Subscribe Feed (RSS)Dog allergy a common problem
Dog’s are said to be man’s best friend, but if you suffer from allergies, your best friend may be your worst enemy as you react to pet dander and a chemical in dog saliva that can cause allergies.
While it’s more common for people to be allergic to dogs and cats, there are a significant number of people who are allergic to dogs. While most cat allergies are related to dander created by cats’ sebaceous glands, most dog allergies are related to Can f 1, an allergen found in dog saliva. Dog allergies can also be caused by dog hair, which collects dust and other pollens.
Symptoms of dog allergies are similar to symptoms of other allergies — coughing and wheezing, red, itchy eyes, runny, itchy, stuffy nose and sneezing. Some folks may also experience itchy skin or rashes as a result of their allergies.
Before purchasing a dog, you should be tested to ensure that you’re not allergic to dogs. Your health care provider can do a skin or blood test to determine whether you’re allergic.
If you’re allergic to dogs, but still want one, you can do further testing to pinpoint your specific allergy. Once you’ve got that determined, you may be able to buy a breed of dog that’s less likely to trigger your specific allergy. Some low-allergy breeds include Maltese, schnauzers, poodles, Irish setters and lhasa apso dogs.
There are also ways you can mitigate the adverse effects of your dog allergies. For example, frequently bathing your dog can help cut down on pet dander. You can also reduce allergens by purchasing an air filtration system, aggressively cleaning your home, limiting your dog’s access to your home or certain areas of your home such as your bedroom.
If your allergies are severe, you may want to avoid contact with dogs altogether, or take precautions when you know you’re going to be coming into contact with dogs, such as keeping as much difference as possible between yourself and the dog. If you’re going to be staying at a pet owners home, you may ask them to keep their pet out of the room you’ll be staying in for a few weeks before your visit.
There are also a number of medical solutions you may want to try if you have a dog allergy. Some treatments include immunotherapy, which consists of a series of injections of progressively stronger allergens. The injections are meant to help the patient develop a tolerance for the allergen. Another treatment is prescribed allergy medication, such as oral antihistamines, nasal antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.
Hopefully, with just a little medication or extra effort, dog allergies can be overcome and you can enjoy the many rewards of having a dog.
Tags: dog allergy dander, dog food allergy, dog skin allergies
