All About Dog Allergy Symptoms

There are thousands of people who suffer allergies to pets, one of the most common of which is dog allergy symptoms. It is a stunning fact that nearly 40% of US household have a dog. With this huge presence of dogs, dog dander gets everywhere including locations where the dog has never set a paw. For someone with dog allergies, it is therefore necessary to know the common dog allergy symptoms.

Allergies can strike anyone at any age in their life. Most people that suffer from dog allergies often have other mild or moderate allergies to pollens or molds. There is believed to be a strong genetic relationship in contracting dog allergy. In other words, if your parents have allergy to dog, then you are likely to have them also. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergies to dogs occur in approximately 15% of the population. People having this allergy are often allergic to the dander (dead skin that is continually shed), the saliva, or the urine of dogs. Its symptoms are similar to those of any other nasal allergy. These include:

• Coughing and wheezing

• Sneezing

• Running, itchy and stuffy nose etc

People experiencing dog allergy symptoms also have skin reactions. Sometimes their skin might breaks out where a dog licks them. Other more severe dog allergy symptoms include development of hives on the face or chest. People with this allergy symptoms are well aware that when their allergies are acting up, they will suffer from itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin or a rash. Often, people that are unaware that they have dog allergy, especially children, will suffer from some of these symptoms and may have a greatly increased incidence of 'colds' and asthma symptoms. If the person is separated from the animal for several days to weeks many of these symptoms will subside only to reoccur when they come into contact with the animal again.

Some common things to do in order to reduce dog allergy symptoms include

• Keeping animals out of the bedroom since we spend most of our time there.

• Always ensure all ducts to the bedrooms are closed and use electric heaters.

• Clean and vacuum your house and rugs regularly.

• Ensure your dog has a weekly bath.

• Do not allow your pet on the furniture.

• Always use car seat covers if you are to allow your pet in the car.

• Wash your hands after handling the pet, his toys, bed, etc.

• See your physician and discuss possible immunotherapy or medications.

In conclusion, people with dog allergy symptoms are advised to stay without having dogs as pets although this is not a realistic option most of the time. At the same time, even if we do not have allergies ourselves, with a little empathy and consideration on our part, we can make life much easier for our friends and relatives who suffer from dog allergy symptoms.