Could I have developed an allergy to my dogs 7-8years later?

[Anonymous]

I have been suffering from eye allergies for a few months. Puffy, itchy eyes. Been using eye drops but its a very temporary fix. I have 2 dogs, one is 7 and the other is 8-big shedders. I WAH so am around them constantly. Could I have developed an allergy to them at 43 years old? I also tried benadryl at night and it doesn't help.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you could have developed an allergy to dogs you've had for years. It happens. Or it could just be seasonal allergies (which my kids have for 10 months out of the year).

Have you tried other allergy meds, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc.? Benedryl is good but not always the best for an individual. Also Flonase may help.

[Anonymous]

OP here-One of the dogs takes Zrytec (ha!) and I took a few days and it didn't help. I will try the Allegra. TY.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately people can develop allergies as adults, even to something (a pet, a food, etc.) to which they've been exposed for years. It does happen.

OP, instead of trying med after med, go ahead and pay for a full testing panel at an allergist. Your primary care doctor likely has to refer you. Wouldn't you rather get appropriate testing and find out for sure what the allergen really is, instead of trying lots of different OTC pills and possibly assuming it's the dogs? It might be something else that you can eliminate or treat (like seasonal allergies, dust allergies, etc.). And if indeed you have developed an allergy to the dogs, you will at least have that information for sure and can make some decisions about taking meds for the rest of the dogs' lives, or rehoming the dogs if you are really having issues.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the last poster. I developed an allergy to cats after having a cat for 10 years. Did not stop me from having my cat. Although, when my cat passed away I did not replace him. Now have dogs

[Anonymous]

I would doubt that you suddenly developed an allergy to dogs while living with them. I grew up with cats and dogs and found that I was allergic AFTER moving away to college and being away from them for years. We have a hypoallergenic dog who I felt wheezy (I’m asthmatic) around for a week or two when we first got her but then I adjusted. Though, I still get hives if she licks me. Anyway, this is all to say, based on my experience, I would look towards something else. Mold in your house? Seasonal allergies? But definitely go to an allergist. It is painless to get the tests and then they can prescribe the proper medicine.