"Thanks everyone for the tips! I would like to get more allergy tests done to see if my theory is correct and I did mention it to my doctor when I went for my monthly b12 shot the other day and she just said to get rid of my dog and said I wouldn't even be able to get the allergy shots for pets because she only gives it to people who have no choice to be constantly surrounded by them (like vets, etc). She did give me a stronger inhaler for my asthma.. I think it's called advair. I guess maybe she wants to see if that helps before doing additional testing. Unfortunatly I have carpet all over my house and the type of carpet it is makes it very difficult to vacuum all the fur out. I have to vacuum almost every day and still can't get all the ton of fur out that is in it."

(((Amanda)))

I'd recommend that you go to see an allergist. It's incredibly insensitive of your doctor to tell you to get rid of your dog & that she didn't give pet shots unless absolutely required. That's pure baloney! She can advise you that the "wisest recourse" is to simply get rid of your dog. That may be true. It also may not be true. The wise thing would be to get allergy tested, to see what your trigger/s are & how bad the symptoms can be. Then the allergist can give their advice on the best course of treatment.

I certainly understand your feelings about your dog. I was the same way with my pets. I sure as heck wasn't willing to give my dog and cats up! So, I simply dealt with it the best I could. That led me to not allowing pets into my bedroom ever. We had pretty old carpet too, and vaccumed daily. I was willing to make my recommended changes, to make my symptoms more liveable and hold onto those pets that I loved dearly.

It has been about 5 years, since the last of our pets passed away. It still hurts when I think of them and look at pictures, I miss them so much! That is why I can't even consider getting another pet ~ and going through all of the physical stuff & then face the emotional pain later on. I become very attached, they are such sweethearts! Hope that explains where I'm coming from a little better.

Best wishes to you!