Dog allergy affects around one tenth of the world’s population. Heredity, living habits and an overly sterile environment can all contribute. There are many reasons for dog allergies, and people often ask how to deal with them and whether there is a breed of dog that does not cause allergies. It is often assumed that it is only the dog’s coat that causes allergies, but this is not true. Allergy triggers are usually protein molecules, which are not only found in the dog’s coat, but also in saliva, skin and urine. There are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, but some breeds may have milder allergy symptoms or no allergy at all.
How does allergy in dogs manifest itself?
Coughing and wheezing;
Reddened eyes, which may itch;
Runny nose;
Stuffy nose (nasal itching may also occur);
sneezing;
Skin redness or rashes.
To find out if you are allergic to dogs, skin or blood tests are recommended. Often it turns out that the allergy is not to dogs at all, but to other allergens (such as mould or pollen).It is definitely worthwhile to get tested, because once you know what you are allergic to, you will be able to know what measures to take in order to eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
It’s not just long-legged dogs that cause allergies
It is a misconception that it is only the long hair of the dog that causes the allergy, and that the longer the hair, the stronger the allergy.In fact, the length of the coat is irrelevant – the allergy is often not to the coat itself, but to the dandruff on the skin that falls out with the dog’s hair. Some breeds, such as Portuguese Water Dogs, feed very sparingly, so that allergies in this breed are less aggressive or do not occur at all. However, you can never be sure that a dog that is considered hypoallergenic will not develop an allergy.Dogs can be more or less allergic at different times in their lives, so even if you bring home a small puppy and you don’t notice any signs of an allergy, it doesn’t mean that you won’t have an allergy in future.
I still want a dog…
Studies have shown that as many as a quarter of allergy sufferers still keep a dog, but take measures to control their allergy symptoms. So how should we proceed?
The smaller the dog – the fewer allergens. This is a fact that cannot be denied. So, if you are planning to get a pet, find out which dogs are considered hypoallergenic and choose a small breed;
Get your dog used to its bed from an early age. Most dog breeders accustom dogs to their crate – if done properly, the crate becomes a place where the dog feels safe. So the dog will be able to sleep there at night;
Play outside with your pet, but not inside – this way less allergens will spread;
Wash your hands thoroughly after petting your pet;
Bathe your dog once a week. This will help remove dead hair and dander. However, it is important to choose the right shampoo – its composition should be as natural as possible and not irritate the pet’s skin;
Avoid carpets and carpeting. It’s no secret that such coverings accumulate a wealth of allergens that are virtually impossible to remove (even if the carpets are carefully maintained);
Allergic people should clean their homes more often. The more often the floor is vacuumed and washed, the less allergens will remain in the home;
install a good air filter: proper air circulation will ensure that the air in the house is always fresh;
Set boundaries for your dog from a young age – he needs to know what is acceptable and what is not. Don’t let your pet climb on the bed, sofa, chairs, etc;
In the car, use a special blanket for the dog to lie on;
Consult your doctor for possible allergy suppression or treatment.
Does this sound too complicated? If