These symptoms can range in severity and while some can be treated, some may only be avoided by staying away from dogs.
There are many ways to recognize allergic symptoms and there are treatments that you can try before you give up on dogs completely.
Dog Allergy Symptoms and Causes
You may be allergic to dogs if you have any of the common allergic reactions when you are around the animals. These reactions are similar to any other nasal allergy and include things like coughing or wheezing, red or itchy eyes, runny, itchy, or stuffy nose, or lots of sneezing. Some people who have allergic reactions to dogs may also have reactions on their skin.
If you pet a dog, your skin may break out where you have touched the dogs’ fur. If you have a severe allergy, you may even break out in hives across your face or chest. People who suffer from asthma who also have pet allergies generally have the worst symptoms.
Dogs of different breeds can give off various levels of allergens. Therefore, some breeds may cause people who are allergic more reactions than others, but as a whole, it is the dander that people are allergic to and not the furs or other variations in the breeds. Any dog can cause an allergic reaction because all dogs have dander. People that have allergies tend to have oversensitive immune systems.
Their bodies overreact to things such as dander on a dog. Rather than just treating the dander as a harmless substance, the body attacks it as it would a bacteria or virus. This causes sneezing and other symptoms as your body attempts to flush the allergen out of its system.
Treatments for Dog Allergies
There are many ways to treat an allergy to dogs. They can be treated with some of the standard allergy drugs such as antihistamines. These drugs block the effects of the chemical that causes the symptoms to appear when you get around a dog. These drugs are offered over the counter and some even come in nasal sprays. Decongestants are another option.
This allergy drug can take the swelling in the nose down and relieve congestion. Depending on your allergy severity and symptoms, drugs may help. Another option is an allergy shot. Shots do not work for everyone, and if you want to be fully treated, it could take years. Overall, if the shot does end up working, it can really help people with pet allergies.
If you have severe dog allergy symptoms the best idea is to keep your distance from dogs. Do not touch the pet and do not go into homes that have dogs. If your allergies are milder, take your medicine when you know you will be around pets and make sure you clean after you have a visitor that may bring in pet dander.
If you have allergies but cannot live without a dog in your home, clean fanatically, filter the air, and keep a few areas of the housedog free. These tips should help you manage your dog allergy symptoms.