Dog allergies
Dog allergies are a very common in places where people are very fond of their pets. Dogs definitively are a man´s best friend, unless the man is allergic to his pet. In countries like the United States, where there are millions of pets in almost every home, pet dander is found pretty much anywhere. So, how do people get through all those pet allergens?
What causes dog allergies?
Dogs release a rather harmless protein from their skin that usually ends up on their dander, urine, and saliva. A person with a sensitive immune system will react unfavorably to this otherwise eventless protein.
A dog will usually rub against furniture, carpets, and clothes, leaving behind a streak of allergens. Dog allergies are not to the dog´s hair but the protein it contains.
Dog hair can also remain airborne for a long period of time and it can somehow find its way into your eyes, nose, and throat. Different dog breeds will produce different amounts of dander so a person can be more allergic to one breed than others.
What are the symptoms of dog allergies?
Symptoms of allergies may take several days to appear after exposure. These can also range from mild to severe:
- coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
- rash on the chest, neck, and face
- redness on the skin after being licked by a dog
- swelling and itching of the membranes around the nose or the eyes
What is the treatment
If you are a dog lover but you are allergic to your dog’s secretions then you must know that the only secure way of getting rid of your allergies is removing the pet from home. But if your heart will get too broken at the sight of parting ways with Fido, there are some medications to help you minimize the effects of dog allergens.
These include medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, OTC nasal spray, or allergy shots. Some natural remedies are prescribed as well.
Stay safe and healthy and follow us here in Dogalize. We have all the resources you need to keep your pet safe. Visit us and check out all the resources we have for you.