Asthma and pet allergies

[Melissa Lowman]

Hello everyone. I'm new to this site. I have been researching dogs considered to be more hypoallergenic and stumbled upon the Australian Labradoodle. Are there other families on this site with doodles in their home and with a family member with pet allergies as well as asthma? How are you coping? Are symptoms aggravated? Are you/ your loved one symptom free as background research alleges? I'm trying to make most educated decision I possibly can before bringing a forever pup home. All help appreciated. I have done a lot of research but want to know how real families cope day to day.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Melissa, I do not have allergies in my home, but I do want to mention that often when people say they have researched this, it turns out that they have been doing their research on the websites of those who are selling or promoting these dogs, and not getting impartial factual information. To that end, here are two links regarding doodles and allergies that I feel are important reading for anyone in your situation. Please take a look at them

http://www.labradoodletrust.com/allergy_info.html

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/video/hypoallergenic-dogs

We have a member here (Jane Guinness & Murphy) who adopted one of her Australian Labradoodles after he was relinquished to Doodle Rescue by his first owner at the age of 11 weeks because he so affected her allergies and asthma that she had to be hospitalized. Murphy has a gorgeous fleece coat that does not shed at all, but his original owner was terribly allergic to him nevertheless. Here he is at 12 weeks, already having lost his first home:  In other cases, a puppy doesn't provoke the owner's allergie until after his adult coat comes in.

Remember that it is not just the dog itself that can provoke allergies. Their coats also attract and carry all sorts of pollens and other allergens into the home. Please research this very carefully if allergies are a serious concern.

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh Karen, I had forgotten all about this picture and how cute Murph was at that age.  Melissa, Karen is right...Murph doesn't shed at all and yet his original owner had such a severe asthma attack that they were forced to relinquish this puppy to rescue immediately.  I know this must have been so sad for that family.

[Melissa Lowman]

Thanks for the links. The first I had previously read, the second was new. I do not take this situation lightly. I am trying to set up some meet and greet times with a potential breeder for my son to visit the breeding dams. I understand its all about the protein the dog may/may not have. Another question, is it true that the culture the hair the less risk of allergen?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

All dogs have the KNF-1 protein, as explained in the video in the second link. The curlier the hair, the less shedding, generally, but not necessarily the less risk of allergen. 

Visiting the breeding dams is not going to tell you anything, as each dog may affect an allergic person differently. The dam may not affect your child's allergies, but any or all of her puppies may. Even within the same litter, there is some variation in the coats. 

Have you considered a Standard Poodle? They are wonderful family dogs, and there is more certainty about the coats and the allergy issues.

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

I am seriously allergic to cats. And slight allergy to dogs. To the point that I didn't believe the hype that doodles are hypoallergenic. My own experiences tell me I'm more allergic to saliva than to the hair itself. A dog or cat that has skin issues will cause more problems than a healthy animal. And I found I reacted to labs more strongly than other breeds, I think it might be due to the oil in their coats.

I also know the healthier I am, and the less allergens I am exposed to, the less I will react to any one cause. I considered my last dog my litmus test for my overall health. When my body was rundown I would react to her. When I felt healthy and strong no issues at all.

I had a small reaction each time I visited the mom and the pups of the dog I got. I was a bit nervous but decided I wanted a dog enough to tolerate a little bit. If you do have issues with allergies keep the dog very clean and healthy. Wash your hands after exposure. Probably best not to have the dog sleep in the same room. And keep the allergic person very healthy. I've had her home for 10 days and my reactions so far are pretty slight.

I find allergies to be quite a personal thing. I'm not sure anyone can tell you exactly how your family member will react. But it's good to find out as much as you can because a dog is a commitment.

[Melissa Lowman]

Thanks everyone. Yes Nancy, I'm looking for as much info I can to make best decision. My son does not respond (allergies) to all dogs it seems. He can spend days with his grandparents with their dogs and all is well, visit a friend and may be congested. Allergy testing shows (+) for dogs and very reactive to cats. Interesting enough there are 5 different types of protein a dog can have in genetic make up according to my son's allergist, BUT when allergy testing is completed all 5 types are combined together. Seriously, who is going to separate the types out, perform testing, find out (+) or (-) to said type of protein and then ask breeders, shelters ,etc. To perform blood work on dog. That just isn't reality. So, I feel he has an allergy as testing proved but not to all types of proteins. This isn't easy for me or my husband and son pleads a strong case. Good to know about adult coats changing after puppy coat falls out. Yes this is a huge commitment and new family member for us. Reptiles, fish, cats, are not an option.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I developed allergeries as an adult. Worse with cats. We went dog free in our home because of this for 20+ years. I then heard about some breeds of dogs that were hypoallergenic 4 years ago, also I was noticing I didn't react much to labs.

That planted a seed. I enjoyed watching the dog shows every year and started asking my husband if we could get another dog. For three years the answer was no...until this year he said ok. So I started researching the breeds that were recommended, and the goldendoodle stood out for its great personality.

I went to a couple breeders to see how I would react to the adults as well as the puppies. I was amazed and excited to find only the tiniest reaction, so I decided for me it was worth it. We now have had yogi home for four weeks and I have not had the slightest reaction to him! My husband and I are in love with him.

I'm sure it will be different for each person, but that's my story. We have hardwoods and I think that probably helps some, and I don't allow him to sleep with me... Maybe if you decide to get a dog you could keep your sons room off limits. Also get one of the f1b pups that have more poodle.

Good luck with whatever you decide

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

If you are looking for a dog and allergies are a concern, you should know that there is truly not a hypoallergenic dog breed, however 'non-shedding' dogs tend to be more allergy friendly.Here is a link to the most allergy friendly breeds: http://www.justdogbreeds.com/low-shedding-dog-breeds.html
While doodles are great dogs, not all of them are non-shedding or allergy friendly and there is a coat change from pup to adult that can cause a change in your allergic reactions to them. Here is an article about determining your allergy level with a particular doodle. http://doodlerescue.org/group/isadoodleforyou/forum/topics/the-alle...
Our Australian labradoodle does not shed and while the family has allergies (especially to cats)  none of us have dog allergies so I can't help you there.

The articles linked may be the same ones Karen linked you to.

[Shari Becker]

Hi there, I want to tell you about my experience. I am the only allergic person in my house. I am moderately allergic to dogs, but have severe dust and pollen allergies. My family desperately wanted a puppy, and they were not interested in a small dog, like a shih tzu or Havanese. We did a ton of research and found a breeder who was having a litter of medium doodles who were 70% poodle and did not shed. We put a deposit down, and I visited that puppy three times- in a house full of dogs - without any reactions. The puppy licked me and I rubbed her all over my face. the breeder told me that she'd never had a problem with allergies from this particular mating. I took the puppy home and was perfect until hay fever kicked in. All of the sudden I had hives if the dog so much as brushed her fur against my face. I pushed through for a few months, and it got better. Now, I think my puppy is shedding puppy coat, and I'm suffering again. It's not terrible. I'm not taking any medication - just arunny nose and some blocked ears. We have an air purifier in my room, and the dog is not allowed in there at all. My sister, who is asthmatic, reacts to our puppy within 20 minutes just being in the same room. She says its manageable, and she even lets us sleep over with the puppy when we visit, but she needs meds to get through. I've since talked to a lot of folks, and here's my two cents for whatever it's worth. If you are very allergic to labs and goldens, doodles are a real risk. Most of our friends with allergies ended up with small pure breeds with hair. All of them (including me) have to bathe our dogs regularly, we need to wipe them down when they come inside from the outdoors, we need to wash our hands regularly, we need to keep the dogs away from our faces. It's worth it to most of us, but it's not ever really perfect. You need to go in knowing that. I hope this helps. I love our puppy. I know I could have never gotten this temperament with a different dog. She is the sweetest, kindest puppy on earth, and amazing with my kids. But from an allergy standpoint, she wasn't the perfect choice. I used to babysit for a Shih Tzu, she slept in the same bed as me, and I never reacted at all. Ever. Just do all your research carefully, and be sure you can live with your possible reaction. I hope this helps you!