Allergies

[Ninabeana26]

So I know Basenjis are considered a "hypo-allergenic dog". That is what initially introduced me to the breed. I found them while researching hypo-allergenic dogs because my boyfriend is allergic to all pet dander (dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, etc.)

We introduced him to someone who owned adult basenjis & after an afternoon with them he had no allergy symptoms. So we got Dallas. The day we got Dallas (after about 10 minutes after we left the breeder) the symptoms came & have been continuous since. Mark has tried every kind of medication you can imagine from Claritin to Nasonex & no results. We are unable to afford the shots right now as he doesn't have health insurance at his current job...

So basically my question is, have any of you found little solutions for lessing the dander [what little he actually has] & thus lessen the allergy symptoms? I found some websites online that have shampoos, conditioners & wipes that you can use to keep their dander not airborne. They have also recommended things like air filters & special sheets, etc.

Just curious if anyone has ever experienced these methods & found something that may actually work. Mark has already mentioned that if he doesn't adapt & his symptoms subside at least a little within the next month or so he wants me to seriously consider getting rid of him :eek: :( For me, that just isn't an option. However, I guess I shouldn't expect him to be miserable every day either. He lived with dogs growing up & his allergies did adapt some to where he would go weeks without sympotoms, then have symptoms for a steady week, then they'd be gone again. However it's been a month with Dallas & his allergies haven't subsided one bit. It's just a bad situation...

Any suggestions or help would be much appreciated.

[Just please don't criticize me for getting him in the first place knowing Mark had allergies...]

[etzbseder]

I would definitely start with the bath, possibly with special shampoo. My roommate is allergic, and as long as he doesn't play with Medjai, he's just fine.

[tanza]

Not to criticize... but this is one of my pet peeves.... all these sites and BYB's that say Basenjis are hypo-allergenic... when they are NOT (but usually depending on the person good with people that have allergies).... same as with saying that they don't back without expanding that they are NOT mute...

Sorry, wish I had some ideas for your, but I don't....

[subaruthie]

My husband is allergic to dogs, too. We got our B, Cooper, because he had less symptoms around basenjis than other dogs. However, he still feels that he occasionally reacts to Cooper.

Some things that work at our house:

-The Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner. It is awesome! Our B is very allergic to dust mites, so everyone in our family benefits from its incredible power. It will pull things out of your carpet and furniture that you never knew you had.

-Ask at your local pet store for allergen reducing shampoo. PetSmart carries at least 2 different brands. Also, keep a "waterless shampoo" or "grooming spray" on hand to wipe down the dog after exercise outdoors. Dogs are really great at bringing in outdoor allergens to us!

-Make sure you're feeding a high quality food, and supplement with fish oil capsules if your dog has dry skin. This should reduce shedding and dander.

-Febreeze has an allergen reducing spray that keeps dander from becoming airborne. Spray it on carpets and furniture after thorough vacuuming.

-Depending on your attachment to the dog and severity of allergies, consider making the bedroom a dog-free zone. Just sleeping in a "clean" area can help you deal with the dog better during the daytime. Also consider using an air purifier in your bedroom.

-Replace your furnace filter with a really good allergen filter. Filtrete makes one that we use. Replace it often!!!

Hope this helps!!!
Ruth

[lvoss]

This is not a criticism but information for anyone who is looking at a basenji and has allergies. Most people do not react the first time they are exposed to the allergen, it is the second exposure that causes the reaction. So it always recommended that someone with allergies visit on two separate days to see if there is a reaction.

Ruth gave some really great advice for reducing the amount of allergens in your home. I am not allergic to dogs but I am allergic to grasses and would react to my boy Nicky if he rolled in the grass and I didn't wipe him down when he came in because his coat is so short that when the hairs would rub against me in wrong direction it was like a homemade skin test. So make sure you wipe Dallas down so you eliminate any other allergens he may be bringing home. Even a damp washcloth helps.

[BasenjiDiva]

I agree with Ivoss...also consider the possibility that Dallas might be bringing in pollen, etc. When our son was younger, we discovered he was allergic to dogs....and we owned a much loved Boxer. The allergist told us that we didn't have to get rid of the dog - just don't let him sleep in the bed and try to minimize time of the furniture used by the allergic person. Also, once your boyfriend can afford allergy shots, I really recommend them. I'm not allergic to dogs but I'm allergic to all grasses and most trees. The shots have REALLY helped. Also remember that Nasonex isn't designed to help during an attack. It is a long term medication that takes awhile to become effective. My allergist tells me to continue using it - even when my allergies seem calm. Before the shots started lessening my allergies and I still had some bad attacks, I found that Allegra-D and Astelin nasal inhaler helped the most. I'm not endorsing those meds....I just found that they helped me. Both are prescription meds though. Good luck!

Pat

[Ninabeana26]

I got him a prescription for Allegra today & was told that combining the Nasonex spray right upon waking up & an Allegra pill mid-day should help at least lessen the severity of symptoms.

I am also looking into an air purifier (will be buying one this weekend in fact) & have already bought the dander-lessening shampoo. I did find these wipes that say it pulls the dander out of the coat & if used once a week it can drastically reduce the dander the dog produces all together. The same company makes spray in conditioner which does the same thing only it's for bi-daily use. I'll probably go with everything & see what works...

Also, we're starting Dallas on Merrick's this weekend & weaning him off of Eukanuba since I've noticed he has a bit of dry skin anyway. Him having dry skin could be why Mark's allergies have seemed to get worse not better over time.

Allergies stink don't they? Such a weird science.

Thanks for the support everyone. I just feel so bad & even foolish since I finally thought Mark & I struck gold (since we've both wanted a dog for years) but I should have known that it would have taken more than 1 exposure. I guess I was seeing what I wanted to see...*sigh*

[achandl2]

Has your boyfriend been to an allergist? I have pretty severe allergies (mainly trees, grasses, and anything else that grows outside) so I finally went to see an allergist. I have been getting allergy shots for two years. The reason I bring this option up is because I'm also allergic to cats. I asked my allergist if we could deal with the cat allergy in my shots along with the trees and grasses. Since beginning the shots I now live with three cats and have no problem. I also don't have to worry anymore about visiting friends and family who may have cats. My eyes would swell close to shut when I used to be around cats. I used to get twice a year sinus infections but haven't had one since being treaed by the allergist.

I know an allergist and shots seem severe but since being treated by an allergist I have become a believer. Honestly, shots aren't that bad. I am one of those people who passes out at the sight of a needle coming toward me so I can attest to the fact that the shots are worth it. Anyway it is something I think anyone suffering from allergies should check out. Hope it all works out well.

[Ninabeana26]

Has your boyfriend been to an allergist? I have pretty severe allergies (mainly trees, grasses, and anything else that grows outside) so I finally went to see an allergist. I have been getting allergy shots for two years. The reason I bring this option up is because I'm also allergic to cats. I asked my allergist if we could deal with the cat allergy in my shots along with the trees and grasses. Since beginning the shots I now live with three cats and have no problem. I also don't have to worry anymore about visiting friends and family who may have cats. My eyes would swell close to shut when I used to be around cats. I used to get twice a year sinus infections but haven't had one since being treaed by the allergist.

I know an allergist and shots seem severe but since being treated by an allergist I have become a believer. Honestly, shots aren't that bad. I am one of those people who passes out at the sight of a needle coming toward me so I can attest to the fact that the shots are worth it. Anyway it is something I think anyone suffering from allergies should check out. Hope it all works out well.

We would get the shots however he does not currently have health insurance through his employer so they would be just too expensive for us to afford. I wish we could start allergy shots since I have read that with people treated for allergens due to pets 80% are "cured" of their allergy. It seems like a great solution but without insurance I can only imagine how expensive they would be. Considering his current nasal spray is $85 & Singulair (the pill they recommended if his allegra doesn't work) is $130 for 1 month supply :eek: I can look into prices without insurance but like all things in this country, I'd imagine without insurance help it'd cost a fortune (which is obvisouly more than we have. Hah)

[Jylly18]

I am not sure what your situation is, but what about going for insurance independently? It is expensive, I looked into it before I got my current job and it was about 250 a month for just me (this was 4 yrs ago), but if you are already spending over $200 on meds, it may be worth it, plus then you have the comfort of knowing he is insured in case anything else happens. My husband went w/o health insurance for several yrs in college, and while he still says it was a great idea, it always scared me that something serious would happen (injury, sickness, etc) and he would not have coverage. So I don't know if this is a possibility or an interest for you, but I just thought I would throw it out there! Good luck, I feel bad for you in that situation, I hope things can improve for you! Also, I have bad seasonal allergies, and my doctor prescribed Rhinocort Aqua, its been great (Prescription Claritian, and others didn't work for me) as basically no side effects...you could ask the doctor if it works for animal allergies as well...

[Ninabeana26]

I actually have looked into private insurance & it was going to be more like $350/month for him alone. It's just too much right now for us to afford. However, he is looking into getting a new job very soon so maybe his new place would offer insurance. I too HATE the fact he doesn't have it because I'm always worried something might happen & if it does without insurance we're kind of SOL.

[Jylly18]

I remember that feeling well :) Another thing to possibly look into, I don't know how old you are, but if you are young (I think under 25) he could look into the COBRA option. I did that until I was 25, which was 3 yrs ago. What you do, is you actually pay to go under your parents insurance. I did that with my dad, and payed about $150 a month, again this was several years ago. Its for people who are 25 or under, to help you because you aren't a dependent anymore, yet many people are still just out of college/looking for jobs, and can't get insurance. I payed that amount, then had the exact same coverage they had. Again, I don't know if this is an option for you, but I just thought I would share.
Eventually things will work out, but I know its a scary thing until you get settled...especially since its so expensive for insurance, yet its not like most younger people have that extra money to throw out for it!!!

[Jylly18]

Also, Are you absolutely sure he is allergic to the dog? I know you got your puppy recently, but seasons are changing, especially I would imagine with you living in FL, where there is warm weather. Are you sure there is nothing else in his environment that could be causing the allergic reaction?
Again, good luck :) Keep us informed as to how things go!

[Ninabeana26]

We don't think it could be anything else because he is fine when he is away from our apartment for a while. For example, when he is at work during the day his allergies go away. They don't really come back until about 30 or so minutes after being back at our place.

He's been tested before by an allergist (although while he was a kid) for an allergy to pet dander & so it is a confirmed allergy. I just wish we could find some way to at least minimize his symptoms since they have been so bad lately. I am going to try some of the techniques already mentioned & I guess hope for the best...

[tanza]

Any update to the allergy problem?

[Ninabeana26]

Not yet. His allergies were the worst ever the other day when I posted this. They have calmed down so he isn't sneezing every 2 seconds like the other day. Not sure why the other day he was so affected but it's been better. I'm going to buy a HEPA air purifier tomorrow, we have officially switched Dallas over to Merrick's to help with his dry skin [which he LOVES by the way], Mark's taking Allegra daily now [I was told it'd take 2ish weeks to seem like it's working], & I plan on buying the allergen wipes tomorrow too [I couldn't find them at the store today]. So we'll see how much it improves. I really think he'll get better with time since the body is very adaptable to things like this. But only time will tell...

[Mia]

well Nina, you can always send Dallas here lol, Mia would love it (lol, ok maybe not) or you can send Mark here which ever you feel you would have to part with :D lol

[tanza]

Not yet. His allergies were the worst ever the other day when I posted this. They have calmed down so he isn't sneezing every 2 seconds like the other day. Not sure why the other day he was so affected but it's been better. I'm going to buy a HEPA air purifier tomorrow, we have officially switched Dallas over to Merrick's to help with his dry skin [which he LOVES by the way], Mark's taking Allegra daily now [I was told it'd take 2ish weeks to seem like it's working], & I plan on buying the allergen wipes tomorrow too [I couldn't find them at the store today]. So we'll see how much it improves. I really think he'll get better with time since the body is very adaptable to things like this. But only time will tell...

You might also consider use 3V caps for Dallas to help with the dry skin here is a link. http://www.3vcaps.com
I have used this, especially when after my bitches would whelp and would really blow coat.....

[Ninabeana26]

I am actually going to a pet sciality store today [not the one I normally go to] to see if they have the fish oil in a pump like I know Michelle uses. If not then those pills look good & so I'll probably buy some :)

[tanza]

I am actually going to a pet sciality store today [not the one I normally go to] to see if they have the fish oil in a pump like I know Michelle uses. If not then those pills look good & so I'll probably buy some :)

The 3V also comes in a pump... and you can search for places on the internet for the best price...

[Ninabeana26]

Very true. I found a place online for $11. I'll see how expensive it is with shipping v. the local pet store [if they even carry it] :) Thanks for the tip! I'm sure him having dry skin is not helping with Mark's allergies one bit considering dander is dead skin which comes off more when their skin is dry. Duh! LOL

[tanza]

Very true. I found a place online for $11. I'll see how expensive it is with shipping v. the local pet store [if they even carry it] :) Thanks for the tip! I'm sure him having dry skin is not helping with Mark's allergies one bit considering dander is dead skin which comes off more when their skin is dry. Duh! LOL

I have never found them in pet stores, at least not in California... so usually you can find places on line that do not charge sales tax, so the shipping turns out to be a trade off..

[mauigirl]

quick question, tanza. How is dry skin related to blowing coat?? You said you give the 3V for when your bitches shed alot, and Nina's getting it for Dallas' dry skin. Is a heavy shed a symptom of dry skin? I wonder if our humidifier helps with that at all...
Also, Nina: Does Mark consistently wash his hands after touching the dog? That has helped me with my cat allergy. And when I'm home on Maui they're not allowed in my room.

[tanza]

quick question, tanza. How is dry skin related to blowing coat?? You said you give the 3V for when your bitches shed alot, and Nina's getting it for Dallas' dry skin. Is a heavy shed a symptom of dry skin? I wonder if our humidifier helps with that at all...
Also, Nina: Does Mark consistently wash his hands after touching the dog? That has helped me with my cat allergy. And when I'm home on Maui they're not allowed in my room.

It is not a symptom of a heavy shed (dry skin), the blowing of coat after whelping a litter is usually due to hormons, but the skin can become drier and more "flakly" when shedding. Spayed bitches have hormon changes too and I have always found that spayed and/or neutered will have a heavier shed then in-tact at least every couple of years. The 3V caps are just a good skin supplement.

[Ninabeana26]

Dallas doesn't shed I just can see his dry skin in his ears & if I part some of his fur away. He scratches his & I can actually see the skin flaking off sometimes, although not always.

And yea we have germ-x all over the house & so not only does he wash his hands after playing with Dallas but he always is using germ-x after doing anything at all, including just sitting on the sofa. We did talk about not allowing Dallas into our bedroom but Mark doesn't like the idea since we do plan on allowing him to sleep in bed with us after he's housetrained since he spends his days in the crate & we don't want him crated during the day & at night. I am getting a purifier for our main living space & a second one for the bedroom :)

[tanza]

Puppies will typical shed their baby coats... so if Dallas is not yet, he will be at about 10 months or so...

[nala121498]

Not yet. His allergies were the worst ever the other day when I posted this. They have calmed down so he isn't sneezing every 2 seconds like the other day. Not sure why the other day he was so affected but it's been better. I'm going to buy a HEPA air purifier tomorrow, we have officially switched Dallas over to Merrick's to help with his dry skin [which he LOVES by the way], Mark's taking Allegra daily now [I was told it'd take 2ish weeks to seem like it's working], & I plan on buying the allergen wipes tomorrow too [I couldn't find them at the store today]. So we'll see how much it improves. I really think he'll get better with time since the body is very adaptable to things like this. But only time will tell...
Zyrtec is also available OTC. Lots of people have great results with that one!

[Ninabeana26]

Yea he tried that before it was OTC & didn't have any results...maybe if the allegra doesnt work we can try it again. So amy pills to choose but so little money...lol

[nala121498]

Yea he tried that before it was OTC & didn't have any results...maybe if the allegra doesnt work we can try it again. So amy pills to choose but so little money...lol
Darn. Sadly, it's true...so expensive. :eek:

[amgin]

I read this in an allergy article the other day - people said it really helped them and it's holistic (Drugstore.com has reviews of this product so you can see what people have to say about it).

bioAllers Animal Hair & Dander Allergy Relief, Liquid 1 fl oz (30 ml)

They sell it at Drugstore.com

Hope it helps!!! Take Care

[Robin_n_Jack]

I have some pretty severe dander allergies to dogs....like tanza, I hate it when people advertise a dog as being "hypo-allergenic" it really is unfair advertising.....next thing you know, you are working at Barnes and Noble with moderate to severe dander allergies and some Paris Hilton wannabe comes in with her little Chihuahua in a purse and when I tell her I won't help her until she leaves the dog outside, she throws a little hissy fit about how her dog is hypo-allergenic and what is my problem, but I digress....

That is not your fault that this era of designer dogs has led into false advertising. I too thought that certain dogs were hypo-allergenic when I started looking. MANY MANY KUDOS to you for looking for a solution to manage the allergies.

I have found that my allergies lessen over time as I get used to a dog (or cat's) dander. ie- I go out of town for a while and come back, my allergies to Jack are worse because my body is less used to combating the dander. In the meantime, the pills work (but they are pricey). I have taken FloNase as well, which is a nasal steriod (think turning your nose into Barry Bonds- knocking that dander right out of the park). Zyrtec makes me drowsy, but you can find store versions of claritin and alavert OTC at walgreens or CVS which are less expensive than the name brands.

How is it going, though- have you found anything that helps?

[Ninabeana26]

Well actually Mark became immune to Dallas totally about 2ish months ago but we broke up recently & I moved out...and back to Maryland. So now I don't care if he is sick from dog dander. Although of course Dallas is with me! :)

[jerremie]

Cool... an allergy thread! HOORAY! I just posted my intro yesterday as a new Basenji owner (with apparent Basenji allergies.) Tiger has really dry skin with lots of dandruff, so I'm slowly switching him from Canidae to Timberwolf Ocean 6 (grain-free/single protein source) and adding salmon oil to the kibble. Since I'm the one who appears to have some allergies to his dander, my partner brushed Tiger vigorously outdoors last night and then took a cloth with some pet enzyme solution and to wipe away dander afterwards. Of course, Tiger protested pretty severely to being wiped with wet stuff and actually tried to nip Alberto last night. Here's to hoping that he adapts to his new regimen (and/or stops producing so much dander in the first place.) I've ordered some special shampoo and the Allerpet/d liquid which should arrive next week. Although, I'm not looking forward to trying to bathe Tiger after Alberto's experience. I know I don't NEED all ten fingers, but I'm still kind of attached to them (and find them rather useful when typing and playing the piano).

I'm going to look into allergy shots for myself and am currently trying a semi-natural approach, taking Quercetin (a bioflavonoid), Vitamin C, Stinging Nettle capsules, and BioAllers homeopathic Animal Hair and Dander formula. I just started the last two this morning and am feeling pretty good (of course, I'm out of the house at work which is at least 50% of the battle.)

I just started back studying as an operatic tenor in February after many years off and have been thrilled with my progress RIGHT UP UNTIL our basenji adoption. Now my nose has been runny and draining into my throat leaving my vocal folds red and raspy. I think Tiger is great though, and he and my partner are totally two peas in a pod (they both love to sleep-in late together and then go freaking wild running around the park.) I'm committed to seeking a reasonable solution... there USUALLY is one. Time will tell. PLEASE keep posting other ideas and suggestions, different things work for different people and since I'm unlikely to "break up with myself," Nina's solution probably isn't going to work for me (Sorry to hear, Nina. At least you've got your Basenji though... that's one heck of a consolation prize.)

Thanks again...

--jerremie

[Robin_n_Jack]

Jerremie-

I studied Musical Theatre through college and my voice teachers and Ear/Nose/Throat doc recommended Flonase and Zyrtec. I loved the Flonase, but the Zyrtec made me really drowsy....although it didn't dry me out as much as the other pills.

Sudafed also makes a pretty good non-drying formula of their antihistamine. I know you are working the homeopathic route right now- hope that works for you, since that it definitely the best for us singers. Only other thing I can say is that Once I was around the pooch for about 6 weeks, I noticed a definite decline in the allergy area.

[renaultf1]

Jeremie...I'm with you about going the homeopathic route...If you should decide to use Flonase at some point, the only thing I would warn is that I had nose bleeds that were bordering on hemorrhaging. If you are prone to nose bleeds, be careful going that route.

Oh, and one thing on the Timberwolf, they changed their formula recently and added chicken fat into a previously all fish based food. In fact, my favourite pet store stopped carrying it because of the change and no advanced warning or advertising of the change (a problem when your pet can't tolerate chicken and it caused some of their customers pets to get sick). Anyway, as soon as the food changed, my boy wouldn't eat it anymore.

[jerremie]

Thanks for the replies.

Robin - I do avoid most prescription and over the counter meds (especially if they'll have to be taken long term) they almost always cause me to dry out or become hyper and jittery, etc. It's cool to find another singer on here! Do you still sing much?

Renault - Thanks for the info on Timberwolf. I specifically bought it after reading TONS and TONS of labels online and making a list of those that didn't contain any chicken products. GREAT... now I'll have to go home and double check the bag I bought to see if it was produced before or after the change. I'm finding it so hard to locate foods that don't have chicken or grain in them in the hopes of reducing Tiger's dander. I'm just not quite ready to go 'raw' yet, but I can't believe how many higher quality feeds still mix lots of different protein sources. I'd much rather rotate through a number of single protein source foods in order to avoid allergies than to have every kind of meat known to man crammed into one food thereby giving my dog the potential to develop allergies to all of them in one fell swoop. *SIGH* Then again, his skin issues could all be stress related... we'll have to see how he settles in... I'm just trying to be proactive with addressing dietary issues.

[jerremie]

UPDATE: The bag of timberwolf Ocean 6 that I have doesn't list chicken fat in the ingredients. Maybe I should stock up if the store still has more? I'd really like him on a chicken-free, grain-free diet until we get the dander cleared up.

[tanza]

Another one that is grain free and you can get without chicken is EVO

[renaultf1]

Jeremie...lucky that you have one of the ones before the change...I think the chicken fat is about the 4th or 5th ingredient on the label on the new batch. Innova EVO is a great food as Tanza said and they have a non chicken version but they don't have fish. A lot of people here feed their kids EVO with great success. When I switched off Timberwolf Ocean, I put Ruby & Brando on Orijen 6 Fresh Fish...awesome food and BOY do the kids LOVE it...but very expensive.

[jerremie]

Well, thanks for the suggestions renault. I apologize for having listed his food as Timberwolf Ocean 6 (it's really Timberwolf Ocean BLUE)... apparently I've been investigating too many dog foods and they're all blurring together. I may look into the Orijen 6... I went back and found it on one of my lists from when I was trying to narrow this all down. Orijen ranked highly for me, I think it was just that my local specialty store carries timberwolf but DOESN'T carry orijen :( I may have to order it online (even though I prefer supporting the local guy whenever possible). I'll probably call Timberwolf and give them an earful... I at least like to let a vendor know when they've messed up and lost a customer. It isn't likely to change anything, but it can't hurt either. You never know which complaint will finally put it over the top and pique their interest on any given issue.

Thanks again,

--jerremie

[lvoss]

If there is a brand that you really like but you local store doesn't carry it, talk to the owner. I buy most of my pet food from small local retailers. When they have not had what I wanted, I let them know. Many have been willing to order a specific food for me.

[tanza]

lvoss is right, many of the smaller specialty stores will order for you. Also good is Wellness, they just came out with a new brand that has no grains and ones without chicken fat...

[renaultf1]

lvoss is right, many of the smaller specialty stores will order for you. Also good is Wellness, they just came out with a new brand that has no grains and ones without chicken fat...

Yup, Wellness Core, they also have a fish based food...it is more moderate in protein than EVO or Orijens.

And I third what lvoss & Tanza said about the special order...my favourite store locally said they can pretty much special order any food I want.

[lvoss]

Also Merrick's is releasing a grain free food. I think some retailers are already carrying it. I got a free sample a month ago at the Orange County Pet Expo.

[chiya]

Blue Buffalo carries the Wilderness grain free formula too!!
I would use it if I don't have a Fanconi dog that is not doing
too well on high protein food.

[tanza]

Blue Buffalo carries the Wilderness grain free formula too!!
I would use it if I don't have a Fanconi dog that is not doing
too well on high protein food.

And to that note... isn't it great that we have a Fanconi test now and that if people test before breeding no one ever has to live and care for a Fanconi Affected Basenji again... (as in my monthly public service annoucement)
Remember to strip test monthly (and do it for 3 to 4 days in a row...) and/or do a DNA test for Fanconi

[Tommy360]

I don't know if this helps but the ONLY medications that work for me are a combination of Zyrtec/Nasonex. I've been on everything and that combo works for me. I have pretty bad allergies and have 2 B's with me in the house at all times...

[KiroGurl]

I am allergic to my baby girl too :) i get red and puffy where she scratches me and i get itchy eys bad...BAD . :) I find that bathing her once a month with OATMEAL shampoo and then brushing her outside or running my hands throuegh her coat every day (she loves) and giving her her own pillows helps me alot and when i act up I take a benadryl :)

she seems to be worse in the CAR, when wwe go places, and wheh shes nervous or just dirty. It was worse when she was a puppy but now im fine (1.5 yr later)

[Mucky]

My boyfriend is very allergic to animals, and was miserable until he started taking zyrtec (he's not very allergic to my B, mostly to my cat).
I have tons of allergies to seasonal stuff. I love febreeze allergen reducing spray. Using that along with keeping the house clean (using a vacuum with a hepa filter) is one of the best ways (in my opinion) to keep the allergens down. I also use ALL allergen reducing laundry detergent. I love my ionic air purifier, I noticed a HUGE difference the first day I plugged it in.

[ehl]

Both my sons have allergies diagnosed by a professional allergist and do fine with Basenjis. We have just got our 3rd B two weeks ago and no sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes. I think for you that it MUST be something the dog is bringing in or perhaps your dog is one that performs one particular way and my family lucked out with 3 of the other way. Maybe someday they will have a test like the Fanconi that shows the DNA of this family tree has more dander and the DNA of that heritage has less dander to near none.

I do agree with the smart person that has posted on this site the best idea I have ever heard: rub a t-shirt all over the possible family addition, sleep with the t-shirt, and THEN decide. I know it is too late for you but a good thing to repost for readers.

Good luck with your situation.