i can't even believe it. i think my littlest son is allergic to the puppy. like bad. i didn't figure this was going to happen as he's around his bff's dog (a golden) for hours at a time a few days a week- and never any reaction ever. but he's a sneezy, itchy hivey mess.
if i have to send her back, they're going to be heartbroken. but i can't put his health behind the puppy. have an appointment with the allergist tomorrow at 2pm.
any thoughts?

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Has the puppy had a bath since he came home? Maybe he's carrying a pollen in his fur.


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First, give the puppy a bath.

I am allergic to grasses, weeds, trees, fungi and mold - there isn't a time of year that is good for me. I just had testing last week and am getting ready to start allergy shots again (every 15 years isn't too bad)
Pollen from the above is released between 3 and 5 AM everyday. I am not allergic to dogs, but once they go outside, they bring in the pollen. I wipe the dogs down with barely damp hand towels when they come back in the house. It makes a huge difference.

I don't know how old your son is, but is very rare for an allergist in this area to do allergy testing on a child before they reach age seven. This is because the immune system isn't stable until then. They do make an exception for children who have had anaphylactic reactions.

There are numerous medications that can make a huge difference for your child - don't be afraid of giving them daily. If it means being able to keep the puppy, I bet you child will be happy to take it.

I agree!! Maybe give Benadryl for right now (to calm down the reaction) so you have a reasonably clean slate to test after the puppy gets a bath.

ETA: I was allergic to dog and cat dander as well as bunnies as a child. My brother took a karate class next door to a pet store, and every time I would beg my mom to let me see the bunnies regardless of the reaction. She just popped a Benadryl in me and is be as happy as a clam.

I eventually outgrew the allergies. I attribute it to being always surrounded by the allergens. Lol!

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Hives are a little bit more serious than just a runny nose. Benedryl will help with the hives. A bath is a great idea!

I would talk this over with the Allergist and see what if any other recommendations he has. I know for me I am allergic to short hair cats, long haired cats don't bother me.

I'm sorry this is happening....hopefully it's something that can be easily handled! Let us know how the apt went!!!

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I would suspect your son is actually NOT allergic if he's around other dogs for extended periods of time and is fine. I would definitely bathe the puppy and think of anything else (any new gifts from people, new detergent, new bath soap?) that could be causing it.

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If there is any chance that they will do allergy testing, do NOT give antihistamines for 72 hrs before the testing. It totally changes the results.

I also am allergic to everything (pollen, dust, cats, dogs, anything seasonal) and it was worse when I was younger. My parents got a golden and found out that I was allergic (sneezing, runny nose, hives sometimes). I was given benedryl and was fine and I actually got use to the goldens dander and didn't need to take anything anymore. I am a lot better now and I feel like I outgrew the allergies now but I still have clartin or benedryl in my medicine cabinet!

I think it's a good idea to ask the allergist about taking benedryl for now and see how he does on it. I also think it might be something the dog might have rolled in since he's okay with other goldens for an extended period of time.

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My daughter had severe asthma, and our first puppy had to be returned to the breeder, when she landed in the ICU with an attack, puppy had been with us 3 days, she was 2. Three years later we tried again with one of the breeders adult dogs, first, and as long as the dog did not go in her room, and the door was kept closed, she did fine. The breeder also suggested 1/4 tsp of cold pressed flax seed oil on the dogs food would help to further reduce allergens. Whether that is an old wives tale or not, it doesn't hurt the dog and it may help. She is 16 and now sleeps with the current service puppy sharing the same pillow.

Just popping in looking for an update.....Hope everything went well with your son at his apt today

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