Do you feel an unconditional love for dogs, but your body reacts adversely in their presence? You are not alone in this situation. Although it may seem rare, approximately 15% of the population experiences allergies to dogs. This sensitivity does not always manifest itself from the first contact; In fact, it can arise suddenly after months or even years of living with these faithful companions. If the fear of developing allergies worries you when thinking about getting a dog, or if you are already experiencing symptoms and looking for solutions, you have come to the right place.
In this post we bring you detailed information about the dog allergiesincluding the Causes, symptoms, and available treatment options. Discover how to manage dog allergies effectively, thus improving your quality of life and that of your faithful companion!
What is the cause of allergy to dogs?
Contrary to what many think, dog allergy is not caused by hairthe allergens that cause it are present in the animal’s skin.
In reality, the substances that cause the reaction are a series of proteins that They can be found in saliva, dandruff, urine or in the sweat glands, which we call allergens. Therefore, you are not allergic to the dog itself, but to the substances they produce and are found in them.
| In the case of dandruff in dogs proteins are released from the skin in the form of peeling; in the case of the saliva and urineHE dry and pulverize. Both are suspended in the air in the shape of dust particles tiny particles that contaminate the interior of the home. |
How do you know if you have a dog allergy?
The dog allergy symptoms They can range from mild to severe. They vary depending on the personthe type of allergy you have and the degree of hypersensitivity.
- The first symptoms are usually itching and eye rednessalso causing tearing.
- It also usually occurs with an itchy nose, nasal congestionmucus and sneezing (rhinitis).
- In more serious cases it can affect the bronchi (asthma) causing shortness of breath, dry cough and fatigue.
- In addition, the allergy can also manifest itself in the form of a skin reaction causing itching, hives, swelling or hives on the skin.
Remember that if you have These symptoms do not have to be caused by the animal, since they are not exclusive to dog allergies. Before thinking about any treatment or making a decision, you should take tests to find out if you are really allergic to dogs. It is easily verified from a skin test or blood test.
Is there any breed of dog that does not cause allergies?
It turns out that some dog breeds are less likely to cause allergic reactions in people. This is due to specific characteristics of their coat and their lower tendency to shed dander.
Here we leave you one list of hypoallergenic dog breedsideal for dog lovers with allergic sensitivities.
However, do not forget that all dogs can cause allergies due to the proteins released by their skin and saliva. Still, these breeds could be a good choice for people with a mild dog allergy, as they produce fewer allergens That the others.
Treatments for dog allergies
Living with dog allergies doesn’t have to mean moving away from these faithful companions. There are several treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and maintain coexistence with your best friend.
- Anti-allergy medications: The antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids They are effective in relieving common allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
- Vaccines: For those with more severe cases of allergies, immunotherapy, often referred to as “allergy shots,” offers a long-term solution. This treatment involves regular exposures to small amounts of the allergen, with the goal of desensitize the immune system.
- Dermal treatments: Products such as lotions or sprays that are applied directly to the dog’s skin and coat, help reduce lthe allergens that cause the reactions, also preventing them from spreading through the environment. A recommended option is Vetriderm lotionwhich you can find at Tiendanimal.
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For those who suffer from dog allergies, integrating some cleaning and management strategies into the home can make a big difference in reducing symptoms, especially in mild cases. Here are some tips to create a healthier environment: