Why Are Humans Allergic to Dogs?

Finding out you are allergic to your dog can be distressing. Continuing to own the dog will mean suffering with allergies. Those with dog allergies many times keep their dog and treat their allergies.

Features

• People that are allergic to dogs are normally allergic to the dog's dander or saliva rather than the entire dog.

Treatment

• The best treatment is removing the dog from the home environment. Many people refuse to do this and instead have one room in the home, such as a bedroom, where the dog is never allowed to go. This way the sufferer has a safe haven to breathe relatively allergen-free air.

Drug Therapy

• Antihistamines are also a treatment option for those who wish to keep their dogs but are allergic.

Significance

• In America, 6 out of 10 people have an allergy to dogs and cats, reported the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American in 2005.

Considerations

• There are breeds of dogs that produce less dander; these include hairless terrier, Chinese Crested, and Mexican hairless.

Warning

• Those with severe allergies to dogs will find that even the breeds that produce less dander such as the hairless breeds will still cause allergic reactions.