I'm feeling like a rant

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I'm part of a car share and went for the briefest of drives. I had to end it early because some jerk had dogs in the car and didn't clean it. I'm allergic to dog dander and now I'm sitting down, with a scratchy throat that's a touch swollen. Thank God I can breathe but I can't afford to take Benedryl because I have to be able to pick my daughter up from camp and, well, liquid Benedryl will knock me out (but my chest is on fyah!!)

Is it too much trouble to clean the stupid car out after having pets in there? How about even getting a sheet or something to cover the seats? Or maybe I should just petition the company to set apart one or two cars from their sites for people with allergies because I don't enjoy having to go to Urgent Care and NOT have anyone to pick my daughter up because my allergies got to a point where I could not breath. In any case, I'm really mad at the lack of common decency some people have. I try to extend it because we reap what we sow but I hate not-so-little inconveniences like this that can affect my well being.
 
Sorry for your health problems. :(

As a crazy dog person - 8 dogs and 2 cats - I am regularly covered in dog hair. I simply don't think about it. Honestly, I think with your severe allergy, this car sharing thing is probably not going to work for you.

I do think it's a good idea for you to email the company with your idea - perhaps there are enough people with severe allergies to make having several "clean cars" worthwhile.

Here's my question, though - what about folks with other allergies? Because I would assume a "clean car" would be as allergen free as possible. So...no nuts. No pets of any kind. No fragrances. So, for example, you wouldn't be allowed to apply scented lotion in the car, or perfume. If you were transporting soaps or FOs, they'd need to be in a sealed container. No smoking.

As a pet person, if I were using a car sharing deal, I would not expect to need to vacuum the car each time I used it. If my pet threw up in the car, yes. I would carry lint remover and give the seat where my pet sat a quick roll. But to me, transporting my pet would be within the appropriate normal usage of the car, unless the car is specifically "no pets".

ETA: You could petition the company to include seat covers for pets in each car, and pet owners would be responsible for both installing the seat covers before they used the car and replacing them in the trunk when they were done, in order to limit exposure.

ETA 2: Sealed container, not concealed
 
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I have 3 dogs and I know I could never let any or all of them ride in a car and then let you use my car. That's even if I used covers and cleaned the car afterwards so it looked spotless. There's just no way a person can totally control animal hair and dander well enough in a confined space like a car to absolutely not trigger an allergic reaction in a highly sensitive person. IMO the only solution for someone with severe animal allergies is to use a car that never, ever has animals in it.
 
I've never heard of a car share before; however, no, your "rant" is not out of order and I think requesting your company to set aside vehicles as NO PET zones are a perfectly reasonable request. You could have gone into an anaphylactic or asthmatic episode, if your allergies are that severe, while driving. It is a danger to your health and to those in your vehicle and on the roads while you're behind the wheel. We pet owners are totally clueless when it comes to issues like that. (It's like someone not allergic to peanuts does not realize that if they kiss a person who is allergic to peanuts with "peanut butter breath" they can kill that person.) I'm sure it is not intentional; however, unless or until you or the company owner/managers make it very clear that all vehicles must be cleaned and vacuumed EVERY time the vehicle is used because of allergy issues, and failure to do so will result in fines, no one is going to pay attention. I'm sorry you've had to go through that. It really sucks when you cannot enjoy a day out or something that you've planned because of health issues.
 
I get what you two mean. Dixie, I'm really less inclined to blame the company as I would blame the member. It's written out when we use a care, we have to keep it clean and pets are supposed to be in their carriers or crates during their time in the car. That was clearly not what happened and I should have taken pics in retrospect but my priority was to return the car and run home. I know crates are opened but they cut down on dander contact by quite a bit.

I guess it's because I'm a person with allergies who has a child with allergies and I know people with allergies that it's almost second nature to curb allergen contact within my control. I really just comes down to a person's sense of decency. And while I'd love to get a car, it's more of a luxury in my area than a necessity and I only need it for an hour or so to get driving practice in (nervous driver).

Side note: I'm probably going to lye down and see how I fee in a while. that benedryl is kicking in and I'm not comfortable.
 
I hear you. I have severe allergies to pretty much anything with fur or feathers(4+P reactions to most animals in testing).

A few things that amuse me about pet owners who don't understand what severe allergies are like.

1) When going to someones house and they find out you have allergies and they say "we'll put the dog outside, or in the back room". It's a nice gesture, but it doesn't make a bit of difference. The dander is everywhere, so it's just a matter of time before I'm done(usually 15-30 minutes if I'm not on meds).

2) "Oh, I have animal allergies too". And you own a dog(or cat)?? No, you don't have allergies then(or at least they are very mild).

3) "Our dog doesn't shed, so you probably won't be allergic to it". Doesn't matter, it's the dander that's the problem.

4) "My dog is hypoallergenic, so you won't be allergic to it". I hear this all the time, and I've yet to find one that I'm not allergic to, including various terriers, poodles, maltese, shih tzu, etc. Some are definitely worse than others though. For me, Golden retrievers and labs are the worst.

5) When people come to visit from out of town and they ask if they can bring their pets. I say, sure, but it can't set foot in our house. It can stay out in the garage if it's in a carrier, but if not, it needs to stay outside. Then I get the feeling that they think I'm a heartless monster. :)
 
Yeah, if the pet was uncrated, definitely complain. Without pics, they probably can't do anything this time, but hopefully that user would be issued a warning.

Ideally I think they'd implement my seat cover idea, that way the dander would be confined to the seat cover and only the pet owner would be handling it.
 
A few things that amuse me about pet owners who don't understand what severe allergies are like.

1) When going to someones house and they find out you have allergies and they say "we'll put the dog outside, or in the back room". It's a nice gesture, but it doesn't make a bit of difference. The dander is everywhere, so it's just a matter of time before I'm done(usually 15-30 minutes if I'm not on meds).

I know it's futile, but it seems like basic courtesy? Even if it's totally ineffective, it would be rude not to offer it.

5) When people come to visit from out of town and they ask if they can bring their pets. I say, sure, but it can't set foot in our house. It can stay out in the garage if it's in a carrier, but if not, it needs to stay outside. Then I get the feeling that they think I'm a heartless monster.

Generally, the kind of people who travel with their pets are also the kind of people who don't leave their pets in garages or outside. So, I think your comment is meant to be joking/humorous, but I can see why it would rub a pet person the wrong way. Better to say, "No, sorry, my allergies are too severe to allow pets in the home."
 
If the contract says animals are to be in carriers, then that is what should happen. The car company needs to penalize the person that had the animals in there before you. Period.
 
I hear you. I have severe allergies to pretty much anything with fur or feathers(4+P reactions to most animals in testing).

A few things that amuse me about pet owners who don't understand what severe allergies are like.

1) When going to someones house and they find out you have allergies and they say "we'll put the dog outside, or in the back room". It's a nice gesture, but it doesn't make a bit of difference. The dander is everywhere, so it's just a matter of time before I'm done(usually 15-30 minutes if I'm not on meds).

I put my dogs in their crates when anyone comes over because they jump all over people and that's just rude. If I know someone is allergic to dogs, I let them know I have three, take some Benadryl and come at your own risk. If someone is coming to my house for the first time, I let them know that I have three dogs and give them the option of saying, "No, thanks." Sitting outside on the front or back porch is always an option. Not everyone likes dogs. I try to keep my house as clean as possible, but it still smells like three dogs live here.

3) "Our dog doesn't shed, so you probably won't be allergic to it". Doesn't matter, it's the dander that's the problem.

It's skin cells. Every animal sheds skin cells (including snakes. They just do it all at once). Shredder didn't shed. She had to be plucked. However, she had nasty dander issues, especially in the winter when the heater was on.

5) When people come to visit from out of town and they ask if they can bring their pets. I say, sure, but it can't set foot in our house. It can stay out in the garage if it's in a carrier, but if not, it needs to stay outside. Then I get the feeling that they think I'm a heartless monster. :) (You are.
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I would never bring my dogs to someone else's house unless I knew that person was a dog lover, too. That's just rude asking someone else to put up with your animal. If I go somewhere, my dogs are kenneled. I like taking a break from my dogs as much as people like taking a break from their kids.
 
A few things that amuse me about pet owners who don't understand what severe allergies are like.

1) When going to someones house and they find out you have allergies and they say "we'll put the dog outside, or in the back room". It's a nice gesture, but it doesn't make a bit of difference. The dander is everywhere, so it's just a matter of time before I'm done(usually 15-30 minutes if I'm not on meds).

I know it's futile, but it seems like basic courtesy? Even if it's totally ineffective, it would be rude not to offer it.

5) When people come to visit from out of town and they ask if they can bring their pets. I say, sure, but it can't set foot in our house. It can stay out in the garage if it's in a carrier, but if not, it needs to stay outside. Then I get the feeling that they think I'm a heartless monster.

Generally, the kind of people who travel with their pets are also the kind of people who don't leave their pets in garages or outside. So, I think your comment is meant to be joking/humorous, but I can see why it would rub a pet person the wrong way. Better to say, "No, sorry, my allergies are too severe to allow pets in the home."

Oh for sure, putting the dog outside is appreciated and like I said, a kind gesture. I would much prefer the dog being outside than jumping on me. But I think many pet owners think that if the animal is out of the immediate area, allergies will no longer be a problem.

As far as people coming over, it doesn't happen often, and the people were always understanding.

Don't take me wrong(maybe I'm coming across as being rude??) I have nothing against pet owners, and I totally get the pet thing. If I didn't have allergies, I'd probably have a dog or cat. But it's simply not an option for many of us so we have a different mind set.
 
I am allergic to cats and feathers. I do not visit my friends who have cats, we meet in Coffee shop or somewhere, I would never expose my friends and their animals to any trouble due my allergies.
I love all animals and simply warned people not to come if they have allergies , their choice, I would only put the dog in crate which was in living room not the back room...
With the car , that's different story. Animara I would talk to someone about it. It is company car, is it not?
 
I am allergic to cats and feathers. I do not visit my friends who have cats, we meet in Coffee shop or somewhere, I would never expose my friends and their animals to any trouble due my allergies.
I love all animals and simply warned people not to come if they have allergies , their choice, I would only put the dog in crate which was in living room not the back room...
With the car , that's different story. Animara I would talk to someone about it. It is company car, is it not?

It's a car sharing company. I'll be back on later. I'm still a little wonky and my sick mother went to pick up my kid, (I found out when I got to there). I'm thankful she did it and all but I rather risk my health than have her overexert herself.
 
yeah allergies are awful, I would not go anywhere without epi-pen, it is just too risky
Whole my life I had awful allergies and docs said I am not to be in presence of any animal. It did not stop me to ride the horses and having dogs, a lot of them. I was breeding and judging boxers. I do believe that constant presence of allergen and mental stimulation help to overcome them. I do have contact allergy but as long as I am not touching cats, I am kind of ok. The last thing is tough for me, I touch every animal. Animara when I quit smoking 80% of allergies are gone. Still pollen, honeybee sting, and aspirin is deadly for me. Have you ever talk to specialist about allergies and the way to take control? Small exposure to animals for a short time but regularly could work for you. I am not doctor, but 62 years of life with serious allergies and asthma, gave me some insight .......... I hope you can take Benadryl now and you will feel better. :)
 
yeah allergies are awful, I would not go anywhere without epi-pen, it is just too risky
Whole my life I had awful allergies and docs said I am not to be in presence of any animal. It did not stop me to ride the horses and having dogs, a lot of them. I was breeding and judging boxers. I do believe that constant presence of allergen and mental stimulation help to overcome them. I do have contact allergy but as long as I am not touching cats, I am kind of ok. The last thing is tough for me, I touch every animal. Animara when I quit smoking 80% of allergies are gone. Still pollen, honeybee sting, and aspirin is deadly for me. Have you ever talk to specialist about allergies and the way to take control? Small exposure to animals for a short time but regularly could work for you. I am not doctor, but 62 years of life with serious allergies and asthma, gave me some insight .......... I hope you can take Benadryl now and you will feel better. :)

I took 5ml of children's benedryl around 11 and I'm still a little groggy. If I had taken 10, I'd still be asleep. I might have to go to Urgent care sooon.
 
When I was young I was severely allergic to cats, and all I had to be was in a room in which one had wondered through, so even if the animal were in a crate in the room I would be in trouble. I have pretty much outgrown the severe cat allergy and it is a good thing since I have 2, one inside and one outside, but I still cannot sit and hold a cat on my lap or pet them often.

Arimara, maybe you need to look into some of the other available antihistamines, Allerest will work for me with an itchy throat, and not make me sleepy. Benedryl I hate since it makes me feel extremely intoxicated. Hospitals still tend to use Benedryl and I hate it, but they are stubborn so I have to watch walls going around when I end up in emergency with a severe attack. I love all animals but I do hate to be subjected to someone's furry buddy, without them asking if it is okay. Some of us have to love and admire them from afar...
 
Arimara, I'm sorry you are having this reaction, and really hope it clears up soon.

I'm with a wildlife rehabilitation center, and often have all kinds of animals (crated) in my car. Owls, hawks, falcons, raccoons, squirrels, sandhill cranes, chipmunks, songbirds, snakes, turtles... you name it. In fact, I had 8 mallards in there earlier today. It sounds as though my car would be a veritable horror house for many of you, and it's never occurred to me in the past to make sure no one has allergies before riding with me. This post is a good reminder to be conscientious of those who might.
 
Arimara, I'm sorry you are having this reaction, and really hope it clears up soon.

I'm with a wildlife rehabilitation center, and often have all kinds of animals (crated) in my car. Owls, hawks, falcons, raccoons, squirrels, sandhill cranes, chipmunks, songbirds, snakes, turtles... you name it. In fact, I had 8 mallards in there earlier today. It sounds as though my car would be a veritable horror house for many of you, and it's never occurred to me in the past to make sure no one has allergies before riding with me. This post is a good reminder to be conscientious of those who might.
Oh yes, that would be very bad for some of us :)
 
I took 5ml of children's benedryl around 11 and I'm still a little groggy. If I had taken 10, I'd still be asleep. I might have to go to Urgent care sooon.

please take care of yourself! does allegra work for you at all? it is OTC now and it's a nondrowsy alternative to benedryl. there are even grocery store versions that cost less. mine is called equaline and works as well as the allegra.
 
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