Allergy prone dog...what to mop floor with, etc? - Page 1

I have a male with terrible allergies, his skin breaks out, he gets yeast infections on his skin and in his ears.  I've just sucessfully got him on RAW but all is not solved yet.  Until I find someone to allergy test him (I'm in the sticks) and save up for the testing (I assume it's expensive) we have to get things more controlled.  One vet I talked to who's a Canine Dermatologist wanted to start him on Atopica, but I have mixed feelings about that. 
At any rate, I am thinking enviromental allergies, he can't tolerate grains for sure, but any meat he seems fine with.  So what do I mop my floor with?  We've been using water with very little dish detergent (we have sturdy, natural finish, hardwood floors) but I don't feel like that is cleaning enough.  What can I used that will kill dust mites and remove pollen and allergens but not irritate his skin?  Also, what would be the best thing to wash his beeding in, killing mites and allergens, and can I use Clorox with it or will that irritate him?  Also, anyone have any central heat/air filter recommendations for cutting the pollen and allergens?  I've tried a few high end with no real difference in my dog or my allergies.  I just want my boy to have clear skin and feel great, but I'm running out of things to try so maybe if I scrub everything with something that won't affect him, it might improve things.  All suggestions welcomed and appreciated.
Thank you,
Nichole

Nichole:

My female suffers from inhalent allergies.  I think the intradermal skin testing was right around $800 a few years ago.  Her allergy serum lasts about 3 months and is $125 or thereabouts (needles are $20 for a box).  I use a water based product called Bona on my hardwood floors to clean them.  

I didn't know that there was a steam mop out there.  That's pretty neat.  Just like Malshep recommended - I wash my bedding weekly. It doesn't get cold enough in GA to leave it outside to freeze though.  I am also considering ordering an electrostic filter from nationalallergy to try to cut down on the dust mites.  Winter is the WORST for my female.

Malshep - you mention a filter on the furnace and a humidifier for the whole house.  Is this something that is connected to your HVAC unit that was installed or is the humidifier a stand alone humidifier?

Also leaning towards having my duct work cleaned.  It hasn't been done in 7 years so maybe that'll help with any airborn allergens and dust mites.  Just never thought about it until our HVAC person mentioned it.  Has anyone ever done this?

I have a 8yr old with the same problem, He is allergic to everything out side and almost everything inside. I give shots once a month and the bottles of meds last about 8 months, cost l85.00 and the needles a box of 100 cost $20.00. In summer I keep him out of the grass and dirt as much as possible and in the winter I use a humiderfier and that seems to help. I also give him benadril that I buy at Costco and when he has a open sore I spray it with Genta ved topical spray            Good luck it's a everyday problem

Crazee, the humidifier is right on the furnace, the filter goes between the ductwork and the blower motor change it every month, air purifier in the main room of the house. Hope this helps. Allergies can be a bugger, but if you are on top of things in the beginning all goes well.
C.

I use clorox's "green" line of cleaners anywhere that my dogs come in contact. You also can't beat good old vinegar and water. I wash bedding with an all natural cleaner. My daughter's young dog had a seizure several months back that the vets deemed as toxin related.  I don't know 100% if that was really cause but we've taken no chances and gone totally natural with anything our dogs have contact with.   So far, no more problems.

Hi Nichole,

I had a dog w/sensitive skin, not to the degree of your boy.  Just a reminder, when I washed her bedding and put it in the dryer no dryer sheets.  Dryer sheets can leave a residue that can irritate the skin.

for the bedding, I would wash then use a vinager rinse. I have tile floors and use vinegar and water, I am not sure for hardwood.

I use vinegar on my hardwood too. Just don't leave big puddles of water or you will cause discolouration.