Preventing Dog Allergies in a Baby

Are you or your spouse prone to allergies? Are your afraid your newborn baby will be allergic to your dog? Believe it or not, it's easier than most people think to prevent your baby from developing a dog allergy.

Instructions

1. The best way to help your child avoid a dog allergy is by exposing him to your dog as early as humanly possible.

2. Make sure your home is cleaned as well as possible before your baby comes home from the hospital. Normal pet dander is to be expected, but accumulated dander is not. Start the relationship between your dog and your baby on a fresh note.

3. Expose your baby to your dog as often as possible, for as long as it is healthy to do so.

4. Carefully monitor your child for signs of a pet allergy. These signs include watery or itchy eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, an itchy nose or throat, and more. While many children can learn to live with animals, some may have severe allergies and this is a sign you may need to get rid of your pets.

Tips & Warnings

• Exposing your child to multiple pets (cats and dogs, for example) may help to boost her immune system. The likelihood she will develop outdoor allergies will become limited as well. Consult your physician for advice before attempting to expose your child to your pets, especially if you think your child may be predisposed to allergies or have any other type of breathing condition. Consider a pet that is considered hypoallergenic if your child is allergic. Check with your physician for advice on which type of pet to choose.

• Never leave your baby and your pet together while unattended. If you or your spouse have pet allergies, your child may be genetically predisposed. If this is the case and you are not sure, wait until your child is at least 6 years of age before attempting to introduce a pet into the household.