Allergic??

[Ashley&Bing]

The past month or so, I have had several mild asthma attacks, and before then I haven’t had any issues for years. My concern originally was something in the air, but now that I’m in a different city, I’m doubting that since I stil have attacks while I’m sleeping.

So it could be Mr. Bingley. Which makes me very sad! I have been convinced it wasn’t him since I have had him since June and not reacting until now. I can’t deny that I don’t react when I’m around his pen though. The only thing new about Bing recently is his new Orchard Grass. Could that be whats causing my asthma attacks? I’m seeing a doctor monday, but I wanted to see if anyone else has the same issues.

[Karla]

It could definitely be the hay – quite a few people are allergic to it. It could also be the litter, if you use wood shavings or pellets?

I had difficulties breathing when we used wood pellets due to the dust. Now we use cat litter, and I have no problems. The dust from the hay though bothers me, so I hoover every day. Do you do that?

I don’t hope it is his fur you are allergic to. That would be sad I know others in here are really allergic to the hay and have come up with great solutions.

[Karla]

By the way, if you happen to be allergic to the hay, besides trying other types of hay, you could also look into buying hay cookies.

I have quite a bit of this at home for those days where I don’t want hay dust in the room for one reason or the other.

 The company is called Rosewood, but I am sure other companies have made the same. It is soft cut meadow hay loosly pressed into a ‘cookie’, but it is not that pressed, because you can easily break it so the hay is loose.

1 cookie is 130 gram of hay.

[Ashley&Bing]

I have always used the wood shavings from PetCo since I’ve had him, so I don’t think that’s it. I don’t vacuum everyday, but I did notice that after I vacuumed his pen (he has those puzzle mats used in children’s play rooms) I had significantly less problems that night.

I moved his hay inside one of his NIC grids in a cardboard box turned on its side, and the grid is covered with old jeans (he likes to dig on jeans) so its mostly contained now.

Are there alternate hays? He has always eaten Tim and the Orchard grass is new, so its probably the grass (fingers crossed) which he loves.

[Ashley&Bing]

By the way, if you happen to be allergic to the hay, besides trying other types of hay, you could also look into buying hay cookies.

I saw something similar in PetCo and considered buying it but I wasn’t sure if it had the same benefits as normal hay. I know the hay keeps the teeth from overgrowing, but wasn’t sure if it had the same effects.

[Karla]

Perhaps your hay has been in a slightly worse quality lately and with more dust (I think I have read a few people say that the hay this autumn/winter seems to be bad)?

I would try with some other litter just for a while. Although it hasn’t caused problems before, it might just now. Although if vacuuming helps, then that might be better for you if you are happy with the litter otherwise.

Make sure to clean every day. I don’t know how big the room is where Mr. Pringles has his stuff, but the dust from the hay and the wood shavings do tend to go everywhere, so it would really make a difference if you wiped the dust off all surfaces with a moist cloth every day and vacuumed. At least now, that it is cold and your windows aren’t left open as much as you probably had them just a few months ago.

In regard to alternate hay, I hope some members with specific hay allergies can help you. I do remember having seen such threads.

 

[Ashley&Bing]

I can’t find these cookies in the US.

[Karla]

Posted By TheBingster on 12/18/2010 10:02 AM

By the way, if you happen to be allergic to the hay, besides trying other types of hay, you could also look into buying hay cookies.

I saw something similar in PetCo and considered buying it but I wasn’t sure if it had the same benefits as normal hay. I know the hay keeps the teeth from overgrowing, but wasn’t sure if it had the same effects.

 

I have had the same concern. From what I know, it is important that the rabbit has to chew the hay to smaller pieces, so you need to check if the hay is cut in small pieces or not. The type I have is not and still need to be grinded by both incissors and the molars.

[bunnytowne]

allergies are a pain.

just getting over bronchitis  and whenever I held my buns brushed them n petted them my allergies would flare up.       Now that I am feeling so much better it isn’t bad anymore.

I am allergic to timothy grass.   So probably allergic to the hay.         I take meds year around.   The asthma seldom bothers me thank God.

Today I came across my allergy test results.   guess what.     allergic to bunnies  at #2   with 3 being the highest.  

I refuse to get rid of my buns.   Though if I had asthma attacks all the time  I might have had to.  

I do see hay cubes at pet stores.  They seem to be more expensive.    There is also other types of hay that may not set your allergies off.

When we get to the bottom of a container of hay it is dusty and I find I react more to it.  I anxiously await throwing out the dust pieces and opening a new container.

As far as teeth n fiber   you can add grasses to their greens.   Unsprayed unfertilized grasses that is.  And grow dandelion for them.

I found blue fescue seeds at Lowe’s last spring.   

Fortunately I am more allergic to outdoor pollens than my buns.    When my mom came she insisted i was allergic to the hay n bunnies.  I held and petted them and gave them hay lol.  She said I got stuffy oh well…

[angie-la]

I have really bad seasonal allergies, and it could definitely be the hay. It depends on each person, but the weather can greatly increase how you react to hay and other allergens. Right now I have a huge sneeze attack after I refill their hay, so I wash my hands thoroughly and chill out in the other room to calm down. Vacuuming everyday will definitely help, and hopefully once this season passes your allergies will let up!

[Monkeybun]

Posted By TheBingster on 12/18/2010 09:58 AM
I have always used the wood shavings from PetCo since I’ve had him, so I don’t think that’s it. I don’t vacuum everyday, but I did notice that after I vacuumed his pen (he has those puzzle mats used in children’s play rooms) I had significantly less problems that night.

I moved his hay inside one of his NIC grids in a cardboard box turned on its side, and the grid is covered with old jeans (he likes to dig on jeans) so its mostly contained now.

Are there alternate hays? He has always eaten Tim and the Orchard grass is new, so its probably the grass (fingers crossed) which he loves.

 

I have to ask… hwat kind of wood shavings. If it is pine or cedar, I do suggest you switch, as there are aromatic oils that can cause harm to buns in those shavings. And I do not suggest any cat litter than can be bought in canada or the US unless it is a recycled paper litter.

That said, I think it is likely the hay causing it, more people are allergic to the hay than the actual rabbit itself. If the orchard grass affects you more, you could try oat, or go back to the timmy.

[LoveChaCha]

I got a 9lb Oxbow bag of Orchard and its dust made me sneeze like crazy! I am NOT allergic to Orchard, but the dust of it killed me, knocked me out on the couch for a few hours! Certain hay has dust.. or a lot of dust.

I agree with Monkeybun. What kind of wood shavings did you get?

[jerseygirl]

In other threads where people have discussed allergy it was mentioned that it can have an accumulative effect. So something you didn’t react to before you may have become intolerant to now. Definately do look into the things you can change like litter and hay. Oat hay might be one to try. I agree with the other, there is alot of seasonal variance in hay. Sometimes the grass hays have more grass heads and pollen in them and older, bagged hays can get dry and dusty.

Some members have reported that an air purifier has help alot with allergies.

[Ashley&Bing]

The bedding I use is softwood, made with a blend of pine, spruce and fir woods. I switched once to a nicer one that used recycled papers, but it did not contain the smells at all. This one absorbs well and keeps the smells at bay.

Some members have reported that an air purifier has help alot with allergies.

I also saw the HRS website recommended it to deal with rabbit-related allergies. I asked for one for my birthday in a few weeks, and my parents laughed because it’s my 21st and I wanted an “old lady” gift. I also, in addition to my doctor visit tomorrow, am starting Clariton daily. It has helped a lot today, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can find a solution. Thanks for all the advice!

[RabbitPam]

First, I looked up the Rosewood co. which is based in UK, and found an email address for inquiries.
sales@rosewoodpet.com
They do not sell directly to the general public, but their website doesn’t say who their distributors are, so I would suggest writing to them and asking what stores sell their product in the US that you could contact. I’m sure they know.

Jersey probably remembers my long lecture on cumulative allergies. It’s a threshold type of thing. You may have 3 mild allergies (like grasses, dust and rum for example) and none of them are noticeably bad. Then one day you open a bag of orchard grass in the shut up house that’s got the old heat starting up and blowing around old dust while your bf serves you a hot rum toddy to fight the cold and whammo – you have an allergy attack. It’s the combination.
So if you decrease a known allergen, or switch one you suspect, it will probably help. I would try aspen pellets or shavings. I would stop using orchard grass and go back to hay, like timothy or oat or brome. Then do a quick vacuum to get the dust up, but make sure your vents are clean. The heater coming on with the winter may have stirred up some stuff and that’s what’s adding to your problems. Also, be sure to clean out your vacuum cleaner bag. But wear a mask, because handling the vacuum stuff is harder on you than anything else I would imagine. Wipe it, and you, down afterwards.

[Monkeybun]

Posted By TheBingster on 12/19/2010 03:35 PM
The bedding I use is softwood, made with a blend of pine, spruce and fir woods. I switched once to a nicer one that used recycled papers, but it did not contain the smells at all. This one absorbs well and keeps the smells at bay.

 

Bad bad bad! Pine shavings can definitely cause health issues in your bun. If you MUST use shavings, get aspen instead.

[Elrohwen]

It could definitely be the hay. DH wasn’t allergic to the hay for the first 6 months to a year, but now he’s very allergic.

[MayaConsuelo]

I’ve had bad allergies my whole life. One thing that’s common in long-term allergies is that you tend to get used to your pets, so my cats don’t trigger an attack, but someone else’s cats could. However you never get used to plant allergies like trees or hay. The bunny barely bothers me since he has no dander. I’m seconding what most people here are saying, my advice is:
1. I take Claritin every day, has no side effects compared to other allergy meds. DON’T buy brand-name Claritin, look for generics like Wal-itin or whatever, 10 mg Loratadine in all of them. They’re all exactly the same, except you’ll be paying anywhere from 4x to 10x more for Claritin, don’t let big Pharma scam you.
2. Keep everything really really clean. I clean out Bun-Bun’s cage twice a day (sweeping up poos and hay dust), keep his general area very clean, and sweep and mop the entire house at least once a week.
3. If you have hayfever you’re probably allergic to trees as well and can get rid of some of the problems by switching from wood shavings to recycled paper litter. I have no problems with the Carefresh, I change the boxes every other day. It’s true, these allergies can accumulate, so get rid of the ones you can get rid of (the tree shavings) while keeping the ones you can’t get rid of (the bunny!)

[jerseygirl]

Posted By RabbitPam on 12/19/2010 04:20 PM
Jersey probably remembers my long lecture on cumulative allergies.

I do. I was nodding in agreement reading it. : )

You may have 3 mild allergies (like grasses, dust and rum for example) and none of them are noticeably bad. Then one day you open a bag of orchard grass in the shut up house that’s got the old heat starting up and blowing around old dust while your bf serves you a hot rum toddy to fight the cold and whammo – you have an allergy attack.

tsk tsk RabbitPam!  No rum, she’s not yet 21. lol

@ TheBingster: You mentioned having asthma attacks when you’re sleeping. Is this when they are mainly happening?

[Ashley&Bing]

Yes, mainly. I had one when I was in the downtown square caroling though, which I found quite random and annoying. My doctor prescribed me steroids that I take by inhaler so it only goes to my lungs and not the rest of my body (the stuff the hospital gave me messes with my heart). Hopefully it will help!

tsk tsk RabbitPam! No rum, she’s not yet 21. lol

Haha, don’t remind me! I went out to dinner with friends last night and they all had pretty drinks with swirls in it while I drank ROOT beer.

Bad bad bad! Pine shavings can definitely cause health issues in your bun. If you MUST use shavings, get aspen instead.

Really? I had no idea… What kind of health problems? This makes me so sad! I try and do everything perfect for him. D:

[Ashley&Bing]

Thanks RabbitPam! I will email them!

[hooty22]

The pine can cause respiratory problems and liver cancer.

I can’t possibly say anymore how great an air purifier is. I am allergic to most things with fur, so of course I just fell in love with Felony who looks like giant fur monster. Stick an air purifier near the bunny and you will be amazed at the difference. It also deals with any bunny smells.

As far as new litter, I didn’t like the paper pellets or carefresh, but I’m loving wood stove pellets. I usually completely dump the litter twice a week, but at 4 bucks for 40 pounds of pellets, I could practically change litter everyday and not have it hurt my wallet.

[Kafrn]

I know this is a bit off topic, but considering u have moved cities recently, have you had your house treated with any pesticides before or after the move? The organochlorines that are used to spray houses (particularly for white ants \ spiders etc) can cause severe asthma attack for years after being exposed to them. People that move often have their house treated so I thought I’d ask. Even houses 50m from you that have been treated with organochlorines or premise or something similar leak airborne gases for months after treated and if that’s close to you, could be the cause?

[jerseygirl]

Eek! Good to know Kafrn.

Also, I was thinking about changes in air temp? Like if the air temp drops at night or you inhale a lot of cooler air in one breath, that this might set things off? I know that sudden changes in air temp effects my mums asthma.

[Ashley&Bing]

Both are possible. My apartments get sprayed every few months or so outside back at school, but the asthma crap started when the temp dropped, like Jerseygirl said. I think a combination of things set them off: the cold (my bed is right next to a huge window), the heater being on in my apt, and possibly the new hay. Plus I’m allergic to a lot of junk outside during the summer months, so maybe the winter months are just as bad and I have always thought i had a cold instead.

Did I mention that i asked for an air purifier for my 21st? Lol I just find it so amusing that is what I really really want. No shot glasses or a new Apple product…but an air purifier.

Hooty22, where can you get the wood stove pellets? I have never seen them in stores before. And if Bing ha a obsession with chewing cardboard, do you think he’d eat the pellets?

[hooty22]

I usually pick up my WSP at Lowe’s. They are usually $4 for a 40 lb. bag. YOu just have to make sure the bag doesn’t say it contains an accellerant. My experience has been the pellets are just pellets unless they say something like “Plus Accellerant”. After a couple of days, I usually toss a new cupful of pellets on top of the old just help absorb and keep down any smell. And like I said I change his box every Thursday and Sunday.
I’ve never seen Felony eating the pellets… If it’s a concern for you, you can always put a litter grate over it to prevent him from digging or eating it. The great thing about the litter is that even it doesn’t work out for you, it’s only $4. I know some bunnies don’t like the hardness of the pellets, but I think there are some people who have used the WSP as a base and tossed some Carefresh or hay on top to soften it. Since your buns is used to wood shavings, you probably won’t have a problem with this.
I also had pine shavings for Fel when he first moved in because I didn’t know of the possible dangers, and let me tell you, WSP are sooooooo much cleaner. He’d get shavings stuck in his fur and I’d have little wood chips all over the apartment.

[LoveChaCha]

Bingster, I bought my own air purifier! It isn’t an old lady thing I found a decent priced one.. It is a very good purchase. I hope that you will get one.

I recently bought a bag of wood stove pellets. Nice and clean to work with. The pellets will break apart after bunny pees on it. I am still using my last bag of carefresh. After that, I am strictly wood stove pellets!

[Ashley&Bing]

Ah, good to know! I know where Lowe’s is around here! I’m so glad I found BB. I’d be so lost without you guys.

[Author]

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