Preventing/Easing Immune Reaction to Dog Dander - Methods?
Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 7:48 pm
Hey wise folks! I'm glad to be here among you all and looking forward to your feedback.
I am in my 20s and have long had cat and dog dander allergic reactions, including itchy runny eyes, congestion, brain-fog, general red puffy-ness. My mother also has animal allergies and we never had pets growing up. Over the last few years my allergies have lessened a bit and I've been able to spend more time around dogs and cats. Cats are still hardest and I am careful not to touch them too much, and wash my hands as much as possible after touching them or their space. Changing diet and lifestyle to be healthier and less inflammatory has helped. I occasionally drink nourishing infusions of nettle leaf, burdock root, or red clover.
I like working with dogs and have an opportunity to dog sit for a few weeks. For many reasons, including that of making income, I really would like to do this. Last time I dog sat in my living space for a few weeks, I had a major immune reaction. I am sensitive and empathic in general, and have been living alone for a few years, feeling out and learning about my boundaries and self. When this small dog lived with me, we had a good time. There was something about his body - I guess the dander - that really alerted my immune system and it was hard for me to relax pretty much the entire time he was here with me. I never really slept deeply and felt sort of adrenally-triggered and fired up in this weird way the whole time, like my immune system was running nonstop on a "high" setting. I don't want this to happen again! I may just say no to dog-sitting.
But first I wanted to reach and and ask if anyone has any ideas, or experiences they'd like to share that relate to this. I am open to taking an herb on an as-needed-basis, or to taking medicine in a way that will more permanently affect my allergic reactions.
Thank you in advance for you thoughtful response and taking the time to read this.
I am in my 20s and have long had cat and dog dander allergic reactions, including itchy runny eyes, congestion, brain-fog, general red puffy-ness. My mother also has animal allergies and we never had pets growing up. Over the last few years my allergies have lessened a bit and I've been able to spend more time around dogs and cats. Cats are still hardest and I am careful not to touch them too much, and wash my hands as much as possible after touching them or their space. Changing diet and lifestyle to be healthier and less inflammatory has helped. I occasionally drink nourishing infusions of nettle leaf, burdock root, or red clover.
I like working with dogs and have an opportunity to dog sit for a few weeks. For many reasons, including that of making income, I really would like to do this. Last time I dog sat in my living space for a few weeks, I had a major immune reaction. I am sensitive and empathic in general, and have been living alone for a few years, feeling out and learning about my boundaries and self. When this small dog lived with me, we had a good time. There was something about his body - I guess the dander - that really alerted my immune system and it was hard for me to relax pretty much the entire time he was here with me. I never really slept deeply and felt sort of adrenally-triggered and fired up in this weird way the whole time, like my immune system was running nonstop on a "high" setting. I don't want this to happen again! I may just say no to dog-sitting.
But first I wanted to reach and and ask if anyone has any ideas, or experiences they'd like to share that relate to this. I am open to taking an herb on an as-needed-basis, or to taking medicine in a way that will more permanently affect my allergic reactions.
Thank you in advance for you thoughtful response and taking the time to read this.