Animal Triggers

By evans

1 min read

I have had dogs in my life for years. I have been dog sitting for my daughter's dog for 6 weeks and noticing how much I have been coughing runny eyes and sneezing. I had allergy tests done with a slight case to dogs and cats. Seems like it's getting worse. I also have a cat at home. Need help with what to do.? Take 1 allergy pill cetirizine a day.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi Evans, and thanks for your post. While we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet for your own safety), your concern certainly warrants a reply. It does sound, base on the allergy testing you shared here, this all may be an allergy to the pets you've been in contact with. I would suggest your best approach would be to speak with your prescribing physician to determine which medication would work best for you. Please do check back and let us know how this turns out for you. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
katbird Member
I have been allergic to mammals apparently all my life. I have no pets now, but my family has cats, dogs and horses (I love them all). I just restarted Xolair, but when I was on it for several years in the past (the prescribing doctor retired), it really made a difference in my allergy and asthma around animals. I hope it works again. Good luck to you!
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Katbird, and thanks so much for joining in the conversation here responding to Evans' story. We appreciate your encouragement, support and also that you shared your own personal experience as well. I'm hopeful, moving forward, that you have success with Xolair once again. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
sues Member
I am an animal lover in my late 50's. I just found out I am allergic to horses of which I own 4. 🙁 I seem to react more in the winter when the barn is closed up so I always get out of my clothes and bathe as soon as I am back in the house. I also have worn a face mask when the farrier comes and I am in the barn for longer periods of time. I know this doesn't fit exactly to your situation but maybe wearing gloves and or a face mask would help when caring for your daughter's dog.