allergy to dog

[mojobanana]

I think my boyfriend is allergic to my dog (mainly wheezing/asthma symptoms) and he only gets the symptoms downstairs in my house where pooch hangs out. He takes Ventolin and a turbohaler (sorry, not sure which one, but it's a red one if that helps), but neither have much effect.

I am slightly allergic to her as well inasmuch as her fur brings me out in bumps because it's short and spiky, but I don't get wheezy, even though I am asthmatic.

Does anyone know exactly what it is he might be reacting to? Dust, skin flakes, etc. Over-the-counter anti-histamines don't work at all and he gets in quite a lot of pain when the wheezing subsides from his chest muscles.

When upstairs (where the dog doesn't go) his wheezing starts to ease.

Just wondered if it might be anything else because I live in quite a rural area, lots of fields, etc around me and I have hard tiled floors with rugs on... thought if it was countryside related then it wouldn't ease when we're upstairs (which is carpeted).

I've suggested he see his GP and go to asthma clinic, but just looking for any ideas in the meantime.

Any suggestions welcome, he really does suffer!
Thanks,
Jo

[sqad617]

It certainly sounds as though he is allergic to dog hair, but it is unusual to be allergic to just one thing. When you go to the GP it would be helpful if the GP arranged IgE blood tests and also skin provocation tests which would have to be done ay an allergy clinic.
Seems to me it would be a good excuse to get your boyfriend "upstairs" where "the pooch doesn't go"
Inhalers would seem to be the best method of treatment at the moment.