Having a Pet Allergy Is No Fun At All !
By: Dorothy Medlum

People with allergies should be careful in deciding what type of pet they can safely bring into their home. More than 70 percent of the U.S. households have a dog or a cat. Pets provide comfort, security, and companionship. It is no wonder everyone wants a pet. What they don't want is the allergy that may come with owning one.

Sneezing and wheezing are oftentimes the result of exposure to a pet. Ten percent of the population may be allergic to its animals. Higher rates 20 to 30 percent have asthma and also 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 dander, saliva, and the urine are the areas of the dog that people are allergic to. Because dogs and cats are the most common pets, they top the list of animals that people are allergic to. Certain species of animals may contribute to allergies more than other species.

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?

If you or a family member is part of the population who are allergic to pets, there are some things that you can do to help keep your allergic reactions under control. You can clean and vacuum regularly, bathe your pet weekly, brush your pet daily, do not allow the dog on the furniture, and do not allow the dog in the car.

It is impossible to avoid animals; they are an integral part of our lives. But, by adopting some good management skills, we can help make our allergies and life with our dog much better for both.