Am I Allergic to Our New Mini Schnauzer Puppy?

by Linda Robinson
(London, UK)

We pick up our new Miniature Schnauzer puppy on Friday. We are also calling him Max!

I have had an allergic reaction to some long haired dogs in the past. We used to have a dalmatian at home and I had a few problems with her but I seemed to become "more allergic" once I left home.
I have 2 children and they were desperate for a dog. After considering many breeds we opted for the Miniature Schnauzer.
I have been visiting the breeder for many weeks and the puppies and have had no reaction. Last Friday we went to visit and at 7 weeks the puppies have longer coats and we were playing with them.
As I was driving home my face felt slightly itchy and then I got the sneezes! I am really concerned as the children have fallen in love with the dog and so have I.
I read on your site that you will be producing some tips for allergy sufferers but wonder if there are any tips you could give me now in preparation for Max's arrival. I am wondering if the long coat set me off, what age can they be groomed?

Yours in desperation,
A Schnauzer Lover

Comments for Am I Allergic to Our New Mini Schnauzer Puppy?

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Feb 22, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Allergy suffer
by: Anonymous

My husband is super sensitive to cats and dogs. We got a schnauzer....bathed her right away. Kept her off carpet and coach that had cloth. Only on hardwood and leather. Keep things clean and slow intro. Over time he built up an immune to her but feel the slow intro was key. He washed his hands a lot of he pet her. Now she is fully integrated and goes everywhere. Just take your time and limit contact initially and don't expect immediate results. He did take allergy pills daily for the first few months as well. Glad it turned out.
Sep 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Some info on dog allergies
by: Linda and Max

Hi Linda,
I don't know if you have seen this on the website, but it may be useful:
http://www.max-the-schnauzer.com/hypoallergenic-dogs.html
Here's another useful source of information:
http://allergies.about.com/od/specificallergens/a/dogallergy.htm

It could be that you are allergic to other puppies in the litter. Or, it may be that there are several puppies together and the combined effect is too strong for your system to cope with. Everyone with allergies has a certain level of tolerance. When Max comes home, you might find that you are OK - we will keep our fingers crossed.
If you do experience a slight allergy to Max when he arrives, it is not unusual for allergy sufferers to build up a level of tolerance to their own dog.
It's a good idea anyway to keep him out of bedrooms and try a HEPA air filter and vac.

The best of luck to you all.

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