Dogs are beloved pets throughout the entire world. In the United States, dogs are considered the most popular pet owned by the population. An estimated 63.4 million households in the country have one or more dogs. While many people are able to live with dogs without any problems, others may experience allergic reactions in the presence of these pets. An estimated 90% of US households have levels of cat or dog allergies as there were allergens that are detectable in their blood.
Symptoms Of Dog Allergies
Symptoms associated with a dog allergy would show up after a person has come into contact with this type of animal. Most people will experience mild symptoms, but there are some who can also have a more severe reaction to dogs.
It is important to recognize the common symptoms that signal the presence of a dog allergy. This can help a person identify that they suffer from this type of allergic condition.
Common symptoms that a person may experience include:
- Nasal congestion
- Watery eyes
- Eyes may also be itchy and red
- Coughing and wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- A skin rash
- Runny nose
- Frequent sneezing
Causes Of Dog Allergies
Allergies for dogs are caused primarily by the production of certain proteins that the animal produces. The majority of the proteins that people tend to be allergic to are found in the saliva of a dog. Urine and dander that are expelled by dogs also tend to contain a small amount of these proteins – sometimes also referred to as allergens.
Dander builds up on the hair follicles that are on the dog’s skin. This is why dog hair are known to carry quite a large amount of allergens. This would also be the reason why a person is more likely to experience the allergy symptoms when they pet the dog – as they will be exposed to the dander on the dog’s hair.
Remedies For Dog Allergies
There are a few ways to reduce the symptoms of allergies in people with a dog-related allergy. Avoiding contact with a dog is one way, but for some people, this is not a possibility.
Here are a few options that people can try out if they are looking to treat dog allergies at home:
- A saline sinus rinse can sometimes prove as a useful home remedy.
- Some plant supplements can also be used, which may reduce allergy symptoms.
- Hands should be washed after the person comes into contact with the dog.
- The dog should preferably not be allowed on the person’s bed.
- The house should be kept clean to limit the exposure of dander and
Conclusion
Dog allergies can be quite unpleasant, especially for a person who adores these animals. Unfortunately, pet-related allergy, including symptoms experienced when exposed to dogs, is a reality for many people. Recognizing the symptoms and causes is important. There are also several remedies that can be used to counter a dog-related allergy.
References
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-pet-statistics