[Breevereurl]

Hey guys. I've been having my pitt for about 6 months+ and now all of a sudden when i go around my pit, I get shortness of breath, i make noises when i breath in and out (it gets hard to breathe), my throat seems to swell up, i start coughing, and my throat itches. I'm guessing because of allergies? I've went to to docs and gotten a blood test and check up, etc but they said i was healthy. It's getting really hard to spend time with my pup now. I've tried googling and still no results.

If anyone know what this is, please help thanks.

I've tried cleaning my whole entire room and putting a expensive air cleaner/fliter to help with the dander from my pup, and getting her baths. It seems to be worese whenver i give her baths tho.

[Angeheade]

seriously sounds like perhaps an allergy or reaction triggered by asthma? perhaps.

[Snocioncilm]

Your doctor can do either a skin test or a blood test called a RAST (radioallergosorbent test) to find out if you have dog allergies. Even if you're pretty certain that you're allergic, testing is always a good idea. Some people who assume that they have dog allergies turn out not to have them. Instead, they're allergic to the pollen or mold that the dog is carrying in on its coat from outside. There are some good tips on page two of this article as well ... Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

[Breevereurl]

seriously sounds like perhaps an allergy or reaction triggered by asthma? perhaps.

There are some good tips on page two of this article as well ... Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Thanks for your help, i don't have asthma but when it gets really hard to breathe i use my brother's/oldman's inhaler and it seems to help. It never happen untill about 2 months ago. But when i first got my girl, she had what i think was light mange (just 2 little spots) and it would make me and my family really itchy when we touch her (except our hands) or when she licks us. Her skin/fur is clear now and i've been giving her fish oil and 1-2 raw eggs a week for her skin and coat

[Angeheade]

It really does sound like an sinus related allergy to me...I am allergic to animals myself....benedryl is my best friend, just don't tell my mutt that.

[Breevereurl]

It really does sound like an sinus related allergy to me...I am allergic to animals myself....benedryl is my best friend, just don't tell my mutt that.

Lol, i used to take meds for my allergies just to play with my girl. Do you think its okay to take a over-the-counter pill for some allergies everyday or should i go ask my doc for some prescribed meds

[Angeheade]

It really depends. I hate doctors so I use over the counter...however with your allergy symptoms being so severe perhaps sticking with a doctor is your best bet! Hope it all clears up.

[Breevereurl]

Yeah Thanks slayer,

[Plaumpholavup]

Was the doctor you saw a specialist? Because to be honest, he sounds like a bit of an idiot. Just saying, I would not be satisfied with his consultation...at all.

Does this help?
Environmental controls - Must do!Controlling the amount of animal dander in the home is a very important part of treating pet allergies. Here are examples of what I do in my the battle against dog allergy.
A. Environmental controls1. Keep dogs out of the bedroom

• My dogs are not allowed on my bed or even in my bedroom
• It's important to create at least one dog-free room in your house where you can breathe cleaner, less dander saturated air
• Unfortunately, forced air heating and air conditioning will still spread allergens through your house unless you install a central HEPA air cleaner

2. Use HEPA air cleaners

• I have HEPA room air cleaners in all bedrooms (no dogs allowed) and in the family room (dogs allowed)
• The central heating system in my house has an electrostatic air filter to help clean the air distributed through the house
• Central HEPA air cleaner is ideal, but if you don't have one, portable room air cleaners are a lot better than none
• HEPA air cleaners can really make a difference for asthmatics and pet allergy sufferers
• In addition, you can use inexpensive disposable allergen air filters that capture microscopic allergens like dust, smoke and smog particles and large allergens like mold spores and pet dander
• You can also try covering your home's air vents with vent guards or cheese cloth

3. Use baby gates

• I use baby gates to keep the dogs downstairs, away from the upstairs bedrooms

4. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting

• My house has bare, washable floors in all rooms where my dogs spent their time
• Wall-to-wall carpeting collects dander and is difficult to keep clean

5. Bathe your dog frequently

• I bathe my dogs frequently, my dogs are hairless so it's very quick
• Using a mild dog shampoo helps prevent overdrying of the skin
• Baths can greatly reduce the level of allergens on fur
• Bathing twice a week is recommended in a 1999 allergy study
• If you have to groom your own dog that has hair, use a face mask while brushing the fur and do it outside

6. Keep your dog's skin healthy

• Dermatitis often causes accelerated skin cell shedding

7. Wash dog bedding, clothes, and soft toys frequently

• I wash all dog bedding, cushion covers, doggie shirts, and soft dog toys frequently with a mild, fragrance free detergent
• I love the Perla dog beds made of heady duty plastic. They are durable, inexpensive, and can be easily wiped clean of any dog dander. I use standard size human bed pillows as cushions for the 24" Perla beds. I encase the pillows with anti-allergen pillow covers and pillow cases. I was both covers frequently. When the pillows start smelling "doggy", I just throw them away and buy new ones for 3-5 dollars.
• You could also try using an anti-allergen detergent to wash your doggie stuff

8. Get leather furniture instead of fabric

• I cover my leather family room sofas with sheets to help prevent dog dander deposits on them, these sheets are washed frequently and my dogs are allowed on the sofas
• Leather is the ideal sofa material for allergy sufferers
• You can also use sofa slip covers for a neater look

9. Have dog-free reserved seating

• I have reserved seating in the family room
• No dog is allowed on my comfy chair, but they are allowed on the sofa where rest of the family sits
• Sitting in a dog dander free chair while watching TV makes a significant difference to my asthma level

10. Vacuum frequently with a HEPA vacuum cleaner

• I try to vacuum a lot
• I have a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
• Vacuum floors, furniture, blinds, and all other surfaces

11. Air the house

• I open the windows occasionally to let the airborne pet allergens air out, but not when the pollen count is high outside

12. Wash your hands

• I wash my hands after petting my dogs, and washing my face helps too
• I avoid touching my eyes or face when I'm playing with my dogs

13. Change your clothes

• I often change my clothes after allowing dogs on my lap to help remove the dog dander on me
• I throw these clothes directly into the laundry hamper

14. Put clothes on your dog

• I have noticed that I can tolerate my hairless dogs better allergywise if they are wearing clothes
• If it's warm, I make sure that their clothes are made of thin, cool, and breathable cotton fabric
• Do not use synthetic fabrics that make your dog sweat, a sweating dog seems to aggravate allergies more
• Change and wash your dog's clothes daily

15. Limit dog dander in your car

• I avoid transporting dogs in my car, I try to keep my car dog dander free
• If you have no second car, you can cover the car seat with a washable sheet or pet blanket, or use washable car seat protectors designed for pet owners
• Leather seats in the car are ideal

16. Avoid clutter in your home

• I try, but not always so successfully :O), to avoid clutter in my house, it collects dust and dog dander
• Pet allergens are tiny and sticky, they attach to all surfaces

17. Allergen reduction products

• Some people are reporting a reduction in their dog allergy when using the Allerpet D for Dogs solution while others notice no difference at all
• Allerpet solution is applied on your dog's coat
• You can also try spraying areas where your dogs spend their time (carpets, sofas) with an anti-allergen spray, it supposedly deactivates pet allergens

B. MedicalVisit your allergy specialist (MD) for advice and medications

• I must use prescription allergy and asthma medications continuously to be able to keep my dogs
• I am also getting allergy shots (immunotherapy) for various allergens, including dogs
• Currently, hypo-sensitization to dogs is less effective than to cats, but experimental studies offer hope for improved allergy shots in the future
• Be sure to discuss your pet allergies with your allergy specialist to create the best treatment and maintenance plan for your specific allergies

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)

• Allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), is an alternative to allergy shots. Sublingual immunotherapy has been used for years in Europe to treat allergies of the eyes and nose, as well as allergic asthma. Drops or tablets of allergen extract are placed under the tongue, jand then either swallowed or spat out. Swallowing the extract seems to work better. Allergy shots appear to be superior at treating allergic disease, but SLIT will likely become an important treatment option for people unwilling or unable to receive allergy shots. There is an increased interest in the SLIT treatment in the United States. However, it is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Until the FDA approves the use of SLIT, most mainstream allergists will probably not offer this type of therapy, and insurance companies will not cover the costs of the therapy.

From: http://sweet-lucys.com/allergictodogs.html

[Jerwittdergut]

Sounds like anaphylaxis, probably caused by you being severely allergic to your dog. I would be very careful, these types of reactions can be fatal.

[Breevereurl]

@Jazzy i do most of what the things you posted.. It helps a bit. Maybe it's my humira (weakens my immue system)? i have mild psorasis and I beleive the symtoms came right after i started my Humira injections. and no he isn't a specialst, just a family doctor. and ive gotten another blood test from my skin doctor because i thought it was my meds that was doing it, but i noticed everytime i get close contact with my dog it starts up

[rootoronpunty]

A Dr. who works with allergies told me I was allergic to dogs, cats, rabbits and rats. Also some tree pollen and, of course, dust mites. They also told me to stop working with dogs and ditch my pets... uh, no way.
I have asthma that is only brought on by these things. I found a new Dr and a pulmenoligest( sp! A Dr who works with lungs) who was willing to help me control my asthma, help me breath AND keep my pets. After trying different drugs, I use a daily inhaled steroid and have a emergency inhaler just in case. I have had my problem under control for years. I'm also still a dog groomer. You need to find a good doctor. Your problem could result in death!

[wmcelesta]

^^^This.

Also I noticed you said its worse when you give her a bath. What kind of shampoo are you using on her? Have you used any topical flea and tick medication on her?

[rootoronpunty]

Some wet dogs brought on a attack faster then dry dogs! Not sure why. But with me it was Goldens and cockers. If you dry her with a blow dryer, that can send dander flying.
Stupid flea collars will also get me going...Flea collar do not work and are bad for lungs, hopefully you don't have one on your dog.

[Breevereurl]

^^^This.

Also I noticed you said its worse when you give her a bath. What kind of shampoo are you using on her? Have you used any topical flea and tick medication on her?

I'm using a regular dog shampoo with oatmeal from wal-mart. But i've switched to a human shampoo with tree oil in it and it has helped alot and made her coat more soft and shiny. And nope, haven't used any medication on her. Thanks Ms Acer, i will try to seek out a specalist doctor

[wmcelesta]

If it's the Hartz Ultra-Guard flea and tick with oatmeal it has chemicals in it to kill the fleas and ticks, it also contains fragrance which are more chemicals. If the shampoo you are using now contains tea tree oil please stop using it on your pup. Tea tree oil can be toxic to cats and dogs in certain doses and can build up over time. Find a good dog shampoo and use it sparingly if it does contain tea tree oil. Know the symptoms of over dose.
Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil on Dogs | eHow.com

[rootoronpunty]

Best to use a dog shampoo if possible. You can get a good yet cheap type at Wholesale Pet Supplies, Dog Grooming | PetEdge.com

[MeatteCen]

Seriously, to me it sounds like asthma... my son has asthma, and his symptoms with the "noises" when you breathe, sound like wheezing. At the very least, it's serious allergies. I would get a second opinion. And for what it's worth, I would thing bathing your pup too often would be a bad thing because it stirs up the dander... not to mention that it dries out the dogs skin and strips it of much needed oils. See if you can get an appmt with another doctor, and let us know if the two doctors opinions are the same or very different. I can't imagine being allergic to my dogs, but my son has pet dander allergies, and is very allergic to cats, but his symptoms aren't as bad as what you are describing.

[Obenuearema]

It sounds like and allergy. I was told their is something called allergy induced asthma, by my doctor. What will help a lot is an allergy pill, like Allegra or Claritin(24 hours). Plus, the environmental suggestions the other person posted. Try them and see if they work for you. Benadryl is great but only works for 4-6 hours and makes you very drowsy.

[Breevereurl]

Seriously, to me it sounds like asthma... my son has asthma, and his symptoms with the "noises" when you breathe, sound like wheezing. At the very least, it's serious allergies. I would get a second opinion. And for what it's worth, I would thing bathing your pup too often would be a bad thing because it stirs up the dander... not to mention that it dries out the dogs skin and strips it of much needed oils. See if you can get an appmt with another doctor, and let us know if the two doctors opinions are the same or very different. I can't imagine being allergic to my dogs, but my son has pet dander allergies, and is very allergic to cats, but his symptoms aren't as bad as what you are describing.

It sounds like and allergy. I was told their is something called allergy induced asthma, by my doctor. What will help a lot is an allergy pill, like Allegra or Claritin(24 hours). Plus, the environmental suggestions the other person posted. Try them and see if they work for you. Benadryl is great but only works for 4-6 hours and makes you very drowsy.

Thanks for your time guys, Well.. I never had asthma, but can I get it overtime? And i've tried Claritin and it helps alot but i only used it when i had itchy eyes, runing nose, etc. But haven't tried any pills since the more serious symtoms appear'd like shortess of breath