{"id":1685,"date":"2013-08-04T18:32:14","date_gmt":"2013-08-04T18:32:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/whub32.webhostinghub.com\/~ahtsin5\/?p=1685"},"modified":"2021-10-10T23:58:24","modified_gmt":"2021-10-10T23:58:24","slug":"how-to-conduct-an-allergy-trial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/?p=1685","title":{"rendered":"How to Conduct an Allergy Trial"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>Conducting an Allergy Trial with an American Hairless Terrier (or another breed)<\/p>\n

The best way to determine if you are allergic to an American Hairless Terrier (or any other breed for that matter) is to meet one in person.\u00a0 Of course, there are some basic guidelines to follow to make sure that your trial will answer the question:\u00a0 Am I allergic to AHTs?<\/p>\n

<\/a>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact\u00a0WMK\/Karyn Pingel at wmk.ahts@gmail.com (or if you are looking into another breed, start with that breed\u2019s club).\u00a0 HAAHTA maintains a list of AHT owners and breeders who are willing to spend their time with prospective, allergic families.\u00a0 These individuals are located in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0We\u00a0will forward two questionnaires to the allergy sufferer who wishes to participate in an allergy trial.\u00a0 The first questionnaire aims to learn about the prospective owner(s) so that the volunteers will feel comfortable having them in their home.\u00a0 The questions ask about the individuals in the family, information about current and past pets, plans for socialization, exercising and training a new pet, etc.\u00a0 The second questionnaire is allergy specific (see questionnaire below).\u00a0 It focuses on the allergy sufferers and seeks to gain details about allergens and the severity of response.\u00a0 It is also used to determine compatibility for allergy trial location.\u00a0 In other words, if the allergy sufferer is allergic to both cats and dogs and the volunteer also has a cat, then the allergy trial will need to be conducted in another location NOT in the home as the presence of the cat dander will affect the results of the trial.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Once\u00a0we\u00a0receives the questionnaires, the information is forwarded to the closest allergy trial locations.\u00a0 The volunteers have the opportunity to review the information and decide if they are comfortable having the individual(s) in their home.\u00a0 You might wonder, \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t I agree to have everyone in my home?\u201d\u00a0 Well, consider this, some people are so allergic that they may have a life threatening reaction.\u00a0 Not all volunteers are prepared or willing to handle a medical emergency.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Once an application is accepted by a volunteer, the volunteer\u2019s contact information if forwarded to the allergic individual so they may set up a time to do the allergy trial.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions about setting up an allergy trial:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

a.\u00a0 \u00a0Is it better to do an allergy trial in my home or in the AHT\u2019s home?<\/b><\/p>\n

As a general rule, it is preferable to do the allergy trial in the AHT\u2019s house.\u00a0 This gives you an opportunity to spend time in a home that has dander built-up over time.\u00a0 Carpets, upholstered furniture, air conditioning vents, floors, walls, etc. all hold dander.\u00a0 Even a clean house has dander floating around.\u00a0 However, if the volunteer\u2019s home has other known allergens in it (e.g., other animals, if they are smokers, use of air fresheners, etc.), then doing the trial at their home will not be useful as a positive reaction\u2019s etiology cannot be determined.\u00a0 In other words, if you have an allergic response, you won\u2019t know if it was the dog or the smoke that affected you.\u00a0 Prior to implementing the Allergy Trial Questionnaire, we had an allergy sufferer drive 3 hours each way to the volunteer\u2019s home.\u00a0 Upon arrival, the allergy sufferer reacted immediately.\u00a0 However, the home owner had been burning incense, and the allergy sufferer was highly allergic to both fragrance and the dust produced by burning wicks.\u00a0 Needless to say, both parties were disappointed when the allergy trial had to be rescheduled.\u00a0 Fortunately, the second time was a charm and the allergy trial was successful!<\/p>\n

b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Where else can an allergy trial be conducted if it can\u2019t be done in the AHT\u2019s home?<\/b><\/p>\n

There are several possibilities here.\u00a0 First, the volunteer may be willing to bring the AHT to your house.\u00a0 This is a good solution as you know you will not have anything in your own home that will trigger an allergic response.\u00a0 However, keep in mind that you will not get the opportunity to experience dander build-up. Another option is to go to the volunteer\u2019s home but sit in your car with the AHT.\u00a0 The car is a closed environment and will give you maximum exposure in a short period of time.\u00a0 The drawback with either of these approaches is that if you have a reaction, you may have to live with some dander in your home\/car.\u00a0 Another solution would be to conduct the trial in hotel. Keep in mind that it is best to select a hotel that does NOT allow pets.\u00a0 You will need to simply have the AHT come visit you but not stay.\u00a0 If you select a hotel that allows pets, you are likely to react given the high concentration of other breeds\u2019 dander in the carpeting, drapery, and bedding.<\/p>\n

c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Is it better to do an allergy trial in a home that has only one AHT or more than one AHT?<\/b><\/p>\n

Either is acceptable.\u00a0 If you can tolerate a lengthy allergy trial in a home that has 3 AHTs, then you are very likely to be able to live with one!\u00a0 You may wonder, \u201cPerhaps if they only had one, I wouldn\u2019t react.\u201d\u00a0 While that is possible, you may still react over time as the dander accumulates in your home.<\/p>\n

d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0How long should the trial last?<\/b><\/p>\n

Simple answer:\u00a0 As long as possible!\u00a0 The longer the trial, the more likely you are to get a true picture of your body\u2019s tolerance for the breed.\u00a0 Even if you typically respond in 5-minutes to other breeds, you will want to spend several hours with the AHT.\u00a0 These are not like other dogs!! However, many people are still allergic.\u00a0 Some react immediately while others take hours to respond.\u00a0 No amount of time will guarantee that you can tolerate an AHT living in your home 24 hours\/day, 7 days\/week but if you can tolerate being with the AHT for 5-hours, you have more information than if you only stayed for an hour.\u00a0 Unfortunately there have been allergy trials that were successful but the owners had to return their AHT as the asthma attack began 8-hours after having the dog at home.<\/p>\n

e. Should the dog be washed first?<\/b><\/p>\n

This is a tricky question.\u00a0 Some would say YES, while others, NO.\u00a0 The answer to this question depends on several factors.\u00a0 If there are other COATED dogs or animals in the home, the answer to this is YES.\u00a0 You will not have a true trial if the AHT has other animals\u2019 dander on it.\u00a0 However, washing the dog will remove the dander build-up which may give a false sense of security.\u00a0 Sure it is important to know that you can tolerate a clean dog, but can you tolerate a dog with 24-hrs worth of dander on it, or 3-days worth?\u00a0 Are you going to be able to wash the dog daily?\u00a0 You will also need to find out what product is used to wash the dog.\u00a0 It is possible that a fragranced shampoo or post-bath lotion will cause a reaction in the allergy sufferer.\u00a0 If the AHT is the only breed of dog in the home, we typically recommend that the dog NOT be washed so that the allergy sufferer gets the \u201cworst case scenario.\u201d\u00a0 If they can pass a trial with an AHT with a week of dander build-up, they are more likely to be successful in adding an AHT to their home.<\/p>\n

f.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Should I see how I do without touching the AHT or should I go for a maximum exposure trial?<\/b><\/p>\n

This is another personal decision and it goes back to the \u201cworst case scenario\u201d theme.\u00a0 If you plan to limit your contact with the AHT when it gets to your home, then just seeing if you can tolerate being in an AHT\u2019s home may be sufficient.\u00a0 However, if you plan to pet the dog or have it lay on your lap or lick you, you will want to try it to see how you react.<\/p>\n

g. Is it better to do an allergy trial with a puppy or an adult dog?<\/b><\/p>\n

Puppies and adult dogs have different systems and as such, the enzymes found in their dander, saliva, and urine are different.\u00a0 Typically we have found that if you can tolerate a puppy, you will be able to tolerate an adult but not necessarily vice versa.\u00a0 Several AHT owners have reported mild allergic responses to their 2-6 month old pups but that the reaction lessened over time.\u00a0 This is likely due to the maturation process and the change in the enzymes that occur. It may also be due to improved house training such that elimination of accidents in the home lessens the allergens in the home and therefore lessens the response.\u00a0 Another possibility is that the allergy sufferer builds up tolerance and their reaction decreases.<\/p>\n

h.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I normally take allergy medicine.\u00a0 Should I take it before my allergy trial?<\/b><\/p>\n

If you regularly take allergy medicine, then yes, you should take it.\u00a0 If you typically only take medication to stop a reaction or prior to going into a situation where you suspect you will have a reaction (in other words, it is not something you take daily), it is not recommended that you take your medication.\u00a0 Of course, this is also a personal decision.\u00a0 If you feel that by preventing the reaction, you may be able to have an AHT, then by all means, take the medication.\u00a0 However, you must realize that you only know how you will do with the medication in your system.\u00a0 So, you may need to take the medicine daily if you have an AHT in your home.\u00a0 Make sure this is something you are willing to do, if you go this route.<\/p>\n

i.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I had a mild reaction during the allergy trial.\u00a0 Does this mean I can\u2019t have an AHT?<\/b><\/p>\n

This is a personal decision.\u00a0 Some people are willing to live with a stuffy nose or itchy eyes so they may have dog or so that others in the home can have one.\u00a0 Often environmental\/behavioral modifications, such as: providing physical barriers to keep the AHT out of certain areas, keeping your dog off the furniture, using air filters, cleaning and vacuuming frequently, washing the dog and the dog\u2019s bedding regularly, limiting physical contact with the dog or washing your hands immediately after petting the dog, as well as discussing allergy medications (new or modified dosing)\/shots with your doctor, can reduce your reaction sufficiently so that an AHT can be part of your family.\u00a0 Sometimes this is not the case and a mild reaction during a 4-hour trial is an indicator of a more severe reaction that would occur if the exposure time had doubled.<\/p>\n

j.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What else do I need to know about participating in an allergy trial?<\/b><\/p>\n

Allergy Trial Etiquette!\u00a0 I know, that sounds a bit \u201cover-the-top.\u201d\u00a0 However, some AHTA volunteers have experienced some less-than-perfect allergy trials and have considered removing themselves from our volunteer list.\u00a0 We do not want that to happen as it is very important for allergy sufferers to be able to do their allergy trials before considering adding an AHT to their home.\u00a0 Please remember the following things:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0These people are volunteering their time to help you.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0You are being welcomed into their home as guests.\u00a0 Please be kind, courteous, and considerate.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0If the homeowner has 3 hrs or 4 hrs dedicated for the trial, respect that.\u00a0 Do not come before the designated appointment time and do not overstay your welcome.\u00a0 If you feel you need a longer trial than what has been offered, it will need to be rescheduled.\u00a0 Yes, we understand that you may be traveling quite a distance to complete the trial.\u00a0 However, some owners have spouses that are not as supportive of the activity or they may have other plans that day.\u00a0 We need to respect their time.\u00a0 So, when they are ready for the trial to end, it needs to end.\u00a0 Please work this out in advance so everyone is on the same page.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Please do not bring people who are not allergic.\u00a0 This is not an opportunity to just “meet” the breed.\u00a0 That can be done at any location and doesn’t need to take hours.\u00a0 If the adults are allergic, please find a place for the children to stay during the trial.\u00a0 Parents, remember that it is heartbreaking for a child to watch you react and not be able to have the doggy.\u00a0 If the children are allergic, then they should participate in the allergy trial. However, you will need to remind them of their manners and the proper way to behave in someone else’s home (e.g. do not ask for food).\u00a0 Please bring your children food\/drinks\/games whatever they’ll need.\u00a0 Do not expect the homeowner to serve refreshments or to entertain.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Parents, if your children are participating in the allergy trial, remind them of their manners and please keep an eye on them. If they are not behaving, you’ll need to terminate the trial.<\/p>\n

k.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0There isn\u2019t an AHT within 6-hours of my home.\u00a0 How can I see if I am allergic?<\/b><\/p>\n

You can begin with a Remote Allergy Trial with the help of the HAAHTA.\u00a0 A Remote Trial affords the allergic person an opportunity to test their reaction to an AHT’s dander without having them physically present.<\/p>\n

Steps for a Remote Allergy Trial:<\/p>\n

\n

1) Obtain the AHT owner’s address via AHTA, 2 Express Mail bags,\u00a02 or more t-shirts that belong to the allergic person, and a 1-gallon sized Zip-Lock bag PER shirt
\n2) Address one Express mail bag to the breeder and enclose the other Self-Addressed Express mail bag with postage prepaid
\n3) Place t-shirts and self-addressed\/postage paid envelope into Express mail bag (addressed to AHT owner)
\n4) AHT owner will “infect” ONE t-shirt with dog’s dander by allowing dog to lay on the t-shirt and\/or by rubbing it on the dog.\u00a0 The other shirt will remain dander free.\u00a0 However, you will not know which one has the dander on it.
\n5) AHT owner will return t-shirts to you in the self-addressed postage paid Express mail bag you included when you sent the t-shirts
\n6) You will\u00a0wear one\u00a0t-shirt at a time to see if you have a reaction ….make note of which one you are wearing if you do!\u00a0 Remember, one has NO dander and the other one DOES NOT!
\n7) If you DO react, you’ll know the AHT is probably not for you…IF you DON’T react, a live trial is still recommended (see above for recommendations).<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

Please keep in mind that no allergy trial is perfect.\u00a0 A failed allergy trial under one set of circumstances, does not guarantee a failed trial if the situation changes.\u00a0 In other words, if your allergy trial was conducted in a) a home with carpeting and several dogs with a lot of dander (most likely to react) vs. b) a home with hardwood flooring, one dog in isolation and limited exposure time (least likely to react), you are likely to experience different results.\u00a0 Best laid plans may not yield the desired result.<\/p>\n

If the allergy trial is successful and you decide to add an AHT (or other breed to your home), please do your homework and do lots of thinking.\u00a0 Discuss your allergy situation with the breeder.\u00a0 Request that your contract include a term about the return policy in the event of allergy issues.\u00a0 Although this is easy to say, returning a pup after the family falls in love, is not an easy thing.\u00a0 Sure the clause will ease your fears about \u201cwhat do I do if I can\u2019t tolerate the dog\u201d and it will allow you to do an allergy “trial” in your home.\u00a0 However, you must consider the ramifications of bringing the dog home, becoming attached, loving him\/her, and then having to consider sending them away. You can tell yourself or your children in advance that it is a “trial,” and that the dog may not stay. You may even have discussed “how will we feel if we can\u2019t keep the dog.” But nothing really prepares you for having to make such a decision. All in all, if you have any doubts as to whether you’ll be able to keep the dog, you may not want to do it in the first place (for your sake and for the dog\u2019s well-being). The decision to add a dog to your home should be a FOREVER decision and is not one that should be taken lightly.<\/p>\n

Through the allergy trial process, many allergic families have been able to experience the love and companionship of a dog for the first time in their lives.\u00a0 Helping this occur is rewarding and heartwarming.\u00a0 For additional information about allergy trials or if you own an AHT and would like to volunteer to do allergy trials in your home, please contact us at wmk.ahts@gmail.com .<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Conducting an Allergy Trial with an American Hairless Terrier (or another breed) The best way to determine if you are…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1116,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1685"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4301,"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1685\/revisions\/4301"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ahts.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}