Allergy, Allergy Meds, and Dogs?

[yukidomari]

My boyfriend and I just got a miniature pinscher a few weeks back, but he's been having terrible allergies. Of course, it's also spring time, and it could just be the pollen and the hay fever (which he has anyway). He's on antihistamines (generic name : loratadine aka claritin) and it's helped a bit, but he's scared the allergies he's experiencing is from our puppy.

He's never had reactions to dogs before, even though I own a dog (currently not living with us, with a sister until May) he's met and he has a dog at home in Japan.

He got allergy tested before we got our puppy and it showed that he was only very slightly allergic to dog dander and saliva. He's going to go get tested again soon so my question is - Does anyone here have an allergy to dogs, but keep them anyway? We're going to look into the types of prescription medications available (already tried all the over-the-counter meds). We are NOT going to give up our pup.. just wondering if anyone else has had this exp?

[Jennifer B]

It's very likely your boyfriend is allergic to the dog. People who have allergies, tend to be allergic to numerous things. When your boyfriend is exposed to one allergen - such as pollen, he may be able to get away with just minimal symptoms. However, when you throw in another allergen - such as the dog - at the same time, then he may have a hard time doing so.
I do know a Vet who has allergies to pet dander - mainly rabbit, but also dog. Her allergies are not bad, but in the case of rabbits, she does need to take an antihistamine prior to handling them. So a lot depends on how bad your boyfriend's allergies are with the dog in the house. Many people report that their allergies to pets actually get worse over time.
Sorry, not great news to hear. Hopefully his allergies get better.