Dog Allergy and Hives

An allergy is an unpleasant reaction, which is caused due to exposure to inhalant, food or something in dog's environment. The way through which the dog's immune system responds to allergen is known as hypersensitivity or allergic reaction. The number of dogs that possess allergies has increased in these recent years. Researchers have found that one in seven dogs suffer from allergic symptoms. Skin allergies are the common reasons dog owners take their pet dog to the veterinarian. The skin allergies can result into hives in pet owners.

Pet allergy can hit anyone anytime. Dog allergens are sticky, tiny and lightweight and can easily affect you when it comes in contact. Dog allergens attach to a dog's fur that increases the chances of hives in human beings. These allergens attaches to upholstery furniture, carpets, clothes, and mattresses. When human beings comes in contact with this allergen it results into hives and other skin problems. hence, it is essential to take your pet dog to a veterinarian and you should visit a dermatologists.

Dogs are loved by human beings for centuries and many people have them as pets. You can find dogs almost everywhere and hence dog allergens are bound to be in the air, this makes it difficult for someone who is allergic to dog allergen to not get affected by it. But there are ways to control allergic reactions and this article will provide information on how to prevent and treat dog allergy and hives caused due to dog allergy.

What causes a dog allergy and dog allergy hives? Can f 1 and Can f 2 are the two major dog allergens which exist in dog dander and dog saliva. It is also present in dog urine, serum, and feces but in lower concentrations. When a person who is susceptible to dog allergy gets in contact with a dog, allergic reactions get triggered in the person, which could also lead to hives.

Symptoms of dog allergy:

The following are some common symptoms of a dog allergy: asthma, hives, sneezing, stuffed nasal passages, red and inflamed eyes. Allergic reactions don't always occur immediately. People have different sensitivities to dog allergy and hence react differently to dog allergy. Some people may experience symptoms instantly while some take a day or two.

Prevention of dog allergy and hives:

For people with dog allergy, the best way to avoid allergic reactions is to stay away from dogs. But it is difficult for a dog owner to part ways from their dog, and hence will need to take some precautions to keep dog allergy and hives at bay. Below are some tips that will help to avoid dog allergy.

• Ensure that your dog is neutered.
• Give your dog a bath at least once or twice a week. Make sure you wipe your dog daily. If you are allergic to dogs get it done by someone else.
• Keep your dog outside the house or in a separate room within the house that has no carpet.
• Vacuum your carpet, sofas, upholstery and bedding frequently with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-equipped vacuum cleaner. Or get them dry clean.
• Install HEPA room air cleaners in the house.
• Ventilate all rooms in the house to reduce dog allergens and dust mites.
• Replace all air conditioner vent filters regularly.

Treatment of dog allergy and hives:

It is a good idea to take allergy shots if you have a dog in your house. Also, if affected by dog allergens, you can take antihistamines to reduce hives caused by dog allergens. Several creams are available to sooth itchiness caused by hives.

These are some ways in which a person can avoid dog allergy and hives caused by dog allergy.