Allergic to my bunny!?

[AraSweetie]

Hey everyone,

SOO i have my bunny as an inside bun and she sleeps with me in my room at night.

I have always had issues with asthma since i was a kid but i noticed the moment i touched Ara for the first time that my chest felt tight and my skin got itchy. Over time with allergies medication like anti histamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops , i have noticed that i am getting worse. I am curious to know if its because of her fur or what?? 

I would never give Ara away but i am wanting some advice about how to minimize the allergies… without giving up cuddles…

Please shed some light 

[Roberta]

It can also be caused by some of the hays, especially if they are dusty. Do you have any reaction to the hay when you feed her ? If so you might want to try some other kinds. It could at least reduce the reaction. You can now get treatment for allergies, some involve a course of injections to build up a tolerance of the allergen, you could speak to your doctor in that regard. Also look at grooming tools that use static to remove and contain the fur so it isn’t floofing about in the air, regular grooming this way will reduce the fur you breathe in and also help. I have French Angoras amongst the others. My groomer is allergic but she doses up before she comes and she loves Piglet so much I think she would crawl in on her last breath to cuddle him. I cannot wear angora sweaters or anything like that as my eyes turn red and puff up and I get a lemon peel rash all over by body BUT Ican cuddle my live angora bun with absolutely no detriment.

[AraSweetie]

I get the hay from another breeder and tired a few different ones from him but Ara is quite fussy. I always do a hay change outside and let the litter box settle before bringing it in. I have a million brushes thAt I switch up and they work well to collect the fluffies 🙂 I have been thinking about the injections and might head to the doctor to fill me up on antihistamines 🙂

[bestmom]

I don’t know if this is true or not. But i heard that if you have an allergy to cats you’re more likely to be allergic to rabbits. But i also agree on the Hay could cause allergic concerns. My 12 year old daughter is allergic to all forms of grass + cats (and many other things). She does ok for the most part with Pepper. But if she pets him to much or deals with the hay to much, her eyes get red, nose starts running, and she can’t stop sneezing. Thankfully she does not have breathing issues with her allergy attacks.

[bestmom]

speaking of the my 12 year old. she’s behind me petting the rabbit, and guess what the sneezing just started.

[Sarita]

It is also possible that you are having seasonal allergies since it’s Spring and things are blooming. But getting the allergy shots is a good solution.

[AraSweetie]

I forgot to mention i live in new zealand and were just coming into autumn. i find that im ok with my bun until my bedroom door is shut with ara and her hay litter box inside, so i guess it could be a combo of all things. I am also allergic to cats but not my own haha.

[tobyluv]

You didn’t say if you live alone. If someone else lives in your house, could you ask them to keep Ara well groomed – daily brushing in a room other than your bedroom? It might help a little if loose fur isn’t flying around as much. You could also try an electric air cleaner in your bedroom (not the ionizer kind) if you have a way to protect the cord from Ara. They are supposed to reduce pet dander in the air. Frequent vacuuming of your bedroom and shaking pillows or bedding outside that Ara might leave fur on, may help too.

I hope that you can find a good solution to your allergy problem.

[AraSweetie]

Thankyou. I think that pet dander machine might be a good thing to look into

[Author]

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