Finding out someone has severe allergies to an animal seems to prompt a lot of feedback from people. They want us to know about hypoallergenic cats and dogs. They try to rationalize how their pets are okay for the person to be around, despite what they’re being told. They begin to openly question whose “fault” the allergies are (genetically). They treat the avoidance of the animals as though it is optional or paranoia.
When we first found out about our son’s issues with dogs and cats, it was by way of extreme facial swelling in response to a very friendly pup licking his face. He was four years old. We responded quickly and addressed it. We got the swelling down. We scheduled an appointment with our pediatrician. Next up was an allergist.
Tests Confirmed
Blood tests revealed severe allergies to both dogs and cats, in addition to lesser allergies to a LOT of foods. We were strongly advised to avoid dogs and cats. The medical professionals assured us that each exposure had the potential to increase the allergic reaction. We were only given permission to visit a home with those pets on the rarest occasions. Our trusty junior epi pen present and benadryl for non life threatening reactions. He takes a prescription (pill) daily and an over the counter antihistamine (daily). That’s how severe the allergies are.
Somehow, the medical testing and professional insights did nothing to stop the opinion of others from overriding what we relayed about our son. Even with the public school system … We got a call once from the office because he’d developed hives. It started in the computer lab.
When I questioned the teacher about possible pet exposure (because you try to identify the source and you know pet owners pets are like their children – and rightfully so – but take one to your work on your day off and have it shed or lick something an allergic person will be exposed to and WHAM – but I digress) and I received one of many scoffs and hrmphs from the party in question. We never identified the source of the hives, despite a lengthy back and forth with the doc.
We LOVE pets.
I’m not exaggerating. Our family loves pets. We ooh and aww and want to snuggle every cute animal we see. We want to hold them and pet them. We have puppy and kitten calendars. We stop and look adoringly at the dogs out for a walk with their owners. We talk to the cats we see sunning themselves in windows. We put on our brakes for a bird in the middle of the road. We’d rather wreck our vehicle than hit an animal.
There are no SAFE cats and dogs for severe allergies.
I’ve researched this a lot, but no one takes my word for it.
There are some breeds that are easier on some people with allergies. Some dog breeds are safer (again, for some). What people don’t always realize is, even the “safer” breeds cause allergic reactions. To quote Animal Planet, “unless someone genetically engineers an animal with allergen-free saliva and secretions, the concept of getting a truly 100 percent hypoallergenic pet will continue to be nothing more than a nice idea.”
But people still don’t believe me … So I quote again, “Studies suggest hypoallergenic cats and dogs can cause just as many symptoms as the regular kind, says James Seltzer, MD, a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.”
They still argue that they’re positive there are hypoallergenic pets. Okay. Hypoallergenic means LESS allergens, though. Why push people with a young child to adopt or interact with an animal with LESS allergens, knowing they’ve been advised to avoid exposure entirely? It always makes me want to lash out. Always.
It must be your/his fault.
Once people start to gather that I’m not talking out my ass, the blaming starts. It must be from YOUR side of the family because he doesn’t have pet allergies. It must be HIS fault because you never had any pet allergies. If they don’t take the direct route, they go with … you should have exposed him to more animals as a baby and he wouldn’t have this problem.
Inherited? If either of us had pet allergies, it would increase the chance of our children having them. We don’t, though. In our family somewhere? Perhaps. Wouldn’t know of any from the relatives we know well – that’s for sure. More animal enthusiasts than not. Regardless …
Back off, folks. Mind your business and your manners.
There is nothing wrong with our son. He is absolutely wonderful. It bothers him enough that he can’t pet the puppies nearby. It makes him upset not to go visit Grandpa’s new kitten. If he hears you saying any of your ignorant crap, my manners are going away – completely. I promise.
