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Dog Hair and Allergies

It is a common misconception that people are allergic to dog hair. In fact, it is actually the dog's dander, or dead skin, that most commonly causes allergic reactions. People can be allergic to dog saliva and urine as well.

  1. Significance

    • About 15 percent of people are allergic to dogs, according to Peteducation.com. These same individuals also tend to have allergies to mold and pollen.

    Identification

    • People with allergies to dogs often suffer from symptoms like an itchy and runny nose, itchy eyes and sometimes a mild skin rash. In severe cases, people can experience breathing difficulties.

    Prevention/Solution

    • If you are a pet owner with allergies, you can cut down on irritation by cleaning your house regularly, keeping animals out of certain rooms like the bedroom, brushing your dog often and washing your hands after touching your dog.

    Breeds

    • All dogs shed hair and dander. According to Peteducation.com, there are no hypoallergenic dogs. However, some breeds like poodles and terriers tend to shed less dander.

    Medication

    • Since giving up your dog can be a very difficult decision to make, some people opt for allergy medication to help them tolerate living with their pets.

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