going through this myself...after 42 years, almost all of those years in a house with dogs, I have suddenly developed an allergy to dogs (confirmed by my doctor). I think it has to do with the fact that I have been unemployed since August 2008 and have been sitting in a house for two winters cooped up with the dog and therefore, because of the increased exposure, developed the allergy because of the constant exposure.
Flonase doesn''t work (even after using it for some time allowing it to ''build up'' in my system). Claratin and Zyrtec don''t seem to do anything either. I just got an expensive prescription nasal anti-histimine that also seems to do nothing. Getting out of the house or using a nasal spray (like afrin) are the only things that help now (first time I bathed the dog, shampooed carpet, cleaned the dog''s bedding, etc. and that all worked wonderfully, for several weeks). However, you can''t use Afrin on a regular basis, and you can even become addicted to it where you will get congested in non-allergy situations, so beware.
Hoping that cleaning the house real well will help...kitchen and bedroom curtains are in the washing machine as I type this. I just mopped the tile floors where the dog often sleeps (because it''s cooler) and drools! I''ve been vacuuming a lot too, and throwing in couch/loveseat slipcovers in the wash.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
Dont wash the dog every week...this will dry out his/her skin and result in more dander. At most, once every two weeks. Make sure your RINSE the dog WELL afterwards, as shampoo residue can irritate the dog''s skin and result in yet more dander!
Dog saliva can also cause an allergic reaction--it dries and then the particles become airborn, just like dander.
I bought a HEPA air filter for my bedroom and now the dog isn''t allowed in there (this kills me but I''m SUFFERING badly and REALLY doing everything in my power to keep the dog).
Some people say a "neti pot" device helps relieve symptoms...I bought one and once in awhile it seems to help, but lately seems to inflame my sinuses. If you don't know what it is: a small plastic container shaped like a tea pot...you fill it with saline solution, and press the spout against one nostril while leaning over a sink so that the solution drains through and out the other nostril. Then the other nostril. It takes some getting used to but some people swear by it.
I am not allergic to cats (so far!) so I put a cat door on the bedroom door so the cats can come and go as they please.
I am thinking I am at the end of the line as far as medications. I am guessing allergy shots are the next step.
I have read that new allergy developments are on the rise, but no one knows why...perhaps additives/preservatives in our food? Who knows?
As a side-note: This all started with a sinus infection that I got Amoxicilin prescribed for (I've used this antibiotic in the past with no issues)...during the 10-day dosing, I developed a rash over my right shoulder....I didn't think much of it, the sinus infection cleared, the rash went away (took awhile though...) but I was left with an annoying occasional non-productive cough (post-nasal drip, I assume). A few weeks after that my dog allergy arose...it almost seems as if the antibiotic triggered my allergy...not sure if this means anything, but thought I would mention it.
Saving 