Having a Pet Allergy Is No Fun At All!
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
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 with multiple allergies are well aware that their allergies are acting up; they suffer from itchy eyes, runny noses, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin, or a rash. People that are unaware they have allergies, especially children, will suffer from some of these symptoms and have a greater increase in colds and asthma symptoms.
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 allergic 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.
