Non allergenic dog. Terriers? Why am I so allergic?

[crystalfresh]

I have a poodle about 100 lbs. No hair shaved it all off. Still allergic. I can smell the dog as strong as a burning cigar, strong smell! I don't think I smell the dog because after I take antihistamine I can't smell the dog much at all. Make sense? I can smell everything else still.

I have been getting allergy shots for pet but it's not helping with my specific dog but has for other dogs, cats ect. My asthma is triggered right away, chocking and sore throat. Do you think it's the dog or  food or something making him smell to me and only me.

For now he is bathed every 3-4 days. After a bath no allergy for a few hours. Then the smell comes back. (but only I can smell it) Doesn't matter where in the house the dog is I smell him. Strongest when close. Too close and wham bad instant asthma.

I tried changing shampoos no help. Can I be allergic to a poodle? Hair not fur right? Any tips. I have never been allergic to him before only in the past 2 of the 10 years. Nothing has changed... wait,  I changed his food last year. Could this be it? He has so many digestion issues and is stable in this food I don't want to switch him if not needed.

Any idea?

[PlateletGal]

Well dander is the loose scales formed on the skin... so shaving your dog may help, but it probably won't solve the problem.

Have you tried homeopathy drops for your allergy ? If not, I highly recommend it. It is very inexpensive and has helped me with my allergy problems.

[crystalfresh]

Where do I get them? I can try them. :)

[crystalfresh]

If anyone else lives with an animal they are allergic to what do you do to help the situation? Are there creams to put on the animal to stop the dander? Any suggestions how to live more comfortably with animals would help greatly. Thank you.

[Mirkjin]

I have a pure breed miniature schnauzer.  The breed is supposed  to be non-allergenic but I have a reaction anyway.  My way to deal with it:
1. Fresh air -- have window fans to recycle air  in the apartment.
2. Air filters in the bedroom (when windows are closed) -- expensive, BlueAir filters, expensive but very good, got online for a very good price
3. The dog is not allowed to be in my bedroom
4. We have no caprets in the apartment and I'm trying to keep floors clean
5. Allersearch Pet+ anti-allergen pet shampoo, we're bathing dog 2-3 times per month to avoid excessive dander
6. Allerpet/D solution -- after bathing and on weekly basis
7. Petastic Dander and Odor remover, spray

[Heiferly]

It's usually the dander and/or the saliva that causes the allergy, not the hair so I'm not sure shaving it would be of much help.  I actually reduced my dog allergy by living with my two dogs--much faster exposure than shots, but it was suffering in the beginning I admit.  Have you tried taking a daily allergy medication for indoor/outdoor allergies?  Many of the good ones have gone over the counter now, like Zyrtec.  As for prescription meds, many pet owners with allergies swear by Flonase.  I've heard good reviews of taking a cocktail of both Zyrtec and Flonase.

As for bathing the dog every 3-4 days, that's most likely a very poor idea.  Talk to your veterinarian.  Dogs have different skin than we do, and aren't meant to be bathed frequently; it strips their natural skin oils and dries out their skin.  If this gives your dog dry skin, it could actually increase the amount of dander and make your problem worse.  If you do insist upon bathing the dog so frequently, you may need to give the dog fish oil supplements to keep its skin healthy.  Your vet should be able to tell you what is needed.