I am interested in controlling my childs allergies to my GSD puppy. I am interested in products and prevention strategies (air filtration systems, shampoos or pet hair application products to control dander etc...) that others have used besides limiting interaction with the puppy. Any help would be greatly appreciated....

Thanks

Wade, I did a Google search "allergic to dogs" and came up with some good sources, one of which is http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Allergies.php with tips and preventative measures.

Sorry to hear your child has allergies to the puppy. That's rough, but I think it can be managed. There was mention of the dog's saliva on the link above; I would not let the puppy lick your child in that case, besides the other measures.

Hi Wade,

My oldest daughter was allergic to our dog. The link Sandy posted is very comprehensive. I eventually removed our carpeting and put down hardwood floors which were much easier to keep free of dander but that wasn't until the dog turned 3 and by then we had worked out a strategy of living well together but if it was something you planned on doing which we had for years, it will make things easier.

Another helpful item were baby wipes they are very portable and easy to use and I would wipe the dog down frequently vs bathing all the time and also whenever my daughter played with him I would have her use them to clean her hands and rub over her clothes. Also a used dryer sheet attracted a lot of the hair off of her clothes after she had played with him.

I limited the areas where the pup was allowed to go so that my daughter would be able to find relief in no dog areas and I also had them interact more outside in the yard than in the house.

She has outgrown a lot of her allergies and I don't do anything in particular now other than keep him off furniture and out of her room. Goodluck. It does work out.

Sheila I really appreciate your advice. Already have the hardwoord and think the wipes is a great idea.

Thanks again

Sandy, licking was the exact situation that caused my son's (he's 15) allergic reaction to really be severe. Thank you so much for the link it's greatly appreciated.

We have had a GSD in the past (he just died almost 15 years old) and seemed to manage failrly well through it.

Thanks again

My sister's child would get horrible hives, redness and itchiness form their Mal X licking him. She taught the dog not to lick him and if accidental licks happened she would wash the affected area right away and could usually avoid a reaction.

Also her son learned to wash his hands immediatly after petting or feeding the dog, as he would then touch his face, neck or something and get the itchiness. This helped immensily.

This child still follows the same precautions but is A LOT less sensitive. In fact the dog sleeps in his bed most nights.