I am allergic to my Goldendoodle puppy who doesn't shed (yet)

[Camus]

I have been reading this forum for long time, but this is my first post. All the DK members helped me a lot when I was considering a Goldendoodle. Thank you guys for all your posts on all subjects.

We got a puppy 3 days ago. I think it would be good if I post that I am allergic to the puppy even though he doesn't shed (yet). Today at the vet I noticed just a couple of hairs on my black t-shirt.

I had had no allergies at all till I turned 34 years old. Then all type of allergies came all together. I got asthma too. I can't stand cold, cats, dust, smoke, etc., etc. I had a dog (springer spaniel) for 15 years long time ago and had no problems at all. But I had terrible problems with our last cat (had to give it away).

I decided to get a GD puppy hoping that I'd be Ok. Since the first day, I started experiencing breathing problems and had cough. Second day was worse. However, all those allergy symptoms were different and much milder than those ones I had with our cat. No constant sneezing or itching eyes. Today, the third day, I feel much better (specially because the puppy didn't sleep with us). I am happy that he is fine sleeping in his room (open).

So, I think my allergy is not because of the hair but the saliva. And I really hope I will be able to deal with it.  

UPD: forgot to write a funny thing. The day we brought Camus to our house, I started scratching everywhere: legs, arms, head, back. Just like that rear type of short period allergy some mothers develop toward their newborn babies. haha. It comes away pretty quickly. Mine lasted 2 days.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Keep in mind that if you have any pollen allergies, the dog is bringing those pollens into your home on his coat. This is one reason many people with allergies cannot live with dogs, even if they are not allergic to the dog himself.

Cat allergies are much more common than dog allergies.

Allergic responses are triggered by ingesting or inhaling certain proteins, and the proteins in a dog's saliva are basically the same as the proteins in his dander. So if you are allergic to your puppy's saliva, you are also allergic to his dander. One or the other forms may cause a worse reaction, but the cause is the same.

I really wish there was some way to spread the word among the population at large that when you mix a heavy-shedding breed (Retrievers) with a non-shedding breed, you do not necessarily get an allergy-friendly dog. An awful lot of doodles are relinquished to rescues because so many people believed the myth of doodles being non-shedding.

One way to know for sure what you are actually allergic to would be to have skin-testing done by an allergist.

In the meantime, try wiping your puppy down every time he comes in from outdoors, in case it's the pollen that's affecting you.

[Camus]

Thank you for the comment. You are so right.

I had no illusions and understood all the risks. It wasn't just a try when we bought him, it was a well thought decision.  I won't give up and will do all I can not to give Camus away. If I find something that help me and can help others to deal with allergy, I'll post it.

 

[Camus]

I am going to put an update here as a comment:

Had an asthma attack 2 nights before and thought that was Camus's fault. Today I realized that it wasn't. It was "Petco". Got an allergic reaction after visiting the store (started coughing right there). Today I feel fine. I love my doodle. I can't say he is anti-, but yes, he is definitely hypo- allergenic.

[Stacey Schiffman]

Hi - I'm curious if your pup is an F1 or F1B doodle? Thanks for sharing your story.

[Camus]

He is an F1.

[Melissa W]

hi there - what was the outcome of your allergies and the pup?