The Allergy To Dogs

What is an allergy?An allergy can happens when the body overreacts to an allergen that is usually harmless to most people. A substance in the environment that can cause an allergic reaction in susceptible people is referred to as an ‘allergen’. There are many different allergens, but they all share one thing in common – protein. Some allergens don’t contain protein to begin with , but bind with protein once inside the body to provoke the allergic reaction.

Close up of allergens

The Allergy to DogsAllergy to dogs is relatively common, as dog allergen can be found in public places, including daycare facilities. Some people develop an immune reaction to a certain protein produced in the sebaceous glands of a dog’s skin. This allergen is found in a dog’s dander (small scales of dead skin) that dog’s constantly shed. If you have ever stood near a dog and started to sneeze this is probably why.

Dead skin cells

You Are Not AloneIn Australia alone over 10% of the population have an allergy to dogs. In America there is an estimated 10% of the population that is allergic to dogs. Do not feel left out many other people around the world share this allergy with you.

Who’s at riskHeredity plays a big role, as dog allergies usually run in the families. If either parent suffers from pet allergies, the chance of a child developing the allergy significantly increases. However if both parents are allergic, the risk of a child developing an allergy can occur in up to 80% of their offspring.

SymptomsSymptoms may vary depending on the person, the most common symptoms for the allergy to dogs include: sneezing, runny nose, red watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, breathing problems, headache, skin irritation/rash, stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhea.

CausesYou may have been told that some dog breeds trigger allergy symptoms while other don’t, or perhaps dogs with short hair are safer than dogs with long hair. However experts say that this isn’t the case at all. It is proven that that two dogs of the same breed can each give off very different levels of allergen. It is not the hair or fur that is the problem, Instead, people are normally allergic to dander as well as the saliva and urine.

How Do I Stop It?The solution for the allergy depends on how severe the allergic reaction is. If it is not that serious an antihistamine tablet should be taken. If more severe than an epi-pen which is usually provided by a doctor will be used. People who allergic to dogs should try to stay away from dogs or limit the time spent with them to prevent serious injury.

Bibliography

• http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/dog-allergies• http://www.bhg.com/health-family/conditions/allergies/deali

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• http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/pet-allergies/Pages/dog-allergy.aspx

• http://allergies.about.com/od/specificallergens/a/dogallergy.htm

• http://www.asthmacenter.com/index.php/News/details/pet_allergy/