Why Are You Allergic to Your Dog?
People who are allergic to dogs [http://www.commondogallergies.com] but love them anyways may be surprised to find out why the dogs make them sneeze in the first place. Everyone seems to think it's a dander issue, but allergies to dogs are more likely a saliva problem. Dog saliva and dander contains Can f 1, but contain less of the allergen then cat dander or saliva does. That is why cat allergies are usually a more potent issue for sufferers. Regular bathing of dogs is a must for allergy sufferers wishing to keep a pet in the home. I recommend at least once a week for severe allergies. Wiping the dog's coat down with a damp cloth and not allowing the dog to slime you with its tongue is going to help keep you from breaking out as well.
Keeping a dog indoors means changing your lifestyle for the both of you. Removing the carpet in the home is another must, and I recommend not allowing the dog on your furniture no matter what. Given enough patience and persistence your dog will learn no matter how old he is the new rules you both have to live by. I would also make sure the dog stayed out of my bedroom. Keeping the dog out of your bedroom will at least help you sleep at night it can't hurt to put a HEPA filter in your house to take some of the irritant out of the air you breathe as well.
A little known fact is infants and children who grow up in the home with dogs are less likely to develop asthma and allergies later in life. However, if allergies or asthma is already present, dog ownership will not help the condition. The endotoxins excreted by dogs can stimulate the immune system away from allergies, but will exasperate the condition.
As for people with allergies, avoidance of dogs is still the best therapy, but for those unable to live without a treasured pet, allergy shots are a good option. Allergy medications may control some of the symptoms, but are unlikely to work well for someone with more than one dog. Make sure also your floors are kept surgically clean, this will keep the allergen at bay for its part. If you do have carpet, (and refuse to remove it and go to hardwood,) vacuum the floor daily. This will keep your home at least somewhat livable.
Keeping a dog indoors means changing your lifestyle for the both of you. Removing the carpet in the home is another must, and I recommend not allowing the dog on your furniture no matter what. Given enough patience and persistence your dog will learn no matter how old he is the new rules you both have to live by. I would also make sure the dog stayed out of my bedroom. Keeping the dog out of your bedroom will at least help you sleep at night it can't hurt to put a HEPA filter in your house to take some of the irritant out of the air you breathe as well.
A little known fact is infants and children who grow up in the home with dogs are less likely to develop asthma and allergies later in life. However, if allergies or asthma is already present, dog ownership will not help the condition. The endotoxins excreted by dogs can stimulate the immune system away from allergies, but will exasperate the condition.
As for people with allergies, avoidance of dogs is still the best therapy, but for those unable to live without a treasured pet, allergy shots are a good option. Allergy medications may control some of the symptoms, but are unlikely to work well for someone with more than one dog. Make sure also your floors are kept surgically clean, this will keep the allergen at bay for its part. If you do have carpet, (and refuse to remove it and go to hardwood,) vacuum the floor daily. This will keep your home at least somewhat livable.
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