How To Tell If You Are Allergic To Dogs & What To Do About It

Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Causes & Natural Remedies

Living in a dog-loving country with dog allergies is not easy, it’s sad indeed. You may love them as much as you want, but you know how tedious it can be having them near. You don’t want to visit Chandler allergy doctors always, so you prefer to keep dogs away.

Sadly, about 37%-47% of American houses have a dog. Therefore, you may have more than one friend having a furry friend in their house. Dog dander is almost everywhere, even where dogs never set a paw. Detectable levels of pet dander are almost in every home in the U.S.

So, what can you do with your dog’s allergies? And most importantly, how can you know if you are allergic to dogs? Check the answers below.

What Are The Symptoms Of Dog Allergies?

The symptoms vary depending on the person. However, the most common usually include nasal allergy, as well as:

Wheezing and coughing
Itchy eyes
Runny and itchy nose
Sneezing

Some people also develop skin reactions. Their skin might break out when a dog licks them, especially if the dog licks specific areas. Other people with more serious allergies might develop hives on their chest or even their face.

What Causes Dog Allergies?

You probably have heard that some dog breeds trigger allergy symptoms more than others. Many people believe that short-haired dogs are safe and long-haired dogs trigger allergies because they are prone to shedding. However, that’s a myth, and Queen Creek allergy doctors say that any breed can cause allergies. Moreover, they declare that two dogs of the same breed can each give off different levels of allergies.

The dog’s hair is not the problem, the problem is in the dander. People are allergic to the dog’s dander (flakes of dead skin) and its saliva and urine. No matter how long the dog’s hair is, any dog can trigger an allergic reaction.

But, why does a dog’s dander have that powerful effect on you? Because your immune system doesn’t act the same as others. You have an oversensitive immune system indeed.

Your body reacts differently to harmless substances and attacks them like they were viruses or bacteria. The usual symptoms like sneezing and runny nose are the effects of your body’s attempt to destroy the allergen.

Is There A Test For Dog Allergies?

Yes, your doctor can recommend you a skin test or a blood test to find out if you have dog allergies. Even if you think you are allergic, you should always consider testing. Some people think they are allergic to dogs, but it turns out they are allergic to mold or pollen.

While a Mesa allergy test can be helpful, it is not always conclusive, so your doctor might want you to try other things. For example, if you own a dog, the doctor may recommend you live without it for a while to see how your body reacts.

What To Do If You Have Dog’s Allergy

You can treat your dog’s allergies the same way with standard allergy drugs. Your doctor will probably recommend you the following:

Antihistamines: They block the effects of triggers. Some of the most common are cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine.
Decongestants: They relieve nasal congestion; some examples are over-the-counter Allegra-D and Sudafed.
Nasal Steroids: Top-recommended treatment for allergies; some examples are Budesonide, triamcinolone, and fluticasone.

Some people opt for allergy shots, but they don’t work for everyone.

Taking Care Of Your Environment

Medication may help, but you should still avoid contact with dogs. Follow these tips:

Try To Stay Away From Dogs. Don’t touch or kiss a dog, and if possible, avoid going to places with dogs. If you have to stay in a house with a dog, ask the owner of the dog if it can be kept out of the room in which you’ll sleep.
Take Your Medicine. Many Chandler allergy doctors recommend having your medicine everywhere you go. Moreover, if you know you won’t be able to avoid a dog soon, they recommend taking your medicine a few weeks in advance.
Keep An Eye On Visitors Who Own Dogs. If your house guests have dogs, be wary of them. Even if they leave their dogs at home, they can still bring the dander with them.

Keep In Touch With A Trusted Allergy Doctor

If you have other doubts about your allergies, don’t forget to consult with San Tan Allergy & Asthma. Our top-quality doctors offer the best quality care for patients affected by many allergic and immune conditions. Call us today to schedule your appointment soon.