Information on Dog Allergies

Having a Pet Allergy

People with allergies should be careful in deciding what type of pet they can safely bring into their home. More than 70 percent of the U.S. households have a dog or a cat. Pets provide comfort, security, and companionship. It is no wonder everyone wants a pet.

What they don’t want is the allergy that may come with owning one.

Sneezing and wheezing are oftentimes the result of exposure to a pet. Ten percent of the population may be allergic to its animals. Higher rates 20 to 30 percent have asthma and also have pet allergies.

Human Allergies to Dogs

Thousands of people who suffer do so to allergies to dogs. Some of the saddest cases are where the owner develops an allergy and is faced with giving the dog up or keeping the dog and living with the constant allergy symptoms.

The parts of the animal that people are most allergic to are the dander, the saliva, or the urine. Because dogs and cats are the most common pets, they top the list of pets people are also allergic to. In addition to this factor, people may be allergic to certain types of dogs and not to others.

What are the Symptoms?

People who have multiple allergies know when their allergies are bothering them. They suffer from signs such as: runny nose, watery eyes, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin, or a rash. People that don’t seem aware of their symptoms have a greater risk for colds and asthma symptoms.

Are there any hypoallergenic dogs?

No, there are no hypoallergenic dogs. All dogs shed, but some do more than others. That is primarily because some have a denser coat of hair than do other breeds. It is not the hair that people are allergic to anyway, it is the dander. Some breeds of dogs do seem to have less dander and these include: Terriers, Poodles, and Schnauzers. Many people can be allergic to one type of dogs and not another.

How can a person reduce allergic symptoms to a pet?

If you or a family member is part of the population who are allergic to pets, there are some things that you can do to help keep your allergic reactions under control. You can clean and vacuum regularly, bathe your pet weekly, brush your pet daily, do not allow the dog on the furniture, and do not allow the dog in the car.

It is impossible to avoid contact with animals since they are a very integral part of our lives. But, when you adopt some good management techniques, you make your allergies less painful and your dog much happier. Together, you can live happily ever after.