oh good. you started a new thread! i do not have any experience with allergies, but do you know what it is you are allergic to? is it the fur, or the hay? some people are allergic to the hay but they think it is b/c of the bunny. i’ve heard folks say that certian breeds of bunnies aggravate their allergies more. what kind is yours and what kind is your friends… if you know? also, are both rabbits spayed? two females are the hardest to bond, so it is imperative they are both altered before they are introduced.

Here’s a suggestion: Try to find another bunny slave to take in this little bunny. You know much more about what she needs, and may know other people you trust to help out. That way the bunny is saved but you are not risking your health. I know enough about allergies to mention that they work on a threshold basis, and if you exceed your limit you can really suffer. If you are maxed out with your meds, I think it is very risky for you.

It sounds like a second rabbit wouldn’t be a good idea for you. The increase in fur and hay activity would probably be too much for you. It stinks but sometimes you actually have to come BEFORE the buns. If you’re out of commission – then the buns dun get their treats!

Do you take both your medications at the same time? I’m allergic to, well, everything (yes I tested positive to everything, tech was kind of stunned) and I take 2 meds for it – one in the morning and one at night. Spreading it out that way seems to keep the symptoms controlled more than taking them both at once and having them both wear off at the same time. Also a doctor recently suggested to me that for the medicated nasal spray I can actually use it more than once a day if I feel I need to, which I hadn’t known before.

Without keeping the allergies under control I seriously doubt I’d be able to handle all the pets we have.
– Annette

i know you really feel for this little bun but i agree that you should try and find another home for him. lionheads need more grooming as they have longer fur, and that in itself would likely make your allergies worse.

OK Binky Bunny sells Meadow Mix hay here that is an alternative to timothy hay if you have allergies.  You might try that and see if it helps.  Also make sure you vacuum and clean really well daily and it should help.

For me – what makes the allergies the worst is the hay. To combat this problem – I bought covered cat litterboxes for the bunny litterboxes and put the hay in there (do you know what I mean? They are those igloo looking litterboxes, you can even get one with doors!)

Another thing that has helped me immensley when it comes to my allergies is wearing one of those painter type masks, I get them for cheap at Big Lots. I use them when I am grooming the bunnies and also when I am giving them their hay.

With a new bunny you are never quite sure how your allergies would react. Do you feel that the neglected bunny is in danger? If so, you could consider fostering her until you find her a new home, however, you’d have to make sure you don’t get too attached if the allergies are very severe with this bunny. Its also important to keep in mind that its never really sure how long it takes to find a bunny a new home, so if your allergies do act up it may be awhile before new bun has a new home.

How does the Zyrtec compare with Claritin? I’ve been taking the Claritin 24hr every morning and the Nasocort spray every evening. I have found that sometimes when dealing with the hay my allergies seem to be worse.  Actually I’ve been taking the generic allergy stuff from Costco since it’s a fraction of the price of Claritin.

– Annette

Good ideas everyone, I want to try the Meadow Mix.

Five of us in my family have allergies. My kids get shots, take 2 antihistamines, including Loratadine (Claritin) in the morning & the other at night. They use Nasonex (great stuff by the way), Q-var, an inhaler that works in the lungs like Nasonex in the nose. Then Albuterol for emergencies.
It’s alot to take, but helps.
We started going to a board certified allergist in Feb. just weeks after getting both our rabbits. Both my girls tested positive for timothy hay & one for rabbits & he gives shots for animals our other Dr. didn’t. He said the most important thing we can do is keep the rabbits & hay out of the bebrooms. Also wash hands & change clothes after holding your rabbits. It’s no good to take meds & shots if your irritant is laying on your bed all night.

Do you have a board certified allergist? If not I could help you get a good one in your area.
Is your bunny kept out of your bebroom? You said she has freedom of the main floor.
Do you have any other pets?

I wouldn’t bring another bunny into your home untill you get your allergies under control.

i’m glad that bun is going to get out of there. you are going to get her spayed before trying to bond right? i think this time apart will allow you to see how your allergies react, and if they get worse, your sister can take her and your Baby won’t be heartbroken b/c they will not be bonded.

Bunnymama – wow, those allergies just sound brutal! I’m so sorry you have to deal with it. This certainly may be quite the challenge for your allergies, but I am glad you have a “out” route to go if things get too bad.

In the future, if you ever get another bunny, you may want to consider a Rex breed. their short tight fur seems to work better for some people with allergies.

Keep us updated on how it goes. Sending ANTI-allergy vibes your way!

your plan sounds good, but please realize you may need to change things up. there is no telling how either bun will react. we can offer advice based on what we know and our own experiences, but everybun is different. at least you have a safety net here on BinkyBunny, so if something seems to not be working, you can ask and we can maybe suggest another way.

your bun is gorgeous! i love the “wild bunny” coloring!

WOW Good for you-so dedicated to the rabbit’s you’ll suffer for them. I mean -you must have a really big heart!!!

I never saw this thread-WOW

I’m so glad to hear that you’re doing well. Have you started a bonding thread yet? We’re all happy to guide you through the bonding process and support you!

If  your allergies are better now that Baby isn’t going in your bedroom, perhaps you could keep them both out of your bedroom when they are bonded.  Baby will understand because she’s used to it now, and the newby won’t know better .  Of course, it’s your head, just a suggestion.

Due to internet access problems…I’ve been on BB very infrequently.  I did want to post some input on allergies & asthma.

Acid reflux is very common w/ people w/ asthma–though I can’t remember why.  There are different types of asthma, one is more of a heavy cough rather than constant wheeze.  The cough one is often misdiagnosed as not being asthma.  The best thing for allergies/asthma is to limit your pets in your sleeping areas.  So NO PETS in the BEDROOM (sorry bunny snugglers).  I also use air purifiers, one in the bedroom & one in the bunny room. 

My bunny allergies are only a problem for me during molting.  Else, they don’t produce enough fur to rattle my chain.  Glad to hear all worked out bunnymama!