I have only had Cali for 6 days and have become extremely attached to her, but I think I might be allergic:(
I have started breaking out in hives all over my arms. I have had dogs in the past and have been around my friends dogs and my brothers dogs constantly and have never had this problem. I am highly allergic to trees, grass,bushes,etc and live in a in a gated apartment complex at the top of a hill in a wooded area. I am not sure if I am allergic to Cali or if I am having a bad reaction to constantly being in the grass and around trees. If I touch grass I will immediately start itching. My allergist told me that I should move to Alaska because I am highly allergic to almost every type of grass and trees in Kentucky. When I take Cali out to do her business she usually likes to play and jumps all over me. I hope it is just the grass and not Cali. My doctor told me that I might need to consider parting with my dog and I told him no way!!!! He started me on a different allergy medicine and I hope that this works. If it is Cali maybe I will build up an immunity to her. My doctor thinks that I am crazy, but I adore her.
Has anyone experienced anything similiar with their Basenji? I dont sneeze or have watery eyes, just the hives on my arms and hands and the itching.
She is so adorable and I can't imagine having to part from her.
tlbuddy
I would think it may be the grass, etc simply because Basenjis are one of the more "hypoallergenic" dogs. If you ahven't been allergic to other dogs, it'd be very strange for you to be allergic to the Basenji.
Maybe try being diligent about washing your arms, etc after Cali plays and jumps on you outside and see if that helps.
I would be devastated if I had to give up Jazzy, so I really hope you find a solution.
Because of the very short coat, some people can break out in hives on their arms if they brush against their dog's coat the wrong way and the dog has been recently rolling in grass or other allergens. It can be helpful to wipe down your basenji with a damp washcloth when you come in from walks to lessen the exposure.
Lisa Voss
tlbuddy~
I understand your pain…well...your itching. I to have the same problem. Im allergic to everything. My allergest told me to live in a bubble. I dont think so. I have a cat and it took me quite some time to adjust to him. Dogs too! Kept sneezing and had itchy eyes. My arms would itch and I would get a rash all over my body the moment I was touched.
I am in the process of getting my first basenji but the ones that I have met I too broke out in a rash/hives all over my body.
Best advice...
Go to your doctor and try to get him to perscribe you an allergy medication. Zertec worked for me. If you are unable to do that try benedryl. Makes you a little sleepy but it keeps the itching down. Try Aveno too. Hope this helps 
Thanks for all of your suggestions. I have been taking Benadryl and I spoke with my doctor today and he told me to take Claritin and Singular and has given me a topical creme for the itching. I also have asthma, but have not been having any problems with it. The itching and hives are starting to get better. I think it is the grass so I have been wiping her down every time we come back inside from our walk.
tlbuddy
I hope it helps. Im sure in time your body will get used to it. I did. Good luck!:o
Thanks for all of your suggestions. I have been taking Benadryl and I spoke with my doctor today and he told me to take Claritin and Singular and has given me a topical creme for the itching. I also have asthma, but have not been having any problems with it. The itching and hives are starting to get better. I think it is the grass so I have been wiping her down every time we come back inside from our walk.
tlbuddy
I agree that it would be unusual for a person to be allergic to basenjis, but not to other dogs…often the reverse is true. It could be that Cali just needs a really good bath. I know that a couple of my Bs can make me really itchy when they are dirty. After a bath they are soft again, and I don't have the same reaction.
Good luck, I hope you find an answer.
I agree with the suggestions; wipe Cali down before you come in the house; especially if she's rolling around in the grass. Maybe if you wear long sleeves and pants, it might help. Are you allergic all year round? It could be coming on stronger right now because of the season and heat. Hopefully by winter it won't be so bad.
I have very sensitive skin and will break out in hives all year if I rub against something that I am allergic to. But the other allergy symptoms sneezing, running eyes only occur in the spring and summer.
Things are a lot better today and my hives have started to clear up. Everytime we go outside in the grass I wipe her down as soon as we get in the house. When I take her for walks everything is okay because we stay out of the grass. I am sure things will be fine in a few days. I gave her a really good bath yesterday and it has made a big difference.
How often do you bathe or groom your Basenji? Also, what type of flea/tick repellent is best? Everyone tells me Front Line is the best, but I had already purchased the Zodiac brand that is applied once a month because the Humane Society gave me a coupon booklet with a coupon for that brand.
tlbuddy:)
I like Adams flea shampoo. It kills the buggers and leaves the animals hair soft.
Haven't used it on my Basenji though, as we just haven't had fleas here for a few years.
