We purchased a puppy for x-mas this year. Our kids had asthma when they were small but have not had any episodes for at least 5 years. My questions are: If you have a dog and have some level of allergy symptoms can it make colds/virus' worse? Do allergens build up and you have a reaction or should you see an allergic reaction within the first hour or week (i.e. my assumption is that if you are allergic to a dog you are having symptoms almost immediately and everyday). We all are struggling with what we assume is a virus that is causing some significant sinusitis. My son had it before we got the dog and my wife and I and daughter got it after the dog arrived. We all take allegra for seasonal allegies. We have all also been on a round of antibiotics with some improvement but we are going to start another round this week. Of course we are wondering if the dog is causing any of this. Thanks for any help.
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Hi Jim,
Congrats on your newest home member! I did some searching on the site and here is what I found.
You can go to the symptoms database here and check your symptoms against the database to see what matches what. Something tells me you all might have a bit of an allergy to the dog, but it might just be that you are more sensitive right now because you all are already compromised somewhat with the sinusitis that you are taking antibiotics for. The dog might not have as profound an effect on your family if you weren't already dealing with everything else.
Kathy McNaughton has a great article about dealing with your allergin triggers located here. It includes new research regarding mast cells and their functions.
This advice should not be used in lieu of the advice of a medical professional, but the information you find here can be very helpful when it's time to talk to your doctor. Also, grooming the puppy will be very important. Obviously keeping the dog clean, vacuuming often, etc will also help.
Take care and stay in touch! Let us know how you are doing!
Vicki M