Do you also sneeze when you are near a dog? It could be a dog allergy!

Imagine you are going to a friend's house, and there is a very cute dog there. But as soon as you go near the dog, you start sneezing, your eyes become red and itchy, and your nose feels stuffy. This is not only a problem for you, but also for many people in our country. Even though we love dogs, sometimes our bodies don't like them. Today, let's talk about the allergy caused by these dogs, that is, Dog Allergy.

Why do we get this kind of allergy?

Many people think that dog hair is the cause of this allergy. Therefore, there is also a belief that a short-haired dog is not a problem, and a long-haired dog is more difficult. But that is not the case.

Simply put, the problem is not with the dog's fur. The main cause of this is the tiny pieces of skin that are constantly shed from the dog's skin, which are too small for our eyes to see. We call this 'dander' . In addition, certain proteins in the saliva and urine of dogs can also cause this allergy. So, whether the dog's fur is long or short, any dog ​​can develop this allergy.

You might be wondering why something like dander affects our bodies so much. The immune system of someone with allergies is a little overly sensitive. Their body treats even something as harmless as dog dander as if it were a big germ or virus and starts fighting it. That sneezing and watery eyes are just side effects of the body trying to get rid of this allergen.

What are the symptoms of allergies in dogs?

The symptoms of a dog allergy are very similar to those of allergies to other things, such as dust. Let's take a look at what these symptoms are.

How do you know for sure if this is a dog allergy?

If you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see a doctor . The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and, if necessary, order some tests.

This can usually be done through a skin test or a blood test. These tests check the level of an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your body that is related to allergies.

If you have a dog at home, your doctor may also tell you to stay away from your dog for a while. Even if you remove a dog from your home, it can take months for its dander to completely disappear from the house.

What are the treatments for allergies?

The same medications used to treat a dog allergy are used as for general allergies. However, all of this should only be done under medical advice .

• Antihistamines: These medications work by blocking the action of a chemical called histamine in the body that causes allergy symptoms. They are available in pill form and nasal spray form.
• Decongestants: If your nose is congested, these medications can help reduce swelling inside your nose and make it easier to breathe.
• Nasal steroids: These are sprays that are injected into the nose. They work to control the swelling caused by allergies. They are often recommended as a first-line treatment for allergies.

In addition to this, there is a treatment called 'Allergy shots' . This involves injecting the body with very small amounts of the allergen. Over time, the body becomes accustomed to it and reduces its response. This does not work for everyone, and it can take years to complete the treatment. You can talk to your doctor about this and find out the pros and cons.

How to control allergies when living with dogs?

Even though medication can provide relief, the best thing to do is to minimize contact with dogs as much as possible.

If a dog is not at home:

• Keep your distance: Avoid touching and kissing dogs as much as possible. Reduce your visits to homes with dogs . If you must go, ask that the dog not be allowed in your bedroom.
• Be careful of guests who have dogs: If someone visiting your home has a dog, they may bring dander into your home on their clothes and bags.

If you already have a dog at home:

These tips will help you.

• Clean your home thoroughly: Sweep and mop floors, vacuum rugs, and furniture regularly. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter . These filters can trap even the smallest allergen particles before they are re-introduced into the air.
• Make your home easier to clean: Remove carpets. Reduce heavy, dusty furniture. These items will reduce the accumulation of 'dander'.
• Keep your dog out of the bedroom completely: We spend a third of our day in the bedroom, so it's essential to make it a 'dander-free' zone.
• Bathe your dog regularly: Some studies have shown that bathing your dog about once a week can reduce the amount of dander in the air. However, this should only be done by someone who is not allergic.

If these things don't help control your allergies, you may want to consider getting rid of your dog. While this may be a difficult decision, it's important to consider your own health and that of your family. Uncontrolled allergies can lead to serious health conditions, such as asthma.

dog allergy, dog allergies, sneezing, itchy eyes, dander, allergy symptoms, allergy treatment, respiratory diseases