Dog allergies

Man's best friends may often be his worst enemies when it comes to pet allergies. Allergy to dogs is relatively common, as dog allergen can be found in most public places. Patients allergic to dogs are actually allergic to the dog's saliva; airborne antigens from dried saliva are deposited to carpeting, furniture, clothes etc. as dogs lick their fur and skin to groom them.

Recent studies show that dog ownership can protect against the development of allergies in young children. The immune system is stimulated by endotoxin, a protein released from dogs and farm animals, reducing the tendency to develop allergies. Compared to infants living in homes without dogs, those with live-in dogs are far less likely to wheeze. However, a person with allergies or asthma living in the presence of a dog may experience deterioration in their allergies.

Once a person is diagnosed as being allergic to dogs, the best way to reduce allergic reactions is to have the dog removed. On the other hand, there are less dramatic way to alleviate or eliminate dog allergy symptoms other than getting rid of the pet, including the use of allergy immunization and medications. However, symptoms may persist even as a person is taking medications if one or more dogs are kept indoor. In this case, allergy shots may be a good treatment option.

Allergic reaction can be avoided with simple hygienic measures, such as bathing the dog at least once or twice a week, wiping the dog with a wet cloth or hand towel daily, removing the dog from the bedroom and installing high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Owners should also consider getting their dogs neutered. As some breeds can cause lesser allergic reaction that may be better tolerated by people with dog allergy (there is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog), those looking for a pet dog should do some research beforehand, or ask dog breeders for specific information.