Living with Dog Dander Allergy

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 15 to 30 percent of allergy sufferers are allergic to dogs and cats. Dog allergies are not as common as cat allergies, but the dander that causes them tends to be more prevalent. Individuals with dog allergies may be allergic to specific breeds or all of them. A dog's dander is the cause of dog allergy, not the dog's hair. The symptoms can be mild to severe, and can be treated and prevented--at least to a certain extent.

Causes

• A dog's dander consists of dead skin cells, and it contains allergens. When a dog sheds hair, he often sheds dander along with it. Since the fur has nothing to do with allergies, getting a dog with shorter hair does not help prevent symptoms in an individual with dog dander allergy. According to Allergy Be Gone, there are no non-allergenic dog breeds in existence.

  Since dogs scratch themselves often, more dander can be expelled into the air. Make sure that your dog's excessive scratching does not stem from him having an allergy to something in the house.

  Dander can stick to other surfaces, such as furniture and flooring, just by someone transporting it on her clothing. Dander can even be found in work sites, schools and other public buildings where a dog has never been. The allergens that are contained in the dander can last for many months.

Symptoms

• Common allergic reactions to dog dander include swollen and itchy nose and eyes, stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, skin rashes, and shortness of breath. The severity of dog dander allergy will vary from person to person. Some individuals may not develop symptoms for hours after coming in contact with dog dander, while others may have a reaction in as little as 15 minutes, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Treatments

• The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends that a person who is allergic to dog dander avoid all contact with dogs and the homes of people who have dogs. If he does so, the allergic party may not require medicine for treatment.

  However, those who want to own a dog can take preventive measures against dog dander, as well as various medications that can be used to ward off symptoms. Over-the-counter allergy medications like Zyrtec may be effective in preventing dog dander allergy symptoms. For more severe cases of dog dander allergy, consult a doctor to obtain a prescription, and possibly to receive allergy shots.

  Aside from medication, a dog owner with dog dander allergy must take several preventive measures to minimize her symptoms. Keep the dog out of the bedroom and clean him often. Use a protective mattress and pillow covers for the bed.

  Opt for tile or wood flooring, as opposed to carpet. If the house is carpeted, it must be vacuumed and steam cleaned often. The vacuum should be equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which traps allergens more effectively than a regular filter. To avoid inhaling allergens the vacuum may spit out, wear a dust mask.

  Air conditioning and heating units should also have HEPA filters.

  Wash the dog at least once a week and groom her daily. If possible, ask an individual who does not have dog dander allergy to perform these tasks, to prevent symptom flare-ups.