Dog Allergy

If you have Dog Allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies.  You can be allergic to dander, saliva, or urine.  Pet hair itself does not product allergic reactions in individual, but the dog dander that will stick to the dog hair will.

The allergy producing proteins called allergens are products in the dogs skin.  When the dog licks themselves this sticky protein is deposited on the hair along with dead skin cells.  When the dog hair comes into contact with dust, clothing, furniture, curtains, or you, the protein will stick to the surface of the object.

Allergy symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy and water eyes, skin rashes, headaches, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

All animals product allergens but just because you are allergic to dog allergens does not mean that you will be allergic to cat or bird allergens.  If you are not allergic to dogs today is no guarantee that you will not develop allergies tomorrow.  Many contact allergies develop over time.  If you are susceptible to becoming allergic to dogs, then the more you are exposed to the allergens the more likely it is that you will develop symptoms.

If you are allergic to dogs then some precaution need to be taken to help control the allergy attacks.

Never allow dogs on the bed or even in the bedroom.

Use a HEPA room air cleaner in all bedrooms and in the family room.  Air cleaners can make a really big difference in the severity and frequency of allergy attacks.  The central heating system should have an electrostatic air filter to distribute clean air through out the house.  These electrostatic air filters trap microscopic allergens.

Hard wood floors are easier to clean than carpets.  If you do have carpets then invest in a quality vacuum.  Most vacuums will blow the smaller particles of dust back into the air through the exhaust.  You will need to get a vacuum that has some type of HEPA filter that traps microscopic particles of dust from being blown back into the air.

Leather furniture is easier to clean than cloth covered ones.  Cover all cloth furniture with sheets to help prevent dog dander from being deposited on them and wash the sheets frequently.  You may want to reserve a specific chair for yourself and not sharing your chair with your dog.

Wash your hands after petting or playing with your gods and avoid touching your eyes or face beforehand.

Allergy shots to hyposensitize or build up an immunity to dog allergens will work on some people but not others.  The reason is unknown and more research is needed for Dog Allergy problems.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.