German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

Butterfly · Junior Joined: 30 Mar 2003 Posts: 47

My granddaughter seems to be allergic to our GWP Jake. Any suggestions short of her taking meds all the time? I've heard of dog shampoos that help but don't know anything about them. I would hate having to get rid of him.

Butterfly

cheerio · Moderator Joined: 11 Mar 2003 Posts: 285 Location: Canada

Yes, there are a number of sprays on the market you can put on the dog. Some say every 30 days, some say every 3 months. My experience is that no matter which one you get, it is effective only for 30 days.
Perhaps you could also consider other sources of allergies, since the whirehair is suppose to be non allergesic. Just something to think about.

Butterfly · Junior Joined: 30 Mar 2003 Posts: 47

Thanks Cheerio. We did think of other things she could be allergic to. We put Jake outside for a day and a half and when we brought him in he was in about 3 hrs. she started sneezing and her eyes got red. Unfortunately we think he is the problem.

Butterfly

Baron · Junior Joined: 30 May 2003 Posts: 54

Does your granddaughter have other allergies (grasses, pollen, etc.)? If so, it may not be your dog she’s allergic to, but the pollen, dust, and mold he’s bringing indoors on his coat. There are certain times each summer that my wife has trouble being around the dogs after they have been running in the field. Just a thought.

Butterfly · Junior Joined: 30 Mar 2003 Posts: 47

Baron

As far as we know she has no other allergies but then she has never been tested so maybe something has developed.

Beths · Posted: 08/22/03, 2:29 pm Post subject: allergies

Hi Butterfly,
Speaking as an asthmatic/allergy sufferer, I can suggest that the wirehair coats are one of the best coats around for those who suffer as I do. I agree that maybe the dog is bringing something into the house as well that might be causing allergies. In my area this is a very bad season for the usual "ragweed, goldenrod, etc" for those high pollen producing plants/weeds.

Some things you can do to ensure her suffering is lessened is have her wash her hands after any contact with the dog, don't let her rub her eyes, remove any dust traps (ie. blankets on the couch) and make sure your home is vacuumed early in the day so dust isn't stirred up while there.

Also, how old is your dog? I find I am far more allergic to puppies than dogs who are over a year or more. When I get a lick or scratch from a pup, I have hives within minutes. If she reacts with hives, treat with "witchhazel".

Good luck!
Beth S.