Dog Allergies in Children

Pets offer companionship and fun to children of all ages. They teach children responsibility and respect and are often times considered part of the family. However, more than 100 million pets are in the United States and between 15 and 30 percent of allergy sufferers experience allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Allergies are hypersensitive reactions of the immune system that defend the body. Sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, coughing and headaches are all symptoms of mild allergies.

Source of Dog Allergies

• Many assume the hair of the dog is the problem source, which is not entirely true. Animal skin produces proteins that live in the hair, saliva and urine. These tiny proteins are the allergen and eventually fill the air. This is why a particular dog breed may be more irritating to an individual allergy. Dogs that are bathed or groomed often have less allergen in their hair.

The Myth of Non-Allergenic Dogs

• Some breeds are known to be less allergy inducing or are even referred to as non-allergenic dogs. Unfortunately, non-allergenic dogs do not exist because the allergen is the protein that is produced by all breeds. Nevertheless, breeds that do not shed may cause fewer allergy symptoms. The protein still makes its way into the atmosphere but at a decreased level.

  Inconsistencies exist in allergic reactions because of the variations in dog protein, shedding, how often the dog is bathed or groomed and how often the environment is cleaned. Even the size of the dog can play a role in the severity of allergies a child may experience.

  Since shedding is a major factor in the dissemination of the allergen, dogs that don't shed are a good idea for children with allergies. Because of the overwhelming demand for shed-free dogs, cross-breading has become popular creating a new group of dogs called "designer breeds." The American Kennel Club does not recommend these "designer dogs" because their coats are unpredictable, and puppies in the same litter may have different coats.

Recommended Breeds for Children with Dog Allergies

• Breeds recommended by the American Kennel Club for allergy sufferers. Bichon Frise, Bedington Terrier, Chinese Crested, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Maltese, Poodles, Portuguese Water Dog, Schnauzer, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Xoloitzcuintli,

Steps to Reduce Symptoms in Children with Dog Allergies

• Keep dog out of child's bedroom.
  Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner.
  Wash bed sheets often because allergen particles can be brought in on the child.
  Bathe child before bed to wash off allergens.
  Clean frequently and if possible remove carpets.
  Bathe pets weekly.

Have Child Tested and Treated

• Don't just assume your child is allergic to pets. Requesta test for pet dander. Sometimes dogs are blamed when the allergen is dust. Since dogs are low to the ground, they become a traveling dust mop. Bathing the dog regularly will also eliminate the dust.

  Even if a child is allergic to dogs, with the right treatment and prevention, dog ownership may be possible. There are multiple medications, sprays and inhalers available for allergies. A combination of approaches, including medical treatment good housecleaning, can reduce a child's dog allergies immensely making a family dog possible.