I AM ALLERGIC TO DOGS…NOT A PROBLEM

Do you itch, break out in rashes, cough, or sneeze anytime you
go near a dog? It is most likely you are allergic to dogs. The
question is: should your allergies sentence you to a dog-less
existence? The answer is, not necessarily.

It is conventional to think that dog allergy sufferers are
allergic to dog hair, which is not necessarily the case. Some
people tend to be allergic to dogs because dogs carry pollen
granules or allergens from the outside world in their coat. These
sufferers are actually allergic to allergens that are secreted by
oil glands and shed with dander (dead skin cells). These allergens
are also found in canine saliva and urine.

The question: is it possible for a sufferer from pet
allergiesmanage them enough to keep a dog as a companion, and enjoy
it? The answer is “Yes”. It is possible for you to own a dog and
not be a constant allergy. There are myriad of solutions that will
allow an allergy sufferer to keep their beloved canine companion
and successfully manage their allergies. You can be awed, it is
allowed; people with allergies live happily with their pets.

HOW DO I REMEDY THE SITUATION?
The first thing is to understand your pet allergies. See a doctor;
be tested to determine what allergies you actually have. You may
find out that you are allergic to something else and not your dog.
If the test shows that you are actually allergic to your dog, then
you need to find what causes your allergic reactions to them. If
your reactions to the allergies are not life-threatening then it is
safe to say there are ways to reduce allergens and allergic
symptoms so you and your dog can live more comfortably. Try the
followings:
• Careful bathing of the pet in a gentle pet shampoo every
week.
• Daily brushing (by the non-allergic member of the household).
• Weekly washing of pet bedding on a hot cycle (over 60°C).
• Good ventilation –exhaust fans and lots of open windows.
• Frequent vacuuming (HEPA filters also trap allergens).
• Hand washing after patting the dog.
• Keeping the dog off the bed and couch.
• Keep the dog mainly outside or in non-carpeted areas of the
home.
• Minimise rugs and heavy curtains.

It will also interest you that dogs that don’t shed and have
hair rather than fur are less likely to trigger allergies. Theses
breeds include:
• Curly-coated: Bichon Frises, Irish Water Spaniels,Poodles, and
Portuguese Water Dogs.
• Hairless: American Hairless Terriers, Chinese Cresteds, and
Xoloitzcuintli.
• Low-shedding or single-coated: Basenjis, Chihuahuas, Italian
Greyhounds, and Maltese.
• Terrier-type: Bedlington Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers,
Schnauzers, and Soft- Coated Wheaten Terriers.

No matter your kind of dog, taking good care of him or her helps
alleviate some of your allergy symptoms. It is worth the while to
preserve the bond between you and your canine companion. At the end
you will be glad you didn’t allow allergies break a beautiful
relationship.

Do you itch, break out in rashes, cough, or sneeze anytime you
go near a dog? It is most likely you are allergic to dogs. The
question is: should your allergies sentence you to a dog-less
existence? The answer is, not necessarily.

It is conventional to think that dog allergy sufferers are
allergic to dog hair, which is not necessarily the case. Some
people tend to be allergic to dogs because dogs carry pollen
granules or allergens from the outside world in their coat. These
sufferers are actually allergic to allergens that are secreted by
oil glands and shed with dander (dead skin cells). These allergens
are also found in canine saliva and urine.

The question: is it possible for a sufferer from pet
allergiesmanage them enough to keep a dog as a companion, and enjoy
it? The answer is “Yes”. It is possible for you to own a dog and
not be a constant allergy. There are myriad of solutions that will
allow an allergy sufferer to keep their beloved canine companion
and successfully manage their allergies. You can be awed, it is
allowed; people with allergies live happily with their pets.

HOW DO I REMEDY THE SITUATION?
The first thing is to understand your pet allergies. See a doctor;
be tested to determine what allergies you actually have. You may
find out that you are allergic to something else and not your dog.
If the test shows that you are actually allergic to your dog, then
you need to find what causes your allergic reactions to them. If
your reactions to the allergies are not life-threatening then it is
safe to say there are ways to reduce allergens and allergic
symptoms so you and your dog can live more comfortably. Try the
followings:
• Careful bathing of the pet in a gentle pet shampoo every
week.
• Daily brushing (by the non-allergic member of the household).
• Weekly washing of pet bedding on a hot cycle (over 60°C).
• Good ventilation –exhaust fans and lots of open windows.
• Frequent vacuuming (HEPA filters also trap allergens).
• Hand washing after patting the dog.
• Keeping the dog off the bed and couch.
• Keep the dog mainly outside or in non-carpeted areas of the
home.
• Minimise rugs and heavy curtains.

It will also interest you that dogs that don’t shed and have
hair rather than fur are less likely to trigger allergies. Theses
breeds include:
• Curly-coated: Bichon Frises, Irish Water Spaniels,Poodles, and
Portuguese Water Dogs.
• Hairless: American Hairless Terriers, Chinese Cresteds, and
Xoloitzcuintli.
• Low-shedding or single-coated: Basenjis, Chihuahuas, Italian
Greyhounds, and Maltese.
• Terrier-type: Bedlington Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers,
Schnauzers, and Soft- Coated Wheaten Terriers.

No matter your kind of dog, taking good care of him or her helps
alleviate some of your allergy symptoms. It is worth the while to
preserve the bond between you and your canine companion. At the end
you will be glad you didn’t allow allergies break a beautiful
relationship.