Having a Pet Allergy Is No Fun At All!

November 6th, 2008 by Brandon Dempsey

by Dorothy Medlum

More that 70 percent of the U.S. households have a dog or a cat. Pets provide companionship, security, and a sense of comfort. However, people with allergies should be cautious in deciding what type of pet they can safely bring into their home.

Sneezing and wheezing are oftentimes the result of exposure to a pet. Ten percent of the population may be allergic to its animals. Higher rates 20 to 30 percent have asthma and also have pet allergies.

Human Allergies to Dogs

There are thousands of people who suffer from allergies to animals. Some of the most heartbreaking cases are people who dearly love their dog and then develop a severe allergy to her and must decide between keeping her or placing the dog in a new home.

The dander, saliva, and the urine are the areas of the dog that people are allergic to. Because dogs and cats are the most common pets, they top the list of animals that people are allergic to. Certain species of animals may contribute to allergies more than other species.

What are the Symptoms?

People who have multiple allergies may be aware when their allergies are responding; they may suffer from runny noses, itchy eyes, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin, or a rash. Those that are not aware of their allergies may think that they simply have a cold.

Are there any 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 symptoms to a pet?

If you or a member of your family is part of the population allergic to pets, there are things that you can do to help keep your reactions under control. You can do some of the following to make your home more comfortable for you to live: Clean and vacuum regularly, bathe your pet weekly, do not allow your pet on the furniture, do not allow your pet in your car, and brush your pet daily.

Animals and pets are a very integral part of our lives and it is impossible to avoid contact with them. By adopting some good management strategies, we can help combat our allergies and make life for our pet better as well.

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