Test for Dog Allergies
The National Institute of Health reports that dog dander can be detected in every home in America. That's an amazing claim, considering that only 40 percent of the households in this country own dogs. It goes to show, however, that a person who is allergic to dogs may suffer even in a canine-free environment. If you are experiencing typical allergic reactions, but do not know the cause, here's how to tell if Fido is the culprit.
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Allergic reactions
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First it is important to determine if the physical symptoms you are experiencing point to some kind of allergy. If a dog licks you and your skin breaks out in a rash, that's a definite indication of a dog allergy. Most reactions, though, are not as easy to pinpoint to a cause. The most common problems associated with allergies are sneezing, coughing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. If you have one or more of these symptoms, and you don't have a cold or the flu, then you might very well be having an allergic reaction to something.
What causes dog allergies?
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Most people think that dog hair is what causes allergies, but that's not the case. It's actually dog dander, or tiny dead pieces of skin. The skin is what contains the allergens, and every dog is different in this regard. You could have two beagles, for instance, and one of them has many allergens in its dander, yet the other has very few. This also means, though, that there is really no such thing as a breed of dog that is hypoallergenic. Dog breeds labeled as such have coats that don't shed. And while it's true that less shedding tends to go hand-in-hand with less dander, it does not eliminate dander entirely.
In addition to dog dander, some people are also allergic to dog saliva and dog urine.
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Testing for dog allergies
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There are two types of tests doctors can perform to tell if you are allergic to dogs. The first is a simple skin test. The doctor will prick your skin, usually on an arm, with a hypodermic needle that has some dog dander on it. If your skin swells up at all at that spot, it is a pretty sure bet that you are allergic to dogs.
The other method for determining an allergy to dogs is a RAST test. RAST stands for "radioallergosorbent." Unlike skin tests that observe reactions to allergens, a RAST test analyzes a blood sample to identify antibodies known to cause specific allergies.
Treating dog allergies
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Unless you have a severe allergic reaction to dogs, most allergic dog lovers put up with the mild discomfort by taking low doses of antihistamines and decongestants. Some people also benefit from regular allergy shots. Several homeopathic remedies (Euphrasia 6c, Sabadilla 6c and Allium Cepa 6c) have also been helpful to many. Talk with your doctor about which treatment would be best for you.
Minimizing allergic reactions
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If you love dogs yet are allergic to them, you can take some steps to minimize your discomfort. The most important thing is to keep your dog out of your bedroom. You spend a third of your day in bed, so keep it as dander-free as possible. Don't let your dog up on the furniture. See if you can live without carpets, rugs and drapes. Vacuum floors maniacally, and make sure your vacuum is fitted with a HEPA filter. Get a HEPA filter for your furnace blower. Bathe your dog weekly.
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