Allergies--need info

[charliesmommy]

I need some information on allergies and guinea pigs. My little brother absolutely loves cavies, and would take such good care of them if he were allowed to adopt a pair. My mother would help him, as he is only 8, and she also loves cavies. The problem is that my father is allergic to guinea pigs. I need some honest information about allergies and pigs; has anyone ever experienced guinea pig allergies? Is there an option for my brother to somehow have pigs in the same house as my dad? I had to wait until I moved out, but I really would like for him to be able to have pigs. The poor kid almost cried when he had to leave my house the last time he was in town... not because he didn't want to leave me, but because he didn't want to leave Charlie and Simon! So, any information and ways to cope with cavy allergies would be much appreciated.

 

[Slap Maxwell]

Oh, lol. I thought you were an adult.

(broken link removed)

https://www.cavyspirit.com/allergies.htm

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Is he allergic to the animal dander, or the hay? He can take meds, you can put them somewhere away from the air ducts, use filters, etc. There are ways around it, but it's work.

 

[charliesmommy]

Haha slap, I am an adult... there's a BIG age gap between my brothers and I... most people think the eight year old is my son when I have him out places!

He's allergic to the animal dander. He's not going to make too much of an effort on his part, unfortunately, but I'm thinking that your suggestions about keeping away from the air ducts, etc. would help. Maybe even close off the air return vent in my brother's room to keep the dander from getting into the system? Hmm...

 

[Slap Maxwell]

How big? lol.

That sounds like it will work.

 

[charliesmommy]

Twelve years! I also have a 13 year old brother, so there's only seven between us. I'm hoping I can convince my dad... I just don't want to get the air filter, build the cage, adopt the pigs, buy food/bedding/accessories, and have him say that he can't breathe...

 

[pennick]

I am allergic to guinea pigs and I have 2. It only a real problem when I touch them and then forget to wash my hands and then touch my face. Red itchy eyes. Also when they are on me and nibble me I break out with red spots and also itchy. Or if they touch my neck I get a rash. It last for a couple of minutes and then I feel better. Is it possible your dad is only allergic if he touches them? Can they be kept somewhere your dad doesnt frequent?

 

[Baby Bears]

I'm going to be completely honest with you. I am a total cavy slave, I love my guys to death. However, several weeks after getting my two boys, they had to get out of the house. Yes, in some people, the allergies aren't so bad and it can be controlled with medication. But is your dad willing to take medication every day and willing to pay for the expense of constantly buying meds? Guinea Pigs live a long time. The allergies, in my case, were really bad. It started just when I touched them, my eyes itched and turned red. Then, my skin started breaking out and itching, my eyes started swelling shut. The longer I kept them, the worse it got. The reaction would take several hours to go away. I tried making sure not to touch my face etc, and washed my hands, but it didn't seem to matter. Then it started affecting me just when I walked in the house. Sneezing, itchy eyes, swelling eyes, etc. I have two kids to take care of and had to make them a priority, so Peanut and Butter had to go. Lucky for me, my sister took them in.

Obviously my allergies are worse than most. I've never been allergic to animals before, but it's not uncommon to develop allergies later in life.

You have to think, is it fair to your brother to get them, and only have your dad be unable to handle the reaction and your brother have to give them away? Wouldn't that break his heart more than never having them? It depends on what dad is willing to do/go through. I'm a total advocate to getting the piggies out of shelters/rescues and into homes. But I also don't think a rash decision is wise. They might just end up right back in a shelter if you aren't sure that dad can deal with this.

I have to take crazy amounts of meds to visit mine at my sisters house, and can only stay around them for a few hours.