Trigger? Help !

[pasquale61]

Think I figured out trigger - however it may be to late to do anything about it. I'm really kicking myself. 11 year old son hadn't had significant tic waxing in nearly two years. After a year of consideration we recently brought a puppy into our home. My son has been waxing since we brought the puppy home. I'm so upset as I'm almost certain the puppy is the trigger. I will have to break his heart if I get rid of puppy. I feel so defeated. Thought we had this licked.

[Sheila]

Hello Pasquale61-- I'm very sorry to read about your son's tics coming back after you had them so well under control. I know how demoralizing it is when tics return.

 

You are doing the right thing in looking for a trigger.

 

At this point you're suspecting the new puppy. When did you get the puppy and what kind of dog is it? Does the dog sleep in your boy's bedroom?

 

It is certainly possible for the dog to be the culprit, though it could also be a coincidence and something else is affecting the immune system.

 

Has your son ever had allergy testing for dogs? Have any other changes taken place during this time period?

 

We will be watching for a response from you as we try to help you figure this out.

[pasquale61]

Hi Shiela,

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm suspecting puppy because tics started back up a few days after bringing it home. I'm really kicking myself for making the decision to get a puppy. Something I thought would be so wonderful for my son has really backfired and turned into a nightmare. I'm not sure if getting rid of puppy will make thing worse as he really loves it.

 

Puppy is a labradoodle. No shedding and hypoallergenic. that's why I picked that breed.

Puppy came into house on November 20th, Tics started approx. 6 days after. Puppy is 3 months old as of this week, does not sleep in sons bed, Stays mainly in kitchen area.

 

He did have flu mist and two vaccines after puppy had arrived but he was already ticking at that point,

 

I'm so sick over all of this and having a real tough time coping. Doing quite a bit of pleading with god at this point. Don't feel like doctors are any help.

 

Does anyone have any experience with a pet being a trigger and if so how was it was handled. I'm thinking of installing a Hepa filtration system in house. Maybe that will help with toxins and allergens. Also thinking of an anti-dander shampoo for the dog.

 

I'm so lost right now. Just going in circles trying to cope, maintain my job, my marriage and figure it all out.

 

Thanks

[Chemar]

Hi

I have heard pretty good reports on both the HEPA filters and also anti-dander shampoos

At least it's a great start to trying to eliminate triggers without the major trigger of having to say goodbye to the puppy!

 

Also, working on getting the immune system well functioning and balanced might be beneficial. And trying some of the other nutritional etc protocols that others have found helpful here. Eliminating the artificial and junk in diet helps avoid any of those triggers and the less overall triggers, the better his system will cope.

 

I am a strong believer in the detoxing value of epsom salts baths, and also the effect of the lotion (now made by Morton's as well...Walgreens, Walmarts etc)

 

I do hope things stabilize soon for your son. Kudos to you for looking into all this!

[Wombat140]

One thing has just occurred to me, it's meant for hayfever but I assume that both things are a question of inhaled particles, so it seems worth a try:

HayMax Organic Pollen Barrier Balm http://haymax.biz/

It's actually just some cream that you dab around the edge of your nostrils, and the idea is that pollen, or in your case dog dandruff, literally sticks to it so it cuts down on the amount going up your nose - by about a third according to the manufacturers, which doesn't sound like enough to make a difference, but from what I've heard it does seem to work quite well for hay fever. It's cheap and easy, anyway, so you could give it a try while you look into air filters and so on, which sounds as if it would take a while to sort out. Your son's unlikely to be allergic to that, anyway, all it has in it is beeswax and sunflower oil.

[pasquale61]

Hi Wombat 140. I will look into the Haymax product. Thanks for the advice.

 

I picked up a Hepa Filter. Also considering installing a high end unit into our heating and cooling system.

 

I so regret bringing a dog into our home, What I thought would be such a wonderful experience for my son has turned into a nightmare.

 

On another note - He has been complaining of a sore throat is very stuffy so perhaps the tics are a result of that. Many of his classmates have Step throat. I hate to say it but I'm hoping he has strep which may explain the recent tic explosion. That would mean his Titers are high and fall under PANDAS category? Am I correct with that statement?

 

I have always suspected PANDAS because his moods get dark when hes ticking.

[Sheila]

I'd never heard of HayMax, Wombat140. It looks really interesting. Thanks for telling us. Here's an Amazon link for US since it is mostly sold in Europe. I hope some readers try it for inhalant allergies and tell us if they found it helpful for hayfever and anything else.

 

As you would know, pasquale61, there are few animals more lovable than a labradoodle puppy so it's no wonder your son is crazy about it! Why don't you try all the suggestions mentioned here, including the whole house filter you mentioned plus an air purifier for his bedroom even though the dog isn't sleeping in his room (Stick to that rule just to be safe until you figure out if it really is the dog.)

 

And for sure get him tested for strep right away and let us know what the doctor says, OK?

[Sheila]

One question -- Does your son live with you full time? Might we be barking (sorry, no pun intended!) up the wrong tree and something has changed at school or someplace else in his life?

[pasquale61]

Hi Shiela - Thanks for the reply. Yes he lives with me full time. No other significant changes over past few months other than bringing dog into home.

 

Could stress of dog being brought into house be the trigger? Its been a month at this point.

 

He did have flu-mist and two vaccines about a week after dog arrived however tics started prior to that.

 

He stopped complaining of sore throat so we did not bring him to doctors for strep test..

 

Waxed and waned over holiday break.Back at school today.

[Skylar]

Have you considered having your son allergy tested for dogs? Or perhaps ask his doc if he can try a small dose of zyrtec and see if that makes any difference?

[pasquale61]

Hi Skylar - We have Zyrtec at home. Ill give it a try.