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Statistics show that anywhere from 60-70% of all American households include at least one dog or cat. The numbers therefore, indicate that up to 10% of the entire population suffers from an allergy of some type from an animal. The most common culprit is the cat.

The most common animal to create allergies is the cat, but next in line is the dog. Dog allergies are a common problem and the good news is that there is abundant information available on how to treat and manage an allergic reaction to your pet.

This information may contain segments on how to treat and manage your allergic reactions to your pet. If your reactions are not particularly severe, and you don’t have further complications such as asthma, you may successfully manage your allergic conditions and enjoy days free of symptoms.

Identifying a Dog Allergy

If you suspect that you or your family member may have an allergy to the family pet, the best way to know this for sure is to remove that person from the environment of the animal for at least a week or two.

If this process is too difficult or you can’t do it; ask your doctor to test you for dog allergies. He will take a family history and some blood tests to determine this for you.

Treatment Options

Dog allergies come from allergens that are located in the dander or saliva of the animal. These allergens cling to many surfaces, and have a long life. This is what makes it difficult to determine where the allergies are located that you have the dog allergy to. Many pet owners are faced with the problem of giving up their dog, if they do test positive for the dog allergy. It is a family member and they don’t want to give it up.

If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to keep your pet. By not allowing the dog in the bedroom the number of allergens are reduced that would normally be in this area. Secondly, getting rid of the carpet and having bare floors is another positive step in ridding your home of dog allergies.

Dog allergies may be a common problem for many people, but they don’t have to make your life miserable. You can enjoy life with some lifestyle changes and treatment options; you can enjoy your pet and have fewer symptoms.

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