Pet allergies are everywhere. Over half of all homes in the United States have a cat or a dog, and between 5 and 10% of Americans are allergic to pets. So, if you find yourself sneezing almost everywhere during the winter months, you are not alone. When we are stuck inside staying warm, we are more subject to pet allergy symptoms. All that sneezing may have more to do with allergies than colds.
Although cat allergies are quite common, dog allergies are close behind and can be just as serious. In the United States, dog ownership is slightly higher than cat ownership with approximately 39% of households owning at least one dog, according to the Humane Society. This makes it hard to avoid allergic reactions for dog allergic Americans. Not only do close to half of all American households have a dog, but almost all schools and businesses contain dog allergens. Not because the building allows pets, but due to the fact that pet allergens are easily transmitted. Dog allergens can be carried on their owners clothing into areas where there are no pets.
Dogs and cats secrete fluids and shed dander that contain the allergens. They collect on fur and other surfaces. The allergens will not lose their strength for a long time, sometimes for several months. They appear to be sticky and adhere to walls, clothing and other surfaces.
Cat and dog allergens are everywhere. Pet dander is even in homes never occupied by these animals because it is carried on people's clothing. The allergens get in the air with petting, grooming or stirring the air where the allergens have settled. Once airborne, the particles can stay suspended in the air for long periods of time.
It does not help to remove the dog or cat. Allergens still in the area can cause symptoms months after the animal is gone.(Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)
Even this small amount of transferred allergen can cause severe reactions in highly sensitive individuals. Those with asthma in addition to dog allergies are at higher risk for severe breathing problems when they come in contact with pet dander. It has been reported that certain dogs and even parts of dogs are not allergenic. Many claims have been made that dog hair does not cause allergies on it's own. However, dog saliva and skin secretions do cause allergies. Since dog hair is in constant contact with the skin and often their tongue, it most likely carries allergens on it frequently if not always. There is also much talk about non-allergenic dog breeds.
While certain cat breeds may produce fewer potent allergens—such as the Siberian and Russian Blue—a cat or dog with low allergenicity can still provoke serious allergy symptoms in a highly-sensitive individual.
Dogs with a second winter coat (for example, large working dogs) may cause more indoor hair pollution than short-haired, single-coat dogs such as terriers or poodles. Mixed-breed or hybrid small dogs may have even less hair, producing less indoor contamination.
However, there is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog, and even a “hypoallergenic” breed is a serious health risk to highly sensitive patients." (The Asthma Center)
As an individual that is highly sensitive to dog allergens, I have first hand experience with the affects of non-allergenic dogs. I have yet to find a breed that does not cause asthma symptoms to erupt for me. All dogs have allergens on them and those most susceptible will react. However, not all dog allergies are the same. Some more fortunate individuals may see a reduction in their allergic reactions when around a short-haired, single coat dog as opposed to other dog breeds. When paired with appropriate medical treatment, mild dog allergies may be manageable even when dogs are present.
One of the most trusted and result driven treatments for pet allergies is immunotherapy, or allergy shots. In this treatment, a series of injections containing allergens to dogs is given each week over several months gradually increasing the dosage each time until a tolerance level for the pet is reached. Although this treatment is cumbersome and costly, it has shown great results in numerous studies and is widely recommended.
If you suffer from dog allergies without treatment, you most likely suffer constantly. Dog allergens are everywhere in the United States. Talk to your doctor and find out what the most effective treatment is for you.
If you know of someone that suffers from dog allergies, take note that not all people react the same way to the same allergen. One person may simply sneeze and have watery eyes when in contact with a dog. Another person may have trouble breathing with only short exposure. Please treat all pet allergy requests and claims with the respect and concern they deserve.
References:
Humane Society
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The Asthma Center
For more information on specific allergies, check out the Grand Rapids Allergy Examiner's "What you need to know" articlesComments can be left below and are appreciated.
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