Son Allergic to saliva.....

[Davedbd]

Hello all,

I have an 8 y/o son who is allergic to our puppies saliva. We have had him tested by an allergist and its a positive for dog/cat dander. He is real bad around long haired dogs and cats. Red eyes, itchy and sometime wheezing even. But around our puppy Tiara, he has no ill effect unless she licks him. He gets a hive which will disappear on its own non medicated in about 15-20 min. There is no mark left and its actually pretty harmless. The allergist said it does not require getting rid of puppy which actually blew me away. Our doctor says the same thing...keep the puppy. Even the Vet said it was fine. He may eventually gain a tolerance to this particular dog.
My question is-- has anyone else experienced this and what was the outcome?
I will not risk my son, but also do not want to re-home puppy if all will be better down the road. Unfortunatley, we found this out after Tiara came home with us, so its a very tough decision. She has been here for about 5 weeks and while he does get hives after she licks him, there seems to be no other symptoms.
I'm actually looking for any positive stories or recommendations. We are in the process of going through a drastic home allergy prevention overhaul so to speak. HEPA this and allergy free that....all will be covered. Just looking for some hope I guess because while I obviously do not want to harm my son, We are very attached to the puppy and really want to keep her...............

 

[johann]

I'm glad you don't have to get rid of your puppy.

I'm also allergic to boxer drool.....not the best thing with our drooly Johann. After wrestling/feeding treats/kisses, I immediately go wash my hands and arms. That seems to keep most of the hives at bay. The worst area for me is my face/neck- Johann loves to give kisses and I end up covered in hives. Either washing with cool water and soap right afterwards, or washing then using a little bit of topical benedryl works well.

Good luck with teh allergy overhaul. My parents had to do that when I was a kid....and I remember it being a lot of work.

 

[djheitz]

I agree - have him wash up after playing with the pup. And she can also be taught that he's off limits for licking (but that may take a little while). I have several friends who don't allow their dogs to lick their faces, but those same dogs know they are allowed to give me a big smooch

I was never allergic to cats until I went without one for several years. Now I'm itchy & sneezy as soon as I touch one, so there is merit in what the docs said - he may develop a tolerance and that will also make it easier when he is in other people's homes.

 

[Davedbd]

Thanks for the replies.....I will definitely remember to have him wash up a lot.