[Gpdd] Health: Re: Allergies

[Leah McNeil]

Rachel,
I'm also allergic to either the timothy
hay, or the wood-based beddings (aspen,
pine, Carefresh, etc.), or the piggies
themselves. I haven't actually gotten
allergy-tested, but I know I'm allergic
to one, if not all of those things. When
Brownie Bear came to live with us, I had
been pig-less for about 6 months. And
after we got her, I got Really sick, and
I mean REALLY Sick. Wheeee discovered
later that I had a major allergy attack.
And of course, my doctor suggested that
I get rid of my Bear. Well, that was
NOT an option. I love my Baby too much.

So, after months and months of trying to
change beddings and do all kinds of crazy
stuff to make my life better, this is
what ended up working for me:

I take Allegra-D when needed.

I keep my piggies on towels (it's a lot
of work and takes up a lot of time, but
it really does help with my allergies,
so I do it...and try not to complain.
Otherwise, Brownie Bear will punish me...
OUCH!)

I bought a new vacuum cleaner, because
our old one sucked. No really, it was
horrible. So, wheee bought a Hoover
WindTunnel Self-Propelled Ultra for
under $300 and are very pleased with it.
It's affordable, and also rated very high,
and it does a Fabulous job. I have to
vacuum once a wheeeeek, and that helps
tremendously in keeping the allergens
down. Since my piggies are free-range,
I have to keep my carpets vacuumed. Oh,
and if you're looking for a place to
find vacuum cleaners for a good price,
check out...

http://www.abcvacuumwarehouse.com/

We bought our Hoover there and were very
satisfied with the service.

Let's see, oh yeah, there's lots of things
you're not supposed to do if you're the
allergic one, like clean the cage, handle
the hay, etc. But, I'm the main caretaker,
so I do all the stuff I'm not supposed to do.
I do have those facial masks that you can
get from hardware stores. I'm supposed to
wear a mask when I change the cage, handle
the hay, etc. but I don't. Call me a rebel.

Here's some more info on Piggie Allergies...

http://cavyspirit.com/allergies.htm

I hope this helps. Piggie Kisses to your
Phera and Roxie! And I hope your Hubby and
son can find a way to cope with those allergies...
Wheeeeek!

    Love 'n Wheeeeeeeeeeeeps,
      Leah...Slave to Brownie Bear and
                         Butterscotch :-) 

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