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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.

Exposure to a pet may cause sneezing and wheezing. An estimated 10 percent of the population may be allergic to animals. Higher rates of 20 to 30 percent of people with asthma have pet allergies.

Human Allergies to Dogs

There are thousands of people who suffer from allergies to animals. Some of the most heartbreaking cases are people who dearly love their dog and then develop a severe allergy to her and must decide between keeping her or placing the dog in a new home.

The parts of the animal that people are most allergic to are the dander, the saliva, or the urine. Because dogs and cats are the most common pets, they top the list of pets people are also allergic to. In addition to this factor, people may be allergic to certain types of dogs and not to others.

What are the Symptoms?

People who have multiple allergies know when their allergies are bothering them. They suffer from signs such as: runny nose, watery eyes, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin, or a rash. People that don’t seem aware of their symptoms have a greater risk for colds and asthma symptoms.

Are there any hypoallergenic dogs?

There are no hypoallergenic dogs, nor are there any dogs that do not shed. All dogs shed, though some dogs have a much denser hair coat than others and shed a greater quantity of hair than those with a thinner coat. Since it is the dander and not the hair that is the problem, shedding is not important in allergy control. Some breeds, appear to have less dander and these include: Poodles, Terriers, and Schnauzers. Many people can be allergic to certain types of animals and not to others.

How can a person reduce allergic symptoms to a pet?

There are some things that you can do to help keep your reactions at bay, if you or a family member is part of the population allergic to dogs. You can do some of the following to make your home more comfortable: Bathe your pet weekly, do not allow the pet on the furniture, do not allow your pet in the house, or do not allow the pet in the car.

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.

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