I took Rylee to the Pulminologist today, and he really thinks that she keeps getting sick because of her allergies. We are using our income tax money to get new floors, so that should eliminate some of the dust. Her Pulminologist told me to ask her Allergist, which I will do tomorrow when I see him, if we need to get rid of our dog. He thinks that might help her a lot. We haven't told Rylee yet, and I have no clue how I am going to get rid of Gizmo with Rylee knowing. We aren't going to tell her it is because of her that he has to go, but I don't know how to do this or what to tell her. My heart is just breaking. I love my dog very much, but my daughter comes first and is more important to me than a dog. I will update tomorrow with what her Allergist says.

By Breann on Thursday, March 6, 2008 - 08:20 pm:

That would be sad if you had to get rid of your dog. But, like you said, your daughter comes first.
I saw some dog shampoo at the pet store which claimed to help people with pet allergies. You wash the dog with it, obviously. Maybe check into that.
Hope you can get some good ideas at the allergist.

By Debbie on Thursday, March 6, 2008 - 08:38 pm:

{{{Hugs}}} I know exactly what you are going through. We had to give up a puppy that we got last year because of ds' allergies. We got him before ds was tested, so we had no idea. Ds ended up in the ER with a major asthma attack. This is one of the things that led to him being allergy tested. It was one of the hardest things we had to do, but we had no choice.

After ds was allergy tested, his allergist met with me and we went over all the things he is allergic too. Unfortunately, it is a long list. We then determined what seasons are the worst for him. His peak allergy times are fall and winter. Next, we came up with an allergy action plan, it is basically a plan of watching his syptoms, and giving him certain medications based on those. He was switched to a stronger daily medication. We also have as needed medications that we give him based on the time of year, and whether or not he is experiencing certain symptoms. Our allergist also gave me a sheet of things to help control his allergies...mattress, and pillow covers, etc. It has just made a world of differnce for ds. Last year he missed so much school. We were almost at the point of having to met with the school board. This year, he hasn't missed a single day for illness!!

Yes, let us know what her allergist says. I hope you don't have to find a new home for your dog, I know how hard that is. But, I would think if she was allergic to dogs, your allergy doctor would have already asked you if you had a dog at home???

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, March 6, 2008 - 08:53 pm:

Has Rylee gone through allergy testing? Did she test positive for a dog allergy? Sorry, I don't remember the specifics. I would be hesitant to rehome a beloved family pet unless I knew for sure that's what was causing health problems for a family member.

We went through this with DS. We found out he was allergic to cats, and we had 5 at the time. We are now down to two, and as long as they don't go in his room, he's fine. Of course, different people have different allergy sensitivities.

By Rayanne on Friday, March 7, 2008 - 09:40 am:

Yes, she has tested positive to being allergic to dogs, but he has never bothered her. My parents dog and other big dogs do. Mine hardly ever goes near her. He doesn't like to be pushed in doll strollers...lol, but will tolerate it. She is also allergic to pollen, dust, mold, and roach poop. Well, dust is in our house for sure, so we are on top of that right now with getting things done to help eliminate it. She has a mattress cover and a pillow cover that are to help her as well. I asked her allergist in the past if we needed to get rid of our dog, and he said no. I don't know what he will say today, but I am so nervous!

Last night just broke my heart. It's almost like she knew what could possably happen to our dog because all night, Rylee kept calling Gizmo to come here and telling him that she loved him so much and he was her favorite pet...he's also our only pet. She just kept hugging him and kissing him. I tried so hard not to cry.

By Colette on Friday, March 7, 2008 - 09:58 am:

((Rayanne)) I hope you don't have to get rid of your dog.

By Dandjmom on Friday, March 7, 2008 - 10:52 am:

Praying that you don't have to get rid of your dog. I say try the dog shampoo and other alergieproducts when you vaccumm and dust, You said that the house is dusty right now, have you thought about ( not sure of the name) ion machine those machines that capture dust and things cleans the air.

and also not sure if she is too young but what about the medication that is for indoor/and outdoor allergies? I know that it says that dog dander is one of them it is supposed to protect against.

By Tunnia on Friday, March 7, 2008 - 01:08 pm:

I really hope you don't have to get rid of your dog! I am also sorry that Rylee is having such a rough time with allergies.

By Rayanne on Friday, March 7, 2008 - 05:24 pm:

Thanks girls. It looks like we can keep Gizmo for a little longer. Her allergist doesn't want us to get rid of him just yet. He wants Rylee to come back in on the 21st and we are going to restest her again with a skin allergy test. We will then go from there. He said that she could also be okay with our dog, just not other dogs. I am crossing my fingers that everything will work out fine and we can hopefully get her on a new plan of action to keep her well.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, March 7, 2008 - 05:43 pm:

Sounds like a good plan!

By Bea on Friday, March 7, 2008 - 09:41 pm:

My allergist told me to keep our cat, although I'm allergic to cat dander, but not to allow her into my bedroom. He said that if I kept all cat dander out of my bedroom, I'd be okay, since I would be spending a good portion of every 24 hour period in an allergen free place. Maybe that would be enough for Gizmo and Rylee.

By Amecmom on Friday, March 7, 2008 - 10:32 pm:

Hugs, Rayanne! Randy is also allergic to our cat. We keep the cat out of the bedrooms and I vacuum constantly!. There is also something that I can spray on his fur that keeps the dander down. I don't know if there is a similar product for dogs, but there might be.
My sister was asthmatic and highly allergic to pets when growing up, but she eventually grew out of it (she still takes 1/2 a singulair three or four times a week), and has been enjoying pets all her adult life.
Aside from her physical health, there is her emotional well being to consider. It would be a big burden for a little girl to think that her family dog had to find another home because of her allergies. Even though it's not her fault, she might feel like it is.
Good luck!
Ame