Managing Dog Allergies
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 next pet in line for allergies is the dog. Because dog allergies are so common, there is much information available to help the sufferer.
If your reaction is not severe and if you don’t have any other complications, such as asthma, you can successfully manage your allergic condition and enjoy days without any symptoms.
Identifying a Dog Allergy
If you think that you or a member in your family may be allergic to the family pet, the best way to know for certain is to remove that person from the environment with the animal for a week or two.
By removing the animal from the situation, the diagnosis may not be effective since pet dander can remain in the environment the animal lives in up to six months after the pet has been removed. If this process is too difficult, ask your doctor to perform an allergy test on you in his office to see if you do indeed have a dog allergy. This is done through a medical history and blood test.
Treatment Options
Dog allergies usually come from allergens that are contained within the dander and saliva of the dog. These allergens tend to have the ability to cling to many surfaces. This is the quality that makes it difficult to determine where the allergens are located in the home. Another problem is that pet owners, being attached to their pets, don’t want their pets removed.
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.
An air filter with a HEPA filter can also be an effective means of keeping allergens at bay in particular areas of your home. As long as it is ran at least four hours every day, is the recommendation. Dog allergies are common for many people, but they don’t have to control your life. With lifestyle changes and treatment options, you can enjoy life once again.