I used to have mild dog and cat allergies when i was younger, now we are planning to get a golden retriever?!!?

I am wondering if these allergies stay with me for my entire life and if there is any way to test or find out if i still have these allergies.

i know that golden retrievers are one of the highest shedding dogs, so any tips on what i can do to reduce the shedding or the symptoms of my allergy

thanks to everyone that answers!!!

I own two golden retrievers and my mother has allergies similar to yours and has had them her whole life (which is why they are outside dogs ;)) I would go to the doctor and have them run some tests.

Tips to reduce shedding are brush, brush , brush (use a shedding rake instead of a regular brush) If it is an inside dog don't keep him/her out for an extended period of time (more than a few hours) in cold weather or it will "trick" their coat into thinking that it needs to produce more hair, and then when they come back in they will shed like mad!

It would be a good idea to see an Allergist. That is a doctor who specializes in outdoor and indoor allergies. He can perform tests to see what degree of dog allergy you still have - if any. My daughter was just tested this afternoon. The series included dogs and cats in addition to trees and weeds, etc. It just takes about 30 minutes. They do two series of eight pinpricks on the inside of the arm. Then the measure the size of any welts that develop. Based on this, they can tell you just how allergic you are to dog dander. Other than this, there are over the counter medications such as Benadryl (Diphenhydramine). If you're going to get a dog, any kind of dog, you'll need to increase housecleaning duties. Depending on what type of flooring you have, this will include vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and dusting. Grooming the dog on a daily basis outside will also help prevent the build-up of fur inside. Also, it would be best if the dog slept in another room than your bedroom. Wash his bedding on a weekly basis. The problem is not the dog, it's his fur. A Golden Retriever is a great dog in terms of temperament and intelligence. I do hope it works out.

first, please confirm your degree of allergy before getting a dog. This is so to avoid abandonment of the dog in case you develop serious allergies later.

you can confirm the degree of allergy by going to the pet shop and try to carry the puppy and monitor if anything happens to you later or can go to the Drs to do a skin test.

normally, the degree of allerdy differs throughout in life, that is why it is impt to determine your immune response to the fur.

to reduce the shedding, please check the salt content of the food before giving it to your dogs and you can trim their fur to reduce shedding (but not sure if trimming works well).

Its actually very common for things like that to change throughout your life.

Go to your local shelter and ask to see the dogs. I'm sure you'll be able to find a Golden Retriever (or at least a mix). Pet the dog, let the dog lick your hands.... then wait and see. Sometimes, just getting close to the dog will cause you to sneeze and get watery eyes. Other times you have to actually touch their fur to get a reaction. Then some people are allergic to only their saliva. Give your body time to react to the dog. You may find that you break out 15 minutes after the interaction rather than right away.

A doctor can run tests, but doing it the old fashion way is quicker, easier, painless and free!

allergies can develop and some people grow out of them so it just depends. If they were mild I wouldn't worry take a claratin. I am mildly allergic ot my cat but o well I love him. As for shedding feeding a high quality dag food, and daily brushing will help keep shedding under control. Have fun with your new friend and consider getting a rescued retriever you will be saving two lives and still get a great friend.

if your having no problems with your friends/family or associates pets you have nothing to worry about if you are concerned ask your gp/doctor to refer you to a allergy center to see if you are allergic also as your around animals all the time if your not having a reaction you are probably desensitised by now

hi nice to meet u ,am ray ,now as for ur problem this is vert easy to know ,just go to a friend who has a dog an see if that make u get what ever u get when u had it as a child ,or go to a doctor to give u something for it ,they both have the same treatment,an this way u now know whta can happen to u ok ,well bye now my friend

My daughter in-law is allergic to dogs. She can tolerate 5 of my 6 dogs but has a big problem with the sixth one, a Golden Retriever. Ask the breeder if you can spend some time at her home with the Goldens and see how you react.

Sometimes allergies just go away you might grow out of them. If you are getting a dog you can play with him or her just remember to wash your hands and make sure to stay away from its fur.

The only thing you can do... if you haven't been around cats and dogs since you were younger?? Is find some cats and dogs and see if they still bother you.. Talk to your doctor about allergy testing...

Go to an allergy doctor and have the test run for those allergies.

i suggest going to a dogpark for a while to see if you feel bad and asking a doctor (they might be able to test you)