People with allergies should be careful in deciding what type of pet they can safely bring into their home. More than 70 percent of the U.S. households have a dog or a cat. Pets provide comfort, security, and companionship. It is no wonder everyone wants a pet. What they don’t want is the allergy that may come with owning one.
Human Allergies to Dogs
Thousands of people suffer from animal allergies. Some are heartbreaking cases of those who love their dog but must decide whether or not to keep the pet. Due to severe allergies, many may be forced to find a new owner for their dog.
People that are allergic to animals are often allergic to the dander (dead skin that is continually shed), the saliva, or the urine. Because dogs and cats are the most common pets, they top the list of animals that people are allergic to. In addition, there may be certain animals within a given species that they are more allergic to than others.
What are the Symptoms?
People who have multiple allergies know when their allergies are bothering them. They suffer from signs such as: runny nose, watery eyes, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin, or a rash. People that don’t seem aware of their symptoms have a greater risk for colds and asthma symptoms.
Are there Hypoallergenic Dogs?
No, there are no hypoallergenic dogs. All dogs shed, but some do more than others. That is primarily because some have a denser coat of hair than do other breeds. It is not the hair that people are allergic to anyway, it is the dander. Some breeds of dogs do seem to have less dander and these include: Terriers, Poodles, and Schnauzers. Many people can be allergic to one type of dogs and not another.
How can a person reduce allergic symptoms to a pet?
If you or a family member is part of the population who are allergic to pets, there are some things that you can do to help keep your allergic reactions under control. You can clean and vacuum regularly, bathe your pet weekly, brush your pet daily, do not allow the dog on the furniture, and do not allow the dog in the car.
It is impossible to avoid contact with animals since they are a very integral part of our lives. But, when you adopt some good management techniques, you make your allergies less painful and your dog much happier. Together, you can live happily ever after.
