WWYD? Dog and allergies.

[jaylea]

H and I are starting to have to face the fact that we may not be able to keep our dog.

DS has severe eczema and has asthma. Both of which are irritated (assumptively) by his allergy - the only thing he is allergic to is our dog.

As of two months ago, the dog was blocked from his room and our room. Their contact is limited. There is no wall to wall carpeting in the house. Vacuuming is done regularly. We are careful with his clothes/bedding, etc to make sure nothing comes in contact with her or her hair/dander (as much as is feasible anyway).

His eczema is not improving. His asthma is not improving.

He's on daily allergy meds, daily asthma treatments, daily eczema treatments...

So. My ILs will take the dog. We are toying with a trial basis of a month or so to see if there is any change in his condition. If not, dog stays in the house. If so, they will keep her.

They're retired, she loves them. They are great dog owners. She has stayed with them before.

Thoughts? What would you do? I've been avoiding dealing with this. Both kids would be heartbroken. But I don't know if this is something we should actually move forward with or not.

[tigress]

I would do it. While the kids would be sad to see the dog go, if quality of life is improved I think it would be worth it. They could still see the dog on a regular basis. You know the dog is going to a good home. If the dog being away DOESN'T help, then you can take the dog back.

[Mrs.Beagle]

I think that sending her to your ILs is a good idea.

You tried, nothing is improving, and the kids will still be able to see the dog. Hopefully your son's condition will improve.

[Jalapeñomel]

I´m sure you have exhausted all your options, but have you looked into possibly food being the issue? We had a friend that had a child with severe asthma, and they did an eliminate diet, and found that the elimination of certain foods (although I cannot remember what the foods were that she eliminated) helped drastically.

I´m sorry you have to go through this.

[janegold]

It sounds like your DS is already on a bunch of meds so you may be hesitant to do this, but my aunt was able to overcome her severe allergy to their dog with a round of shots. I'm not quite sure how long she continued them but I know that she doesn't need the shots anymore.

[jaylea]

We tested for food allergens.

His only allergy is dogs (What are the fucking odds?)

[Deleted]

If your inlaws are happy to take the dog and the kids can still see it every once in awhile, I would send the dog to the inlaws.

Your quality of life would be better.

[kellbell191]

I am a huge animal rescue advocate, never rehome your dog person, and I think this is a perfectly fine solution to your problem.

[papie]

It seems like a good idea. I'm sorry you are dealing with this.

[imoan]

My first reaction in situations about getting rid of the dog because of the kids is usually "You had the dog first. You have a responsibility to the dog!"

But given the fact that your son is already on daily allergy meds and is still experiencing issues, I'm not sure there is much more you CAN do. If it was a slight allergy and he could take a few Benadryl and be good, my advice would be to keep the dog. But your son BREATHING is an awfully important thing.

It sounds like you've found a loving home for your dog. And although I know you and the kids will be heartbroken to see him go, you'll still be able to visit him! And you're ensuring that you're putting him somewhere safe and loving instead of just dropping him off at a shelter.

I'm sorry you have to make this decision, Jaylea.

[OHMBLEEGOHHHHH!]

I would try the trial separation. This isn't like people whose kids sneeze and they decide to toss it. You've tried and tried to get him to tolerate the dog, and he can't. And it's not like you're tossing the dog out - you've found a loving home that would be a great fit and where you can track his well being. I think this is a good alternative.

[jaylea]

Ugh. Now I am crying again. I love that bonehead.

[emjacobs]

I like your idea of a trial "separation". Maybe see about getting someone that can come and deep clean your house especially rugs and upholstery, to get as much dander out as possible.

I really like that you have found a close alternative for your dog instead of just giving her away.

[Deleted]

I'd totally do it. You've tried everything else. At minimum, if it doesn't improve, you can get the dog back.

[honeybee]

I'm usually a "how dare you rehome you dog!" person.

But you've got family who love the dog. The dog will still get to see you and the kids. Its not a perfect situation but its certainly not a bad option if it means your kids are healthier and your dog is still happy and loved.

[nique]

I am sorry you may have to get rid of your dog.

But having been born with asthma and lived with it my whole life....I think there is no question here that it would be better for your son. For my parents it came down too did they want me to live or did they want to keep plants inside, a pet, etc.

Not trying to sound cold or heartless about the dog, but I feel your son's health and life is more important.

[gretchenindisguise]

As an adult who has asthma and skin issues, and did so as a kid, kudos. I can almost guarantee that it'll help him out.

Plus it sounds like he's going to a great family.

[interro]

I think the trial basis is the best option right now. You've exhausted all other options, and you know it's the dog he's allergic to, so you owe it to him to see if this helps, as sad as it is And if it doesn't, then you know your dog can come home!

[iamgrace]

I think you should try it.

[scotty]

Oh, I think you were the one people were referencing somewhere below? Sorry, dude. If someone like in-laws can take it, that is cool, Stu.

[Deleted]

Do it. DO IT.

[jaylea]

Jun 27, 2012 13:11:19 GMT -5 scotty said:

Oh, I think you were the one people were referencing somewhere below? Sorry, dude. If someone like in-laws can take it, that is cool, Stu.

Where?

[pirate]

Trial separation is a fabulous idea. He'll probably feel better, and if he doesn't, you can let the dog back into your house and enjoy having him more knowing he (the dog) isn't The Problem.

[dottyblue]

I'm normally anti-rehoming, but we are talking about your son's ability to breathe here. You have a good and safe option for your dog, so I say go for it.

I agree that a trial period may be good, but I would do 2 or 3 months, not one. I am pretty sure that after 1 month, the allergens may only just be settling. I would make sure that you wash all area rugs, bedding, curtains, etc in hot HOT water after the dog is gone and see how it goes. Good luck!

[jackandcoke]

I can't be in homes with cats. No allergy meds help, allergy shots for 10 years made it only marginally better. Especially with the cost of specialist visits & asthma meds, you should at least try the separation.
Have you tried a hepa air filter in his room? My parents had to do that when I was a kid & we didn't even have a pet.

[Jermys]

OMG this is my worst fear.

I think if your dog goes to live with your ILs and you'll still get to see him, it'll be easier for everyone.

[adhdfashion]

This happened to us with my baby sister. BTW it can take 6+ months to completely rid your house of pet dander. I suggest after you move out the doggy, to shampoo all carpet and furniture. Vacuuming only wont cut it. I'm sorry your having to deal with this.