maxysmummy wrote:
Nela wrote:
I'm severely allergic to rabbits but I tend to last a bit longer when a rex is involved. I really cannot explain this as there is a lot of debate as to whether it makes a difference or not. I can say that it does make a difference for me.
If your mother has asthma as well as allergies, the ammonia in the urinecan really set off her asthma. I know ammonia is found no matter the animal, so frequent cleaning is essential. I do tend to think rabbits' urine can smell really strong quickly so it's important to keep in mind.
wow, if you are allergic how do you have them? do you have to wear a dust mask or something?
Lol good question.
The thing is, I cannot actually keep them as I would want. Having them in the house is a definite no no. When we moved into our home, I was truly excited about having the shed. I thought I'd be able to keep the buns there easily. I was dead wrong. It actually made it worse because I am not exposed to the buns the same way so when I walk in, the reaction is very fast and violent.
Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut being me, I am more stubborn than a mule sooooo I still have bunnies.
As for how I do it... I am quite heavily medicated. My asthma is now treated withnumerous meds and cortisone when needed. The next step is having a nebulizer at home. I take antihistamines and my meds hours and sometimes daysbefore I set out for the main cleaning. I also wear a mask then. I should actually be wearing a mask anytime I walk in there but I often don't. (I hate masks!) I must say, Jeff helps a lot with cleaning so that is a big help. I usually have to do things in steps so notdo all the cleaningat once. I make sure to leave the shed doors open when I do it as well. Feeding and all goes smoothly as long as the cages are kept relatively clean.
As for actually handling the bunnies themselves... I shouldn't but I still do it, just not nearly as much as you guys do. I definitely cannot permit myselfto kiss them all the time but sometimes I'll sneak in a kiss or two here and there.
When I've handled the bunnies, I wash my hands and usually change all my clothes. I normally use one coat for anything to do with the bunnies and wear my other for everything else or at least wash the coat frequently. After I have cleaned or directly played with the rabbits, I usually do another round of meds, steam treatments and a shower.
I will not be having multiple rabbits again in the future. I thought having them outside would work but it hasn't. By now, I've had no choice but to accept that I'll never be able to do the things I wanted when it comes to rabbits. I do have the option of keeping a rabbit like I have Maybelle setup and that should be alright for years to come. Basically, Maybelle is free-range outside though she does get locked up in the shed at night. That enables me to play with her because she is outside so I react less quickly. I have to be very very careful about not touching my face after I've played with her but that is about it. With having only the one bun with a hutch, it's much easier to clean as well so that's easier on me. Maybelle is actually being setup with a cat litterbox (no cat litter in it though) that has those carbon filters on top. I want to see if that can help at all like it has helped me with the cats.
Basically, being conscious about it all and not ignoring my body is what allows me to do it. I certainly don't go out and do a full cleaning if I have waken up wheezing. I don't play with fire as much as I used to either. Meaning, I don't snuff their fur, or keep them on me for long periods of time. On the other hand, if one is not well, all that goes out the door. :biggrin2:You'll find me cradling my bunny in my arms turning blue from lack of oxygen but that bunny will be in my arms.
Loving them drives me to continue but sometimes loving them also means acknowledging my own limits. It is why I have chosen to rehome 2 of my 4 to offer them somethingbetter with family. If the oppurtunity to rehome them with family 10 mins away hadn't come though, I'd still have them.
Btw, I've been refused the allergen immunotherapy... I had looked into it but was told it wasn't an option for me.
Anyway, long post... Sorry. Lol. That's how I do it though
I am a bad case so I don't think most people get this bad
It's important not to ignore allergic and asthmatic reactions though.
If I had been more careful in the past, I probably wouldn't be so badly off today.
