How common are dog allergies? Allergy to a dog: what to do? You will need to do this on a regular basis.

When a dog appeared in the house, did your health deteriorate sharply? Tearing eyes, constant coughing and sneezing nullify pleasant communication with a pet? This is a manifestation of an allergy that can and should be fought!

With the advent of a “tailed friend” in the house, life becomes more active and more fun, because our furry pets make us experience a huge range of various emotions. However, the joy can be overshadowed by unpleasant symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing, which are typical signs that you are allergic to a dog. How to avoid an unpleasant situation and cope with allergies?

This ailment has been known to mankind since ancient times, namely, from the era of Ancient Egypt, when people first began to notice an abnormal reaction of the body to animal hair. As it turned out later, an allergy is nothing more than an excessive and absolutely unnecessary reaction of our body to a foreign substance that has previously entered (which, by the way, can be absolutely anything and not necessarily dog ​​hair).

The most interesting fact is that it is simply unrealistic to predict an allergy to a particular object / substance in a person! The fact is that the lymphatic system, which is responsible for controlling “own” and “foreign” elements in the body, begins to form already in newborns. This means that a baby, next to which a dog, cat or any other pet is constantly present, will be able to adapt to the allergen and even gain immunity.

While his parents for some reason will not be able to endure the close presence of the animal, all because of the same allergy. However, the opposite situation can also happen: the newborn will react extremely badly to the dog, but adults will not be tormented by allergies at all.

And, finally, the last answer to the question of interest to many, is it possible to get rid of allergies forever and how to do it? Unfortunately, it cannot be cured or completely eliminated either by medication or by folk methods. The production of "antibodies" aimed at combating a foreign element in our blood is, in this case, a physiological feature of the body. In other words, the developed reaction, “immunity” to this substance will be with you all your life, so it will be possible to temporarily “lull” the alertness of allergies, but not completely and forever. Consider further what are the signs of an allergy to dogs.

Symptoms

According to doctors, the body's allergic reaction is so unique and individual for everyone that it is almost impossible to identify how an allergy to a dog manifests itself.

For example, for some, the presence of a dog in the house causes bouts of terrible coughing up to swelling of the larynx, while others react to the pet with teary eyes. However, some signs of a dog allergy can be identified, such as:

1. Redness and swelling of the eyes and eyelids;
2. tearing;
3. The appearance of a rash and severe itching in places that have come into contact with the allergen;
4. Hoarse cough, with violent, frequent impulses;
5. Difficulty breathing and bouts of dizziness;
6. Hearing loss (extremely rare);
7. Upset stomach (extremely rare).

However, it is worth remembering that such an allergic reaction can occur not only to the dog itself, but also to your pet's accessories, such as toilet fillers, prepared foods, care cosmetics, etc. To clarify the situation, it is recommended to consult a doctor and take a sensitivity test, which will determine the allergen that causes a negative reaction of the body. Perhaps the pet itself is not at all to blame for the fact that you sneeze and “cry” in his presence.

How an allergy to dogs manifests itself can be clearly seen in the photo below.

What to do?

If the cause of your poor health is still a dog, getting rid of the source of the allergy becomes the most important and necessary.

Of course, for some, the best option would be to part with the animal or transfer it to relatives/colleagues/friends. However, few of us will want to part with a furry friend who is part of the family. So, they will look for ways to get rid of allergies to dogs.

First, it is recommended to reduce the concentration of allergens in the house. Daily wet cleaning is best, since vacuuming will only raise dust, which will settle in half an hour and begin to irritate the body again. You will have to remove objects on which the dog's hair may settle (carpets with a large pile, curtains).

Secondly, do not neglect frequent (as far as the breed allows) bathing your dog with a hypoallergenic shampoo. And after contact with the pet, be sure to wash your hands, protecting the animal's saliva from getting on your face.

Thirdly, you should not let the dog jump on the bed and even more so sleep with the owner. Hair remaining on the sheet in contact with the skin throughout the night can cause a severe allergic reaction in the form of dermatitis, as well as exacerbate your current condition.

Medical treatment

If, after taking tests and consulting with a doctor, it becomes clear that allergic reactions are the cause of poor health, it is preferable not to choose traditional methods for treating dog allergies, but to immediately focus on effective methods. With their help, you can cure the unpleasant symptoms of an allergy to dogs, and significantly improve your well-being for further communication with your beloved pet.

Important! Generally, the most commonly prescribed are general antihistamines such as Claritin and Benadryl. They are available without a doctor's prescription and have no side effects.

Alegra and Cirtec are considered more specific and narrowly targeted drugs, which are available only on prescription due to the fact that both drugs have one side effect in the form of severe drowsiness. That is why, before prescribing them, the doctor conducts additional tests for compatibility with the active substance of the drug.

As for the means for the treatment of allergies in children, it is possible to use the same medicines, only with the installation of an individual dosage. At the same time, in order to eliminate serious allergy symptoms (such as swelling of the throat, asthma, etc.), it may be necessary to limit the time the child plays with the dog or even abandon the pet in view of too serious negative consequences.

Folk remedies

Consider how to cure an allergy to dogs with folk methods. Unfortunately, the vast majority of us, faced with the unpleasant symptoms of an allergic reaction to a dog, believe that we can deal with the problem ourselves. We neglect the advice of specialists and consultations with doctors, choosing folk remedies. Of course, if the allergy is not particularly dangerous and occurs without severe symptoms, there is still an opportunity to improve the condition with herbs.

Soothing decoctions of chamomile, calendula and birch buds are considered the most effective remedies for eliminating the signs and symptoms of dog allergies. Once in the body, a drug of natural origin acts in almost the same way as a chemical drug - it blocks the lymphatic attack of supposedly “foreign” elements, as a result of which allergy symptoms begin to decrease and practically disappear.

Herbal teas based on dandelion, string and alder cones have the same properties. Daily use of infusions and tea will not help get rid of an allergy to dogs, but it can “muffle” the symptoms and return pleasant emotions when communicating with a four-legged friend. However, remember - you can resort to the help of folk remedies only if you are not allergic to the plants themselves and their pollen. Otherwise, the symptoms will only get worse.

Prevention

Despite the fact that the appearance of a dog in your house seemed to have passed without unpleasant consequences and allergy symptoms, it is still worth taking preventive measures. It is highly recommended to do this if, in addition to adults, contact with a fluffy pet also occurs in small children.

So, the main preventive measures are:

1. The organization of the so-called "clean zone" - a territory that will always be inaccessible to the dog. It can be your bedroom or even the whole house, if there is a plot and the animal was purchased to protect the territory.
2. Weekly thorough cleaning with a damp cloth of all surfaces.
3. Installation of a special air purifier that blocks and absorbs allergens.
4. Use of specialized cosmetics for dogs with anti-allergic additives.
5. Regular airing of those rooms where the dog is most often.

Can dog allergies be cured? Unfortunately, no, but it is quite possible to take control, improving well-being. The main thing is to follow all the recommendations of the allergist and maintain hygiene, not allowing the accumulated allergens to spoil your life. Then communication with a dog will bring joy and make life more pleasant and more fun!

In contact with

Despite the ancient roots of the appearance of such a disease as allergy, the term itself appeared relatively recently. Doctors of different times are in a continuous search for answers to explain the reaction of the human body. This article will discuss how an allergy to dogs manifests itself, its causes and sources.

Causes of allergy to dogs in the human body

The appearance of an allergy is explained by the reaction of the immune system to the appearance of a foreign object, regardless of its nature, which penetrates the body. Often such an impact is excessive and only harms a person. The ability of lymphocytes is to identify foreign bodies from the very birth of the child. Based on this feature, allergic reactions are less common in those people who have dealt with pets from an early age.

Allergy is explained by the fact that antibodies appear in human blood, the purpose of which is to counteract allergens. In this case, the protective bodies of the body are formed in excess, as a result of which unpleasant symptoms are observed in a person. Dog allergies cannot be completely cured. However, thanks to drugs, you can lull the body's vigilance by reducing the amount of allergens surrounding it.

How do dog allergies manifest? Who is she threatening? Can children get allergic to dogs? Let's try to find answers to these questions.

Heredity

However, not all dogs show up to the same degree. Some human organisms do not react at all to four-legged friends, while others experience discomfort with varying degrees of success.

How does a dog allergy manifest itself? The most unfortunate people have to deal with severe symptoms. Why is there such selectivity? First of all, heredity plays a big role. Provided that one of the parents of the child has an allergy, then the probability of its transmission by inheritance is 50%. If both adults suffer from the disease, then this figure rises to 70%. In this case, the type of allergy does not affect tolerance. For example, the mother may have a stuffy nose during the flowering of spikelets, and the father may have an allergic reaction to certain foods.

How long does it take for a dog allergy to show up? She does not keep herself waiting. Like any allergy, it makes itself felt immediately. The main thing is not to confuse it with some other allergic reaction.

Related factors

Even if the parents did not “reward” their child with an allergy, this does not mean that he has lifelong protection. A huge amount of aggressive substances that surround each person contributes to the appearance in the body of a tendency to allergic reactions. The ecology, food intake and invisible pathogens also have a significant impact on the deterioration of the immune system.

The appearance of dogs is also facilitated by past diseases that take a large amount of strength from the human body. Based on this, heredity is not in the first place when a negative reaction of the body to a pet appears.

Allergy to dogs in infants and children

The main symptoms of allergic reactions in a child's body have a similar manifestation with exposure to other allergens. In some cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor. How do dog allergies manifest in children? Here are the main symptoms:

• Runny nose and frequent sneezing.
• Edema of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
• Dry cough.
• Reddened eyes and shedding tears.
• The appearance of irritation on the skin.

When these symptoms appear, it is better not to take risks in the hope that the child's body will cope with the disease on its own, as the situation may worsen.

How does an allergy to dogs manifest in infants? They should be given special attention. For them, allergic reactions are life-threatening. Often, babies suffer. Therefore, it is urgent to show the baby to an allergist, and most likely, you will have to get rid of the animal. It must also be remembered that each child's body has an individual reaction to the dog.

Manifestations of Allergy to Dogs in Adults

Like children, adults are also prone to allergic reactions after contact with four-legged friends. How does an allergy to dogs manifest itself in adults? Due to the individual characteristics of the organism, the disease in each person manifests itself in a different form. First of all, the main blow falls on the organs of vision, respiratory tract and skin. The eyes begin to redden and itch, profuse lacrimation appears, the eyelids swell. In those areas of the skin where there was contact with the animal, a rash and dermatitis may occur. The person begins to sneeze and cough, nasal congestion appears. In severe cases, the victim will experience bronchial spasm and asthma, pressure in the ears, and hearing may deteriorate. The source of the allergy may not be directly a dog, but food, filler and other related care items for her.

How long does it take for a dog allergy to show up? Yes, just like every allergic reaction - almost immediately after exposure to the source.

Dog hair is not the main source of allergies

To reduce your exposure to an allergen, you need to reduce the amount of the allergen.
An allergic reaction is not caused by dog ​​hair, as many mistakenly believe. The main causative agent of the disease is a foreign protein that is located on the surface of the animal's hairline. It is presented in the form of saliva, sebaceous secretions, exfoliated skin particles. The amount of allergen depends on various factors related to the condition and nutrition of the dog. According to some studies, black animals increase the likelihood of allergies in humans, unlike white pets.

Despite numerous attempts to breed a dog breed that will not cause allergic reactions in the human body, success has not yet been achieved in this direction. However, some types of animals allow allergy sufferers to lead a normal life.

Varieties of safe dogs

We already know how an allergy to dog hair manifests itself. Therefore, if such a nuisance does happen, then hairless breeds will be the best option here. In this case, the amount of allergen carried around the apartment on wool is significantly reduced. The absence of undercoat also has a beneficial effect.

Wirehaired breeds. It is necessary to pluck out dying wool in a timely manner. This procedure should be performed by a person who does not have allergic reactions.

Small breeds. The amount of allergen in small dogs is significantly different compared to large animals, so the reaction of the human body will manifest itself in a minor form.

Allergies are not to be trifled with.

If allergic reactions occur in young children, then the dog will need to be disposed of. A fragile children's body cannot adequately withstand all threats. This workaround also applies to people who have a severe allergy to dogs.

Due to the lack of a solution to the problem of allergy to dogs, first of all, it is necessary to consult a highly qualified doctor. Because even the most minor symptoms can eventually develop into serious chronic diseases such as asthma and depression. Thanks to a competent allergist, it will be possible to bring the allergy situation under control through the use of medications and a coordinated lifestyle.

Cleanliness is the key to success

Allergy to a dog, as it manifests itself, has already been sorted out. Now let's talk about how to deal with it.

Castration or sterilization of the animal significantly reduces the amount of allergen in the room, which is intensively produced in dogs during periods of hormone release. It is also necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the coat, because it is on it that aggressive protein is collected. To do this, the animal should be bathed at least once a week with special shampoos and combed out every day. All pet care operations must be carried out by a person who does not have allergic reactions.

Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the premises: regularly carry out and prevent the appearance of accumulations of dog hair in the apartment. To reduce the level of allergens, hang curtains on the windows, get rid of carpets, store bed linen in closed places and use an air purifier. Be sure to prevent stagnation of air in the room, take care of personal hygiene after contact with the animal and not allow him to be in the bedroom.

Dog Allergy Diagnosis

Allergy to a dog as it manifests itself, you already know. Now let's talk about diagnostics.

At the initial stage of diagnosis, information is studied on the basis of a medical examination and tests are taken. The allergist at this stage determines the presence of relatives who have the disease, and the degree of manifestation of the allergy. After studying the information, the doctor determines the next steps for the patients.

The next step is to conduct a laboratory blood test. Its task is to determine the level that will show the cause of the symptoms characteristic of allergies. If the result is positive for the level of aggressive protein, a person is expected to undergo immunological tests. Based on them, you can identify the allergen and the causes that caused it. After that, you can make a decision about keeping the dog and further actions.

Another way is to conduct allergy tests, which take a little time. Allergen-containing substances are applied to human skin through syringes. If the area increases in size and turns red, then the test gave a positive result. With this method, you can find out that allergic reactions are not caused by a dog.

Dog allergies, like any true allergic reaction, are caused by faulty immune systems. The body is exposed to harmless proteins from the environment, but instead of recognizing them as harmless, it identifies them as microbes and creates antibodies to attack.

Can adults be allergic to dogs?

It is almost impossible to predict whether a person will have an allergy with the advent of a pet in the house. Sometimes having a pet, be it a dog or a cat, can cause allergies over time due to frequent exposure to allergens. In addition, a person may have an allergic reaction to what an animal brings on its fur - the environmental factor plays a role. There is a theory that our society is becoming more and more allergic due to high sterility.

The so-called hygiene hypothesis is that, for our own good, we have become too clean, and underestimate the immune system, for ordinary environmental microbes. It is convincingly supported by the fact that, for example, a child, communicating with animals, can get an allergy before his immune system is fully developed. We are not actually exposed to soil or dirt, so our immune system does not encounter various bacteria that could serve as a defense against allergies. Over time, we become so “sterile” that the body simply does not learn to deal with threatening challenges and sees a threat in any impact, as a result of which a whole list of allergies accumulates.

And if an allergy to a dog has begun, what to do and how to recover, when the question of getting rid of the pet does not even arise. Some doctors advise keeping your puppy outside to get rid of allergens from the start. In fact, and this is proven by studies, allergens will still enter the house, even if the pet does not live there. On the contrary, long periods of time that a dog spends outdoors affect his health and lead to changes in the skin (and dandruff). This makes it an even stronger allergen in addition to the dirt, pollen, ragweed, grass and other outdoor particles that will accumulate on it. After a person comes into contact with a dog, he unwittingly returns these allergens to the house.

Causes, mechanism and risk group

The occurrence of an allergic reaction is due to proteins secreted by the sebaceous glands, in dander, in the saliva that sticks to the coat when the dog licks itself, and in the urine. The reason is that the hypersensitive immune system in some people mistakenly perceives harmless antigens not associated with invasive pathogens as a threat.

The allergen binds to preformed immunoglobulin E, which is released from lymphocytes and plasma cells in the airways, gastrointestinal tract, and regional lymph nodes and binds to a high-affinity Fc receptor located on the surface of various cells of the immune system, including mast cells. They smooth the surface of the body and serve to alert the immune system to a local infection. Once activated, mast cells trigger inflammatory responses by releasing chemical mediators from the granules they contain and synthesizing leukotrienes and cytokines.

Possible allergens

Allergens are tiny particles present in an animal's dander, saliva and urine that are easily airborne and transmitted through physical contact. In addition, there are dozens of other allergens from other sources, including mold, pollen, and ragweed.

Wool

Many people mistakenly believe that dog allergies are caused by their fur. But the problem is not dog hair.

dog saliva

Animal saliva, known as a major source of allergens, is produced by the lacrimal and sublingual glands and transferred to the coat during the licking process. Saliva allergens are a large variety of IgE-binding proteins.

Dandruff

Dandruff is microscopic particles of dead skin and hair caused by the shedding of an animal. Can f 1 and Can f 2 are lipocalin proteins and allergens found in dander and saliva of dogs.

Can you be allergic to Jack Russell Terrier hair?

Contrary to popular belief, there are no "hypoallergenic" dog or cat breeds. But rough-haired dogs, including the Jack Russell Terrier breed, are less allergenic. More importantly, however, they tend to shed less. Although the same breed may not affect people with allergies in the same way, each case is individual. Size can also be a factor, given that a large salivating dog sheds significantly more than a jack russell or other small terrier.

How is the reaction manifested?

When allergens affect the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose, and are inhaled into the lungs, allergic symptoms can occur. Typically, how a dog allergy manifests itself is:

• sneezing
• runny nose;
• itchy and swollen eyes;
• nasal congestion (rhinitis);
• itchy around lips.

A similar set of symptoms is observed with seasonal allergies. Some people with allergies develop potentially life-threatening asthma attacks. If the eyes begin to swell, and sneezing is too frequent every time you are near the dog, then this is definitely an allergy. But some people with allergies or asthma who come into contact with animals every day may suffer from persistent symptoms. Instead of the classic signs of allergy, adults may have symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion.

Symptoms on the skin (including on the palms)

In an allergic person, contact of the allergen with the skin can cause an itchy rash, affecting the hands, but it can occur anywhere. Risk factors for dog allergies:

• allergic contact dermatitis;
• eczema, in which the skin of the hands and arms becomes red, dry and itchy.

How long does it take and what are the manifestations of the respiratory and digestive organs

The severity of the reaction to allergens varies from person to person. Dog allergies, which in adults present with mild inflammation or severe asthma, are often exacerbated by environmental irritants. Signs occur within seconds of exposure to allergens.

The immediate allergic reaction is due to the activity of histamine, prostaglandins, and other preformed or rapidly synthesized mediators, which cause a rapid increase in vascular permeability and smooth muscle contraction. The late phase of the allergic reaction is caused by the induced synthesis and release of mediators, including leukotrienes, chemokines, and cytokines from activated mast cells. They recruit other white blood cells, including eosinophils and T-lymphocytes, to the site of inflammation.

Signs of severe complications

In some people, an allergic reaction can build up and develop over several hours and appear 12 hours after contact with the animal is stopped. Although the late phase response is clinically less pronounced than a definite immediate response, it is associated with the second phase of smooth muscle contraction, symptoms of persistent edema, and the development of one of the cardinal features of allergic asthma: airway hyperresponsiveness to nonspecific bronchoconstrictor stimuli (histamine and methacholine). Both for an immediate reaction and for a late response, diagnosis is important, it will allow to exclude other diseases.

How can I find out if I'm allergic to what?

The doctor determines the tendency to allergies. He will offer to perform one of the allergen-determining tests, ask a question about the history of the disease, in cases of severe manifestations, ask to keep a diary in order to detail the causative agents of allergic reactions and know how to deal with them.

How to determine the allergen using tests and samples?

The prick test is used as a diagnostic tool. It is not aggressive and for most allergens, as a rule, gives a quick result. If the answer is no, intradermal tests may follow, which offer more detailed information about what causes the underlying symptoms.

What tests can be ordered?

A blood test is a type of diagnostic that is an alternative to skin testing. It allows you to check for the presence of antibodies (certain proteins that the body produces to eliminate harmful substances).

How to treat pathology?

Allergy treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms, although all types of medications are used specifically to relieve them, but will not be able to get rid of the disease forever. If there is some experience of mild symptoms, then most likely medical attention is not needed.

In most cases, taking antihistamine tablets (Benadryl) will be effective. Your doctor or allergist may prescribe decongestants, steroid nasal sprays, antihistamine eye drops, or a combination of medications. Treatment uses inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to relieve respiratory symptoms.

How to get rid of manifestations - antihistamine tablets

Histamine blockers have been used for a long time to suppress the symptoms of itching, sneezing and inflammatory reactions. Antihistamine tablets for dog allergies include:

1. Cetirizine.
2. Fexofenadine.
3. Levocetirizine.
4. Loratadine.
5. Desloratadine (3rd generation antihistamine prescription only).

Preparations for the removal of allergens

1. Activated charcoal or carbolene.
2. Smecta or Atoxil.
3. Polysorb.
4. Enterosgel.
5. Filtrum or polyfepam (plant-based dog allergy medicines).

How to be treated with folk remedies - recipes

First of all, you need to start with an anti-inflammatory diet, in order not only to reduce the risk of allergies, but also to get rid of other health problems. Healthy foods that restore and balance the immune system: garlic, lemon, green leafy vegetables, bone broth (beef and chicken based), coconut milk and almond oil.

REFERENCE. Reduces inflammation eucalyptus oil. It can be used in different forms, inhaled through a diffuser, or as an antimicrobial agent as a cleanser.

Can allergies be permanently cured with immunotherapy?

What to do for prevention?

It is very important to take good care of your pet, comb and clean the coat every day, while not forgetting your own precautions, wearing a gauze bandage, special glasses and gloves. After processing the animal, remove the remaining hair with a vacuum cleaner and wipe the floor with a damp cloth.

ATTENTION! Bathing dogs once a week reduces hair allergen levels by 85%.

A good cleansing formula is made up of ingredients such as dish soap, vinegar, and glycerin. Neutralizes dandruff and saliva, reduces shedding baby shampoo.

As a preventive measure, you will have to clean the house more often, in any case, wipe the dust every day with a damp disposable cloth, use air filters.

Dogs are living beings! We must not forget about it. Unfortunately, some people, knowing that there are allergies in their family, get a dog. They do not think about the consequences and difficulties that may arise, and are forced to get rid of the animal, giving it to a dog shelter, which leaves an unpleasant aftertaste in their souls. It happens that puppies die only for this reason. Therefore, when deciding to get a pet, carefully consider your decision so that the dog does not have to suffer, discuss it with all family members, take into account all the responsibilities for caring for the animal.

Allergy to dogs can manifest itself with varying degrees of intensity. key role plays the general state of the child's immune system.

Symptoms of this condition occur immediately after contact with the animal or after some time.

In some cases, dog allergy symptoms in a child may be confused with a cold. If the baby's immunity is impaired to a large extent, then the signs of an allergic reaction will be as pronounced as possible.

How does a mold allergy manifest in a child? Learn about it from ours.

General information

In a broad sense, an allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a certain substance, which begins to be perceived as a foreign body.

Ingestion of an allergen may be through the respiratory tract, the digestive system or other means. An allergy to dogs is provoked by saliva, various types of secretions and exfoliated epidermis. Particles of such substances settle on the wool.

Fallen hairs carry the allergen around the environment and cause an allergic reaction in a certain group of patients.

Could there be a reaction?

Allergies to dogs can manifest any age. In medical practice, cases of cure for such a pathology are known, but they are isolated. Most often, this type of allergy persists throughout life.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can occur even in infants.

When an animal approaches them, they start sneeze intensely.

If the immune system is weakened, then the signs of allergy will be accompanied by swelling of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as other characteristic symptoms.

What exactly is an allergen?

Allergy to dogs provokes not dog hair, but protein, which is found in certain types of animal secretions. These include saliva, genital discharge, sebaceous product, urine, and excrement.

Some breeds are prone to increased peeling of the epithelium. Such particles, if they enter the respiratory system of a child, can provoke an allergy.

Different types of dogs are different degree of risk cause an allergic reaction in a child. An important role is played by the type of wool, the presence of undercoat and even the size of the animal.

cross shape

When crossed, dog allergies can spread on other animals.

Symptoms of a negative reaction of the immune system will occur at the slightest contact with wool.

Lachrymation, rhinitis and coughing fits will manifest in a child not only on, but also when visiting zoos, animal shows, as well as other places.

How to identify?

How is the reaction manifested? Dog Allergy Symptoms appear according to a certain algorithm. The scheme of the body's reaction to the allergen does not depend on the age category of the patient. In infants, the first manifestations of allergies can be sneezing, skin rashes, and indigestion.

These conditions occur after contact with a pet or while being in the same room with it.

In the presence of serious deviations in the work of the immune system, the symptoms will manifest themselves to the maximum extent.

Dog Allergy Signs are the following states:

• rhinitis in combination with nasal congestion;
• signs with bouts of choking cough;
• symptoms;
• (with complications);
• seizures in combination with;
• skin rashes (make the child uncomfortable);
• swelling of the mucous membranes;
• eye redness and symptoms.

What is dangerous?

Allergy to dogs has a negative impact on the child's respiratory system.

In the presence of constant contact with the allergen increases risk of developing chronic diseases.

Some conditions triggered by allergies can pose a threat to the life of a small patient (for example, excessive swelling leads to suffocation and anaphylactic shock).

To the number complications include the following consequences:

• bronchial asthma;
• angioedema;
• bronchospasm;
• anaphylactic shock;
• fatal outcome.

Diagnostics and tests

The task of diagnosing allergies is not only to identify pathology, but also identification of a specific allergen.

An allergic reaction in a child can occur not only to protein particles present in the dog's body, but also to pet food or pet care products.

When examining a small patient, the doctor must find out the presence of allergies in the family. Before conducting special tests, the baby must pass a general and biochemical blood test. The scheme of further examination is prescribed by the doctor.

Methods for diagnosing pathology include the following procedures:

• laboratory blood test;
• blood test for different types of immunoglobulins;
• radioallergosorbent test;
• provocative tests;
• allergy tests.

Treatment

What to do? Therapy for dog allergies includes not only drug treatment, but also the exclusion of the allergen. Recommended for a month exclude any contact between the baby and the pet.

During that time, a small patient needs to take a course of taking special drugs and take preventive measures aimed at improving the dog's health.

The animal must be examined, the existing diseases cured, the digestive system normalized and the coat put in order.

In some cases, allergy symptoms occur in children at the slightest contact with dogs, which is a ban on the presence of a pet in the apartment.

Preparations

Allergy to dogs implies the mandatory use of medications. Their selection should be done by a doctor. The symptoms of a child's negative reaction may vary in intensity.

One baby is enough to give antihistamines, others require a full course of therapy with an obligatory recovery stage (fixing the action of drugs with vitamins and normalizing the functioning of disturbed body systems).

When treating dog allergies in children, the following can be used: drugs:

• antihistamines (Aleron, Loratadin, Fenistil);
• nasal remedies against rhinitis (Sofradex, Nazivin);
• glucocorticosteroids (Nasonex);
• drugs against edema (Sudafed);
• means of the category of bronchodilators (Benadryl);
• means for external use against rashes (Gistan, Bepanten).

Additional measures

The main reason for the development of allergies to dogs is considered to be the oversensitivity of the child's immune system. After the course of pathology therapy, it is necessary to take measures to strengthening the body of the baby.

You can do this with vitamin complexes and taking drugs that restore the intestinal microflora. The need for admission immunomodulators determined by the doctor.

It is not recommended to give such medicines to a child on their own.

Do I need to get rid of the animal in the house?

The need to get rid of a pet depends on the severity of the symptoms allergies in a child.

In some cases, controlling the dog's diet, taking more care of its coat, and treating existing diseases can help to cope with the problem.

Healthy and well-groomed pets provoke allergy attacks to a lesser extent than sick and ill. In the absence of the effect of such actions, it is better to exclude the contact of the child with the animal.

Prevention

Prevention of dog allergy in a child can be difficult if there is a hereditary factor of pathology. In this case, the baby is born with a special device of the immune system.

Acquired types of allergic reactions can be prevented by the maximum exclusion of the child's contact with the allergen - wool containing protein. If the dog sheds, then cleaning the apartment should be carried out as often as possible.

The constant presence of hairs in the air can cause a negative reaction in the baby, even without an initial tendency to allergies.

Prevention measures include the following recommendations:

The culprits The development of allergies to dogs in children can be the parents themselves.

If you do not limit the frequent contacts of the baby with the pet, then the fragile internal systems of his body may begin to perceive the animal as a potential allergen.

About whether there are "hypoallergenic" dogs, you can learn from the video:

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