son allergic to dog

My DS is allergic to our 12 year old dog. My DS is almost 5 and is on a ton of allergy meds and we recently had him tested for allergies. He came back highly allergic to dogs. He is on zyrtec, flonase and a puffer that we do 2x a day. Its around this time that his coughing and colds get worse. The pulmonologist said to get rid of the dog if we want him to get better. Our dog is a small dog, she sheds but I vacuum a ton and she is not allowed upstairs in our sons room. I too am allergic to the dog, I can't old her or else I get hives. We got her before the kids came, I have a 3 year old DD and 2 year old DS. My SIL has a friend who said she would take the dog, she is a dog lover and grew up with them. I have to have my dog meet her dog to make sure they get along. I feel a ton of guilt which is why I dont think I can give the dog away but how long do I keep my son on all these meds. The dog can live for a long time and that means my son will be on these meds since if he is off them he wheezes and gets worse. I don't know what to do. My husband said to have them meet and go from there. My son is miserable at times with his constant cough and I don't think its fair that hes on all these meds. I don't know how they are affecting him the longer he is on them.

Re: son allergic to dog

I understand this is hard for you, but IMO there is no choice but to get rid of the dog. Your DS is really suffering. To me, my child's health comes first over any pet or animal. I guess some people might disagree but that's how I feel. I'd get rid of the dog, and it sounds like you have found a potential loving home for the dog too.

Re: son allergic to dog

Re: son allergic to dog

son allergic to dog

I agree with everyone else. Your son's health is the most important thing. You'll find the dog a wonderful home.

Re: son allergic to dog

My sister went thru the same thing with her ds. They had to get rid of the dog, luckily her MIL took the dog. So they knew it was going to be loved. Maybe a family member or close friend can take yours too

son allergic to dog

we had to make the same decision. it was VERY hard and we all miss our dog so much, but it has improved my son's health. he was taken off the inhaler, which in my mind is a big step. we made sure our dog went to a very loving home. it took almost a year to do the transition, but in the end, it was for the best.

Re: son allergic to dog

that is an awful decision to have to make! I am so, so, sorry.
I know that animals can become part of the family and having to make a choice isn't easy or fair. The good thing is that you do have family that have agreed to take the dog. Definitely a better option than sending the dog to live with strangers!

Re: son allergic to dog

I have dog allergy -
It's not just the meds, it is physically and mentally exhausting not to be able to breathe, to constantly have your head stuffed up, your nose not right - your WHOLE body is off. Not to mention, it's extremely dangerous, particularly for a child, to need an inhaler consistently. If you can control it, and it's the dog - the dog goes.

I get that the dog is 12 years old, and it's a really sad thing - BUT, kid trumps dog. Period, the end. ESPECIALLY if you have someone you trust willing to take your dog, it's a win/win !!

son allergic to dog

even if the dog goes to a new home, how can you be sure that your DS will get better? Isn't their dander and saliva around? I feel terrible for you and your family that you have to go through this