Health Network News

American households, according to statistics, show that 60-70% include at least one dog or cat. The numbers also prove that up to 10% of the population suffers from some sort of allergy to some type of animal.

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.

If your reaction is not severe, and you don’t have other complications like asthma, you can successfully manage your allergic condition and enjoy symptom-free days.

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.

By removing the animal an effective means is not always established. Because the pet dander can remain in the house up to six months after the animal is removed, this may not be the best test. If not ask your allergist, he can test you by doing an allergy test on you for dog allergies. This will include your family history and blood tests.

Treatment Options

Dog allergies usually come from allergens that are located within the dander and the saliva of the animal. These have the ability to cling to many surfaces, and live a long time. This makes it most difficult to rid a home of the allergens causing the dog allergies. Long after the animal is removed from the home, the dander is still present. It takes about six months to clean the environment.

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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