Dog Allergy - Is my son allergic?

Greetings!
We had my son tested for allergies to dogs a year ago.  They said his skin test was a +/- (plus/minus) and showed a very, very slight reaction.  The blood test showed a level 1 with the number being 0.39.

We researched and saw the Schnauzers are good for people with dog allergies.  A breeder allowed us to bring home a Schnauzer puppy, and if my son were allergic, she agreed to take the dog back.  We brought her home on Saturday.  Tuesday evening I saw a small hive on my sons chin, my son was scratching the back of his head, and top of his ears as if they itched.  Wednesday evening, my son had a small hive on his forehead and was blowing his nose several times.

Thursday morning I brought the dog back.  I believe my son was having an allergic reaction.  Today the breeder called up and said they had another buyer for the dog.  She wanted to make sure we were positive we didn't want the dog before she sold it.

My question to anyone, did I react too soon?  Do you think my son has an allergy to dogs based on skin test, blood test, and symptoms of hives, itching, runny nose?  Should I ask to give the dog one last try over the weekend?

My son has been know to get hives for no reason that we can figure out yet.

So should I give up the idea of having a dog?  As much as I would LOVE to bring a dog into our home for our children to grow up with, I will not bring one into our home if it causes allergic reactions.

Please advise.
Thanks so much in advance.
Michelle

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!

Since your son often breaks into allergies it is important to find out what is causing this allergy. Common allergens are pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, cosmetics or drugs. You must get a complete allergy test done, either a skin teat or RAST, to know what your son is allergic to. Seasonal allergies are generally due to pollen or dust. In your son’s case it could be dog allergy.
Dog allergies are very common and due to saliva of the dog. “Allergy to dogs is relatively common, as dog allergen can be found in public places, including daycare facilities.”

“For people with dog allergy, avoidance of dogs is the mainstay of therapy. Allergy medications are likely to help control symptoms, but in many instances symptoms may persist if the person owns one or more indoor dogs. Allergy shots may also be a good treatment option for people who are allergic to their pet dogs.
Dog owners may not want to part with their pets, despite the symptoms they endure. Short of getting rid of the dog, here are some ways to decrease dog allergen exposure for dog owners:

• Ensure the dog is neutered
• Bathing the dog at least once or twice a week
• Wiping the dog with a wet cloth or hand towel daily
• Remove the dog from the bedroom, close the bedroom door and air vents to the bedroom
• Keep the dog outside or in the garage, or in a part of the home with an uncarpeted floor
• Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-equipped vacuum cleaner
• Purchase a HEPA room air cleaner for use in the bedroom and/or other parts of the home (it is best to keep the HEPA filter off of the floor so as to not stir up more dust)
• Follow house dust mite avoidance precautions
• If the above measures do not help to reduce allergic symptoms, getting rid of the pet dogs may be needed, particularly for people with uncontrolled asthma.
• Dog allergen may persist for months to years in the home even after the dog is gone – therefore it is important to clean thoroughly
• steam clean all carpets and upholstered furniture
• launder or dry clean all bedding and curtains
• vacuum all hard floors
• wipe down all hard surfaces and furniture
• replace any air conditioner and heater vent filters”

Please refer: http://allergies.about.com/od/specificallergens/a/dogallergy.htm

Try out these tips and see if your allergy improves. If nothing helps, you will have to live without your dog.
Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!