, she is much more allergic on initial contact to other dogs.

And again for people who are unclear, the eczema itches, so my child scratches her skin raw, which means open sores. Any lotion, even vanicream & aquifor burn, which leads to screaming, crying, bleeding, painful baths, scabs...

I'm not sure why this is just me hating the dog which isn't the case at all or how I am not describing an allergy. Is constant nasal drip not an allergy? I'm really thankful for the kind thoughtful responses offering solutions, but we've been to three specialists including dermatologists and allergists, both agree the dog is the cause. We've had painful skin testing done, the dog allergy was bright red and most reactive. Why would I make this up to get rid of a dog? You are unreal.

Ignore these people OP, I read through this whole post and your story makes perfect sense to me. I have a severe cat allergy that causes similar symptoms. I hope that the farm works out, I know it must be hard for your DH to give up his dog but deep down he knows it is what has to be done, especially with your DD's asthma attacks- too dangerous to not take seriously! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Replacing carpet with hardwood can be very expensive. Especially for most of a house. I know there are many wealthy folks on here, but i'd flip if my husband wanted to spend thousands on flooring that may or may not solve the problem.

That is you. It is not everyone. I would do so (and can afford it as we have in the past used Craigslist to find excess flooring and my DH installed it himself). I value having a dog in the house and could not imagine not having one. I realize other people feel differently. (NOTE: I happen to also believe that hardwoods look better and after seeing what was under ours when we pulled them up -dust, dirt, etc.- I'll never have carpets again.)

I agree that bathing every 6 weeks is FAR too long.

[Anonymous]

OP, I feel for you, it sounds like you have done everything reasonable to remedy this situation. To the PPs who are trying to shame you for not paying to get hardwood floors, maybe they would be willing to pay for them? People count more than animals. You are doing your best to do right by this animal and after all this time, your child cannot continue to suffer because of an animal that can be rehomed somewhere else. You can't find a new home for DD or for DH, the dog is the only option. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Replacing carpet with hardwood can be very expensive. Especially for most of a house. I know there are many wealthy folks on here, but i'd flip if my husband wanted to spend thousands on flooring that may or may not solve the problem.

That is you. It is not everyone. I would do so (and can afford it as we have in the past used Craigslist to find excess flooring and my DH installed it himself). I value having a dog in the house and could not imagine not having one. I realize other people feel differently. (NOTE: I happen to also believe that hardwoods look better and after seeing what was under ours when we pulled them up -dust, dirt, etc.- I'll never have carpets again.)

I agree that bathing every 6 weeks is FAR too long.

[Anonymous]

Most people value health over an animal - especially if it happens to be the health of their children.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Replacing carpet with hardwood can be very expensive. Especially for most of a house. I know there are many wealthy folks on here, but i'd flip if my husband wanted to spend thousands on flooring that may or may not solve the problem.

That is you. It is not everyone. I would do so (and can afford it as we have in the past used Craigslist to find excess flooring and my DH installed it himself). I value having a dog in the house and could not imagine not having one. I realize other people feel differently. (NOTE: I happen to also believe that hardwoods look better and after seeing what was under ours when we pulled them up -dust, dirt, etc.- I'll never have carpets again.)

I agree that bathing every 6 weeks is FAR too long.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have this issue, although my DC is less allergic to dogs than cats and other stuff like dust and mold. Here's what we do:

1. Get religious about keeping dander out of the child's room. Remove the carpets, get a new mattress with a hypoallergenic cover and a hypoallergenic pillow with a hypoallergenic cover for that. Get a hepa air purifier and run it 24/7 in DD's room. Make sure she has no or virtually no stuffed animals or other things in there that cannot be wet wiped -- all those things collect dust/dander. Wet swiffer the room 2 or 3x a week.

2. Make DD change clothes before she goes into her room to nap or sleep, so she's not taking dander in there with her.

3. Getting rid of carpets in the rest of the house will help, but may not be necessary for a few years. You should vaccuum the play area every other day with a good vaccuum.

If DD spends 10-12 hours a day sleeping in the clean room, then the remainder of the time shouldn't be too bad, particularly if she's in daycare. Even if she's not, she will be in school in a couple of years, again taking her out of the house.

Obviously DD should avoid petting dogs and wash her hands if she does touch one.

We have two hepa air filters running, one in the hall & one in our room. I don't have one in dd's room. She doesn't like the noise it makes. We vacuum every day, sometimes twice a day with a dyson pet vac. I religiously keep the dog & dd apart, to the point it makes me look like a nut.

I spoke to DH about this again, we have friends with a farm, he is open to our dog going to the farm. These are good friends and we see them often, they have 4 dogs. I am going to see how they feel about taking him. The 4 they have they've taken in, and they often foster dogs. I don't see it would be a problem, but I feel so uncomfortable asking, however it's an amazing solution to this sad situation.

I would love to put in hardwood floors, we just cannot afford it right now, we just recently moved, one of our children is special needs, DH started a new job, and the floors are not an option. I would do it in a heartbeat if I could, I promise.

I can't believe you haven't asked your friends already.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have this issue, although my DC is less allergic to dogs than cats and other stuff like dust and mold. Here's what we do:

1. Get religious about keeping dander out of the child's room. Remove the carpets, get a new mattress with a hypoallergenic cover and a hypoallergenic pillow with a hypoallergenic cover for that. Get a hepa air purifier and run it 24/7 in DD's room. Make sure she has no or virtually no stuffed animals or other things in there that cannot be wet wiped -- all those things collect dust/dander. Wet swiffer the room 2 or 3x a week.

2. Make DD change clothes before she goes into her room to nap or sleep, so she's not taking dander in there with her.

3. Getting rid of carpets in the rest of the house will help, but may not be necessary for a few years. You should vaccuum the play area every other day with a good vaccuum.

If DD spends 10-12 hours a day sleeping in the clean room, then the remainder of the time shouldn't be too bad, particularly if she's in daycare. Even if she's not, she will be in school in a couple of years, again taking her out of the house.

Obviously DD should avoid petting dogs and wash her hands if she does touch one.

We have two hepa air filters running, one in the hall & one in our room. I don't have one in dd's room. She doesn't like the noise it makes. We vacuum every day, sometimes twice a day with a dyson pet vac. I religiously keep the dog & dd apart, to the point it makes me look like a nut.

I spoke to DH about this again, we have friends with a farm, he is open to our dog going to the farm. These are good friends and we see them often, they have 4 dogs. I am going to see how they feel about taking him. The 4 they have they've taken in, and they often foster dogs. I don't see it would be a problem, but I feel so uncomfortable asking, however it's an amazing solution to this sad situation.

I would love to put in hardwood floors, we just cannot afford it right now, we just recently moved, one of our children is special needs, DH started a new job, and the floors are not an option. I would do it in a heartbeat if I could, I promise.

I can't believe you haven't asked your friends already.

Expecting people to take a dog isn't something I EXPECT of them. I wouldn't ask anyone to take an animal for us. A pet is a huge responsibility and even thinking about asking someone is such a big thing. I'm sorry you can't believe we haven't asked people. We're talking about a dog, not a book, or a plant.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried bathing and brushing the dog much more frequently? 6 weeks is not going to cut it.

[Anonymous]

Good luck, OP! Some of these people are clueless and have never lived with a severe allergy and the misery it causes. You are a good mom and a responsible, caring pet owner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most people value health over an animal - especially if it happens to be the health of their children.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Replacing carpet with hardwood can be very expensive. Especially for most of a house. I know there are many wealthy folks on here, but i'd flip if my husband wanted to spend thousands on flooring that may or may not solve the problem.

That is you. It is not everyone. I would do so (and can afford it as we have in the past used Craigslist to find excess flooring and my DH installed it himself). I value having a dog in the house and could not imagine not having one. I realize other people feel differently. (NOTE: I happen to also believe that hardwoods look better and after seeing what was under ours when we pulled them up -dust, dirt, etc.- I'll never have carpets again.)

I agree that bathing every 6 weeks is FAR too long.

Roll your eyes as much as you want. You don't agree with how other people value things, fine. To some people, pets are family. You clearly don't understand that.

But, OPs child isn't dying and she has not pursued every option. If she doesn't want to, fine. We did and it worked just fine.

So take your attitude and stuff it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Roll your eyes as much as you want. You don't agree with how other people value things, fine. To some people, pets are family. You clearly don't understand that.

But, OPs child isn't dying and she has not pursued every option. If she doesn't want to, fine. We did and it worked just fine.

So take your attitude and stuff it.

OP 's child has to be dying?!? You are a nutcase. OP's child has an ashmatic reaction - this can get worse and turn into full blown ashma attacks. And yes, people can and do die from it.