Overview

It is estimated that around 10% of the population suffers from pet allergy of which dog allergy is the second most common found allergy. It is believed that dog breed who got short hairs or who do not shed their hairs are suitable to people who are suspected for dog allergies. But, Research shows that only dog’s fur is not responsible for allergic reaction, rather the protein found in the dog’s dander, saliva and urine causes dog allergies.

Types

The dog that can cause allergies can be classified as :

Small Dogs : These dogs spread allergens

Dogs with Extremely short Hairs : Dandruff and Saliva of these dogs are more allergic

Dogs with Human Like Hair : They generally dont cause allergy

Dogs with non-shedding hair : Its fur coat can drag more number of dust and allergens.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of dog allergies can be found generally after 2-3 hours or may be as soon as exposure to the dog. The symptoms are most airbone allergies like coughing, sneezing, wheezing, red and itchy eye, runny nose and sometimes it may cause skin reaction also. Sometine reaction may occur if the allergent skin come in contact with dog’s drool or saliva. Person with asthma may develop sudden breathing problem due to allergic reaction.

Causes :

When the proteins from dog’s urine, saliva or dry flaked of skin come in contact with person, The immune system take these proteins as foreign bodies and releases immunoglobulin antibodies which in turn releases histamine and other chemicals causing allergic reaction. Person’s who’s family has pet allergy background are moresusceptible for dog allergies.

Diagnosis :

Dog allergies can be found by doing blood test or skin test. During the skin test, the skin is exposed to dog proteins,If reaction develops then the person is confirmed to have dog allergy.

Treatment

Dog allergy can be controlled mainly by avoiding exposure to dogs if possible. Else, the reactions can be controlled by antihistamines and decongestants but in serious case steroids are given.