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If you decide to get a dog, that's great. Positive emotions, anti-stress, a devoted friend wagging his tail merrily - all in one bottle. However, in every barrel of honey there is a fly in the ointment. It must be said right away that an allergy to dogs, or rather, to dog hair, is one of the most common problems for allergy sufferers. About 38% of patients suffer from this ailment. An allergy to dogs manifests itself in the form of sneezing, lacrimation and other symptoms, which we will discuss in more detail later.
Causes
Let's make a reservation right away: the term "allergy to dogs" is not entirely correct, but it is accessible to the understanding of the townsfolk. The human body reacts immediately to the allergen, namely the protein contained in the fur and in the saliva of the animal. Also, the cause of the body's reaction can be ticks living in the pet's fur, animal waste products. An allergy may not be to the dog itself, but to particles of dust, soil and fluff that enter the apartment after walking with the dog. Therefore, doctors recommend taking a test for the presence of allergens , and not independently draw conclusions about the diagnosis.
Symptoms of the disease
Consider the signs by which you can determine if you have an allergy to dogs.
- Itching around the eyes, "sand" in the eyes
- Rash, redness around the eyes
- Edema of mucous membranes (eyes, nasopharynx)
- Lachrymation, copious discharge from the nose
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing
- Dry cough similar to an asthma attack
- Asphyxiation
- uncontrollable sneeze
Less often, allergies are manifested by vomiting, indigestion, which is easy to confuse with ordinary food poisoning. Be careful: allergies can make themselves felt both immediately and after a few hours.
Hypoallergenic breeds: fiction or truth
In our time, the term "hypoallergenic breed" is increasingly appearing. But literate people understand that Her Majesty Genetics has not yet reached such heights and is simply not ready to breed such breeds. But the existence of breeds that minimize the risk for allergy sufferers is undeniable.
- Short-haired dogs head this list, as their hair almost does not scatter around the house.
- Dogs without underseeding: less fluff, less problems.
- Coarse-haired pets: their hair is easier to cut and clean from surfaces.
- Animals that do not suffer from profuse salivation, because it is in saliva that the allergen is contained.
It is important to pay attention to the activity of the dog: whether it often barks, which means it spreads saliva through the air, which is an allergen. If you're allergic but can't live without a dog, get a calm breed that doesn't bark in the air every five minutes.
The size of the breed also matters: from small dogs there is less harm than from large ones, since the epithelium of the latter quickly scatters through the air and provokes an allergy attack.
The latest discovery surprised researchers: it turned out that light-haired dogs are less likely to provoke allergies than dark-haired dogs.
Harmless friends, or the "Golden" list of breeds
Breeds with which the most allergic people have the least problems:
- australian silk terrier
- american terrier
- Border Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Chinese Crested
- Papillon
- Poodle
- schnauzer
Diagnosis and treatment
body is not yet strong Dog hair can do a lot of harm to a child. The most severe consequences are anaphylactic shock and swelling of the larynx. Such symptoms require the presence of a doctor and immediate medical intervention. Every parent understands perfectly well that it is impossible to risk the health of their baby in any case. Only a doctor, after providing emergency first aid, prescribes antihistamines to a child, taking into account the results of tests and allergy tests in accordance with the age and weight of the child, taking into account all sorts of contraindications and side effects.
Do not self-medicate, consult a specialist.
Adults do not have to immediately run to the doctor. First, stop all contact with the allergen, namely: either move to another place yourself, or give the dog to friends for a while. Observe the reaction of the body: if the symptoms gradually disappear, the swelling subsides, and the cough completely recedes, we can confidently assume that you are allergic.
It is impossible to cure an allergy to dogs, because the body will always react to a foreign protein. But do not despair: modern medicine knows drugs that make life easier for allergy sufferers. These are antihistamines, for example, Claritin and other drugs. Also, a competent doctor is obliged to prescribe decongestants, for example, Sudafed. Nosal sprays will also relieve allergy symptoms.
Prevention
If you still dare to get a dog despite your allergies, or do not want to part with a pet that has become a member of your family, you should follow simple precautions.
Cleanliness is the key to health! And these are not empty words. Keep your pet clean: Studies show that bathing your dog 2-3 times a week significantly reduces the signs of dog allergies. Wash your dog's paws after each walk with your pet.
Cleaning in the apartment is also necessary: wipe dust from all surfaces more often. Replace heavy tulle with flying curtains, or better yet, change them to blinds or blinds.
Ventilate the room in which you are more often, and there more, sleep. Fresh air is always beneficial for a healthy person, not to mention an allergy sufferer.
It is also necessary to cut a puppy or an adult dog on time, but in no case should you do this business, contact a specialist or relatives. You do not need extra contact with the allergen. Take care of yourself, because it is not known what consequences this interaction will entail.
Do not neglect simple advice, follow all the recommendations of experts, because health is a treasure that cannot be bought or sold.
It should be warned: if the symptoms of allergies are clearly manifested, and the state of health is getting worse, then, unfortunately, you will have to part with the dog. Find a friend good hosts and be healthy! Don't let allergies ruin your life. Breathe deeply and enjoy every day of your life!
