Growing up, we've always had rabbits, but I couldn't be with them for very long because I am pretty allergic to them.   (It's been several years since my last rabbit.)  My friend recently got a bunny and I find myself really really wanting one again!  I was wondering if anybody knew of some kind of spray, shampoo, etc. I could get to alleviate my allergies??  I am so desperate...

Thanks!!!

Janet

Aw, I"m sorry to hear you are allergic!     You might be able to  find an allergist that could help prevent a reaction. I know my friend is allergic to cats, but she's had cats for 20 years.  She takes medications and has a hepa filter to prevent symptoms. 

 But of course, even if you did that, I think it would be a good idea to go to the nearest shelter and pet rabbits, spend time with them in the "get to know you" room, and see if it worked. or better yet, volunteer for a couple of months to see if with the meds your body becomes more tolerant.

Also, I came across some articles regarding people who are allergic to rabbits, but still have them anyway.

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-12/...rgies.html

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-12/...rgies.html

Hi Janet,

You might also find that certain types of bunnies don't set off your allergies as much. Rex bunnies tend to have very short plushy fur, so that might be a bunny to consider. Allergies can change at different points in our life, so it might be your allergy isn't as bad as it once was. Maybe go visit a rescue and see how your allergies react to different bunnies.

Most of the sprays and shampoos aren't really good for bunnies and I can't really say if they work or not. I'm a fan of claritin-d and I know other folks who medicate themselves to live with their pets.

I am also somewhat allergic and so I don't let the bunnies in my bedroom. I also make sure not to snuggle anybunny in my pjs before bedtime. For some reason the fur on my pjs makes me wake up having breathing issues. If I get really covered in fur during the day, I just switch shirts. I also find having an air filter helps, as well as keeping up on cleaning up the fur.

Hello Janet,
I myself had rabbits but became allergic. I suffered for a few months, but then someone told me about taking a daily dose of Claritin (active ingredient Loratadine) nightly before bed, supplemented with sudafed when needed during the day.
It was like a miracle happened immediately.
Claritin can be expensive, but you can now get it really cheap with the non-name brands. For me, I get a 120-day bottle at Costco for maybe 11 bucks? It is the Kirkland brand but it works the same. Also we get generic Sudafed at costco as well
It was well worth it!

aww that's so sad! I am allergic to cats and dogs, but not my bunny, THANK GOD.  Try some over the counter claritin.  It helps me with cats and dogs, anyway!

Oh that's right!  Gravehearted made a great point about Rexes!  I forgot all about that breed, as they may be better for someone who has allergies.

You also should check to make sure you are not allergic to the hay.

My husband is alergic to Noble, the over the counter seemed to work with him, but when my daugher comes home and brings her bunny, the alergies turn into asthma. He went to the doctor and got an RX for an inhaler.

you might want to get an air purifier. Do reasearch and get one that you think will fit your needs the best. I got mine from http://www.allergybuyersclub.com

this is the actual model I bought: http://www.allergybuyersclubshoppin...ysVid=null

I keep it in the bedroom on energy saving mode (it tests the air and will automatically go on high if it detects bad air quality). It was the most cost efficent for me (being a student) because you don't need to change the filters that often.. what I do is every once in a while (like 3 months or so) is clean off the filter outside and wipe everything down.. I should really get a new filter now.. But it sucks up a lot of stuff. It's in the bedroom- where Fujoe is not allowed and the filter will be covered with bunny hair.

I have bad allergies. period. It's more about dust, pollen and rag weed, and this thing has saved my life. I also take FloNase.. It's a perscription ( I have the generic one which works just as well as the name brand). It's one puff into every nostral once a day. I used to do the claritin.. but became immune to it... eek. The other thing I found that helped is benydrl (or however you spell it) I used to be immune to that also.. but within the last year I started to take it for emergencies (like when I was sneezing so bad that I couldn't stand) but it makes me sooo drowsy. So it might be a good thing to take at night.

Also, I don't know if you own your home.. but if you do, this might be a good time to change your heating/cooling system. My parents did a few years back.. and put in central air/heat and also put in a filtration system. It cleans up the house air like no other... it seems extreme but it helped so much for me- granted my case was bad. I couldn't smell or taste for the first 10 years of my life because my allergies were so bad. I've noticed as I'm getting older the allergies are getting less servre.

Good luck on everything! Let me know if you need help buying an air purifier.

I heard of Allerpet on other forums. It looks like a bit of a drag though because I think it requires giving them a bath.