Allergies getting worse? wwyd?

[nearlyreadytopop]

DS is now 2, at 1 he was diagnosed with egg allergy. At 1.5 he was diagnosed as allergic to Dog, Horse and Cat. We have a Miniture Schnauzer dog who DS loves. The allergy consultant advised to wait and see with regard to how the dog will effect DS as the dog does not cast.

Since Christmas he has been in a&e twice for wheezyness/asthma. He is now on ventolin 4 times a day.

Over the past month I have noticed hives on his face at random times, have given piriton and all has been well. Last week we visited a friend who has a dog and DS needed piriton for 4 small hives on his face.
This morning after some dog snuggling DS had a lot of very small hives and redness on his face.

DH is reluctant to see the connection that I think is there ie dog allergy, hives, wheezyness. He thinks this mornings episode is likely to do with orange juice (that DS has been having a small amount of for months, most mornings). We have not introduced any new foods and he def has not consumed egg.

I seem to be in a constant state of worry re DS and allergies. So Im just wondering anyone else have child with animal allergies? Is there breathing effected? Has the symptoms of the allergy got worse? WWyd?

[trixymalixy]

We found our cats a new home as DS is allergic to cats and developed asthma. It was hard, but the right thing to do.

Allergic reactions can become more severe with every subsequent exposure.

[Aspiemum2]

Is it possible to put the dog in kennels or have a relative to look after it for a couple of weeks to see if he improves without the dog there?
I have very severe allergies but the hives is the worst symptom, it's so uncomfortable. I have so many triggers though that living without pets actually makes no difference to me.

There's no sense rehoming the dog unless you know it's going to help

[nearlyreadytopop]

Thank you both, an outside opinion is what I need.
DM had DS for a day last week. He didn't need his inhaler all day (though was given it anyway). Within ten mins of arriving home DS was wheezing . I am very attached to dog but will do whatever I need to to keep DS healthy. When he was diagnosed I changed the routine so dog is not allowed upstairs, on sofa's, I steam mop the kitchen and have a new hoover with a pet filter. Dog is bathed weekly to try to reduce dander etc. I'm afraid that rehoming is the next step.
Will look into kennels this week and hopefully have a chat with allergy nurse. I just need to prepare myself!

[eragon]

we have had experience of a severe dog allergy, and we were advised to keep our child away from exposure to a dog, (and that meant a room a dog had been in) and if exposed to prepare with antihistamines and inhalers.

Even with avoidance he did react enough for us to be concerned with his breathing. He is also NOT asthmatic, but has an asthmatic response while having a allergic reaction.

He did grow out of it, but for a few years it impacted the quality of his life in greater ways than his food allergies.

I think you might phone and ask for further advice from your medical proffessional with your partner so that you can both get an agreement on the dog situation.

[nearlyreadytopop]

Thank you eragon and babybarrister .
When DS was first diagnosed we were told to procede on a wait and see approach. At that stage despite living with the dog since birth DS had shown no signs of a problem. I was living in hope that thats how it would continue.
Away to look up dog rehoming now and a call to allergy nurse later.
Thanks again

[Aspiemum2]

Oh what a shame . I'm so sorry for you and hope you find a really good home for your dog

[nearlyreadytopop]

Quick chat with allergy nurse today and a clinic appointment for next week. Hopefully get something sorted this week. Thanks to everyone for advice.

[nearlyreadytopop]

Hi all, just wanted to report back from allergy clinic. DS is now diagnosed as asthmatic and has been given a steroid inhaler. We talked about dogs and animals in general. Its clear from the skin test that he is allergic to dogs and the symptoms he is displaying at home reinforce that.
We have decided to rehome the dog and its sad but also very sad for DS as he is so little, asthma is so serious and I hate the restrictions that it can/will place on him.
thanks again for advice

[trixymalixy]

nearlyready

Whatever you do, don't post about rehoming the dog anywhere else on MN, you'll get all the dog nutters wanting you to put your dog's needs above you DC's health!!

You're doing the right thing for your DC.

[Maz007]

Sorry to hear that nearlyready. We had to do the same with our lovely cats and it was a very sad time but absolutely the right thing to do. I consoled myself thinking (in case it helps) that sad as it was to part with them, we will always remember them as young and healthy cats and think of them having fun in their new home, rather than losing them
to old age /illness later which is what would have happened if we'd been able to keep them.

Don't know if it's easier with dogs, but we had a tough time finding someone to take them as cat charities are over-run. We eventually found them a new home through a friend of a friend posting about them on Facebook. Lots of people are up for rehoming an animal and the fact that they've been loved and looked after and are given up reluctantly should encourage people.

Good luck x

[nearlyreadytopop]

Thanks trixy and Maz. I keep telling myself its the right thing to do but its breaking my heart. Its so hard because when I got the pup it was on the agreement that it was for its life.
DH spoke to a lovely lady at a local rehoming charity and we are hopeful she can help us find a good home. I feel like the worst Mum in the world because I know it should be an easy decision, ie DS health comes first.
Maz I really appreciate your advice re remembering them as young and healthy.

[Maz007]

It's still a loss - don't feel bad about feeling sad.
It does get better x