I have a question for a lady that I work with.

She loves dogs and has owned one in the past and would love to get another. However she has a bizarre allergy issue that I have never heard of and was wondering if anyone could shed some light as to the cause.

Her previous dog was a cockapoo. She could live with it, pet it and play with it without any problems but if the dog licked her or came in from rain or snow "wet" she has a very severe allergic reaction.

Has anybody heard of anything like this. Could it be in the water or food that the dog gets? She has tried with friends dogs and has the same reaction but only to saliva or wet dogs. Her husband claims she is an alien LOL. But I told her I would ask around and see if the cause could be pinpointed.

Connie

Pet dander/skin flakes, saliva, and urine are said to be more significant allergens due to the proteins they carry, while the actual animal fur is not. I am trying to think of a good example... Okay, I can touch or hold blades of grass - no problem. But, if I am pulling up grass clumps (so that some of the blades are opened up to the juices inside) and then rub my eyes? All heck breaks loose. Your friend is sensitive to those proteins/allergens. As with cats, some dogs will have a stronger effect on her allergies than others as well. Hope that is a start.

Thanks Lorraine,

Do you think their may be something to give the dog in their food which would make the effect less virulent? If a dog licks her, anywhere the dog's tongue touches becomes a huge welt.

That's a great question, Borz. I have had that same welt-reaction to only one animal, a horse. Now, that is kind of odd as I had my own quarterhorse when younger and have ridden, touched, fed many of them. Of course, I had to rub my eye, too - and it swelled almost shut. I hate to say this but, unless she HAS a major food allergy - say to corn or lamb or something IN that dog food, I am guessing that a dietary modification would not change much there. That IS just a hypothesis though.