About Pet Allergies

Joel Santoso asked:


Up to 50 million Americans, including 2 million children, have some type of allergy. For most people, allergies are just an inconvenience. According to the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease, they are a major cause of disability in the U.S. In fact, it has been estimated that allergies account for the loss of over two million school days per year.

What Are Allergies?

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system toward a substance that is typically harmless to most people. But in someone with an allergy, the body’s immune system treats the substance, called an allergen, as an invader and reacts inappropriately resulting in harm to the person.

Who Gets Allergies?

Children inherit allergic tendencies from their parents. A few children have allergies in spite of no family member having these, but if one parent has allergies, there is a one in four chance that a child will also have allergies. The risk increases if both parents have allergies.

Do I Have an Allergy to Something?

Some allergies are fairly easy to identify because the pattern of symptoms following certain exposures can be hard to miss. But other allergies are less obvious because they can masquerade as other conditions.

How Are Allergies Treated?

There is no cure for allergies, but symptomatic relief is possible. The most effective is by reducing or eliminating exposure to allergens. If reducing exposure is not feasible or is ineffective, medications may be prescribed. In some cases, an allergist may recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots) to help desensitize you. There are also medications you might be able to give yourself, including antihistamines and inhaled or nasal spray steroids. One medical suggestion is: ZYRTEC®

Just 1 dose of ZYRTEC® (cetirizine HCl) a day can keep allergy symptoms under control, year-round. Symptoms from both indoor allergies, like pet dander and dust. And outdoor allergies, like trees and ragweed. Plus, ZYRTEC is approved to treat indoor allergies in infants 6 months and up.

Some common allergies include those to:

Grasses

Mold Spores

Marsh Elder

Ash

Pigweed

Oak

Fall Elm

Mesquito

Elm

Sage

Red Berry Juniper

Pecan

Mountain Cedar

Ragweed

Willow

Privet

Cats

Dogs

Bees

Peanuts

Dust Mites

Food

Metals/nickle:

40 percent increase in nickel allergies is blamed on the new body piercing rage. Also some ingest nickel in foods and from chewing pens and paper clips.

Cobalt and chromium can also produce allergic reactions, but to a lesser degree than nickel. once a nickel allergy develops, it lasts for a lifetime.

Animals:

All warm-blooded, furry animals, such as the average household pet, can cause allergic reactions. This is because of proteins in their saliva, dander, and urine. When the animal licks itself, the saliva gets on the fur. As the saliva dries, protein particles become airborne and work their way into fabrics in the home. Cats are the “worst offenders” because their salivary protein is extremely tiny and they tend to lick themselves more than other animals.

Pollen:

Pollen is another important cause of allergies. Pollen allergies are seasonal. Trees, weeds, and grasses release these tiny particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Most people know pollen allergy as hay fever or rose fever.

Cockroach:

Cockroach body parts and waste products are also a major household allergen, especially in inner cities. Asthma rates of inner city children are high, probably due to air pollution and also cockroach exposure in overcrowded buildings.

Mold: One of the most commen allergen.

What is Mold?

Molds are fungi that thrive both indoors and out in warm, moist environments. As with pollen, mold spores are released into the air to reproduce. Mold is produced by several varieties of fungus. These fungi are single-celled organisms that have been around since the beginning of time.

Where can molds be found?

Although molds can be seasonal, many thrive year-round, especially those indoors. Outdoor molds may be found in poor drainage areas, such as in piles of rotting leaves or compost piles. Indoor mold thrives in

dark, moist and poorly ventilated places, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms or damp basements (especially after flooding).

How do I know if I have a mold build up?

A mold test kit can be a easy soultion but does cost money, or you can simpley check crawl spaces for standing water, look for condensation forming around windows, and dampness in or on basement walls. If you are experiencing health problems, check bathrooms, bedrooms and family rooms as well. Mold requires three things to grow and multiply. It requires dampness, warmth, and a food source. Find areas that have these three things and you will surely find mold and mildew. Also a musty odor suggests mold growth.

How does mold affect my health?

Only in recent years have medical authorities realized what a health risk the kind of mold that grows in wet basements can be. According to the New York City Department of Health, in people who are allergic to it, mold can cause:

respiratory and eye irritation

flu-like symptoms

fatigue

trouble breathing

coughing

sinus congestions

nausea

chronic headache

loss of memory

other symptoms

Also when mold starts to reproduce inside a home, it can eat away at the structure, causing thousands of dollars in damage

How can I prevent mold build up and how can I keep allergy symptoms down?

Mold requires three things to grow and multiply. It requires dampness, warmth, and a food source. Simpley make sure you dont allow all three things to take place in your house. Mold is everywhere, and you wont completly rid yourself of ever having any contact with mold, but you can surley battle it.

Mold and mildew release mold spores in the air that can float throughout the house. There are several mold cleaning, prevention, and mold removal methods to deal with this problem. 2 suggestions are: Bio-Kleen and Sure Cote Mildew Resistant Coating.

Bio-Kleen can be used in any application in which you want to inhibit colonies of mold, mildew, alga, bacteria and other odor causing organisms. Easy to apply by spraying, wiping or soaking. Allow to air dry.

Sure Cote is a clear non-yellowing , non-toxic, odorless, interior/exterior, mildew resistant coating. It is designed to protect any surface exposed to moisture, high humidity or weather. Will not discolor, stain, stiffen or harm any surface which it recommended for use and gives year round protection.

It is important to try and prevent mold and mildew growth, but if it’s too late, try mold remediation and mold removal.

Allergic reactions can manifest themselves in many different physical ways, most of them extremely unpleasant. In the case of environmental allergens such as hay fever or pet dander, it is possible to limit allergic reaction severity by focusing on a diet that boosts the body?s ability to fight off reaction effects. Many of the materials that are found in medicinal allergy relief are extracted from naturally occurring ingredients in certain foods and drinks, and including these in your diet will help to alleviate your allergic symptoms. It is important to remember that these foods are for fighting environmentally triggered allergies only, and the only way to avoid food allergy symptoms is to avoid the food that cause it.

Green tea is quickly making a name for itself as a general purpose, natural cure-all. Recent studies have shown that green tea may help to combat environmental allergies as one of its many treatment applications. In an article published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Japanese scientists claim to have isolated a compound found in green tea that blocks one of the cell receptors that is key in triggering the allergic response. Because green tea is less processed than any other kind of tea, its natural composition remains unaltered and thus the compounds within it are more concentrated and better able to produce results than those found in different varieties of tea.

The acids found in Omega-3 fatty acids also are beneficial in fighting allergies, as the acid acts as a natural anti-inflammatory

by countering the formation of inflammatory chemicals. There are several foods which are very high in Omega-3 fatty acids, including several kinds of seafood and fish; salmon, haddock, herring, trout, mackerel, and sardines are all full of these acids. Other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are soybeans, flaxseed, walnuts, and canola, and the fatty acids are also available in a more concentrated version through the oils derived from these foods. These oils can easily be included in your daily meals by adding them to the ingredients for your cooking.

Foods that have a high level of Vitamin E are also excellent in combating allergic reactions. Some of these foods include greens, which are also very strong-tasting. Spinach greens, mustard greens, chard and mustard greens are all very high in Vitamin E. The highest Vitamin E food is far and away dried sunflower seeds, which contain almost 91% of the recommended daily intake of the vitamin. Almonds are also high in Vitamin E, as are olives, papaya, and fresh blueberries. Any of these foods are an easy addition to a regular diet.

One last food to consider when thinking about intakes that will limit your allergic reactions are juices. Natural fruit juices are high in antioxidants, which help to fight the inflammatory effects that allergies produce. Make sure when you buy juice, though, that it is indeed natural. Many juices on the market do not contain a lot of natural juice, and it is the natural juice that is essential when it comes to containing antioxidants.

Article Source: http://www.findmysearch.com/allergies-resources/

Joel Santoso 2007. For answers to All your frequently asked questions about allergy information resorces, please go to: http://www.findmysearch.com/allergies-resources/



Carlos

Mike Krause asked:


It won’t be long before families will be gathering together to celebrate the many holidays that fall in the last two months of the year.  Windows will be washed, tablecloths ironed, and cakes cookies and pies baked in preparation of the arrival of out-of-town guests. Thoughtful hosts and hostesses will plan seating arrangements well in advance to make sure that dining partners get along. No arguments this year.

But what do you do if Aunt Sally is allergic to the dog or Uncle Bill can’t be anywhere near Fluffy the cat?  What about the guest that has environmental allergies like dust mites, pollen or molds?  Can you make your home as welcoming to them as your other guests?

Of course you can! With a little extra work and advance preparation everyone can enjoy the holidays together without the worry of a trip to the emergency room or a mad scramble for the inhaler.

If your guest has a pet allergy, they are sensitive to a protein that is found in the saliva and urine of your cat or dog (bunnies, hamsters, gerbils and horses can also cause allergy problems). This protein gets spread to the skin and fur of the animal when they clean themselves or empty their bladder. The protein dries to the fur or skin (dander) and is shed when the dander is shed. Because the problem is a protein, it can be denatured or rendered harmless.  You just have to know what to do and how to do it.

It is best if you can begin preparations several weeks in advance.  But if not, don’t panic you can still prepare.  As soon as possible, close the door to the bedroom in which your guests will sleep to keep the pets out of the room. Two to three weeks before the visit, begin wiping your pet down once a week with one of the Allerpet formulas.  While they mak one for all pets, we recommed the special formulations for dogs and cats. The cat formula can also be used on small mammals such as rabbits and hamsters.

These products are 100% safe for your pet and are made of ingredients that will denature the proteins that are already on the pet.  In addition, the residual action will help denature the additional proteins collected when the pet cleans them self. You can read more about Allerpet here.

Now two to three days before your guests arrive, thoroughly vacuum all fiber surfaces.  This includes carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, curtains and draperies.  Wipe down all hard surfaces such as furniture and damp mop floors.

You don’t want to do this just before your guest arrives, as most of what we call “cleaning” is really taking settled particles and throwing them up in air directly into the breathing space.

After everything is cleaned, go back over the fiber surfaces with a denaturing spray such as the ADS or ADMS sprays made by Alkaline Laboratories.  These sprays use organic and inorganic agents to neutralize the protein from animals, dust mites, mold, and pollens.  It is not necessary to saturate the fiber.  A light misting will do just fine.  The surface should dry within 15 minutes.  If not you put on too much. The ADS is the stronger solution, as it contains tannic acid.  Tannic acid is one of the most effective denaturing agents on the market.

However, you must be careful in its use.  It is not appropriate for water sensitive fabrics such as silks, wools, and Haitian cotton and can discolor white fabrics.

If you have any of these fabrics or are concerned about the tannic acid, then use the ADMS spray.  It does not contain tannic acid.  The Alkaline labs produce a wide range of allergen control denaturing agents and you can read more about ADS, ADMS, and the other products they make at Allersearch Labs.

The day before your guests arrive, put clean sheets on the bed, vacuum the room, and don’t forget to close the door again to keep out the pets. Lightly mist all the fabric chairs, sofas and other fabric surfaces once again with the ADS or ADMS spray and wipe the pet down again with Allerpet.

When guests arrive, keep the pets and guests separated as much as possible. I know, cat’s go where cats want to go. After you handle your furred family member, be sure to wash your hands before giving hugs or handshakes with the allergic family member.

Lastly, sit back and relax knowing that you have made your home as safe as possible and enjoy the company of your pet-sensitive guests. Happy Holiday…



Robin

coxyswife25 asked:


my step-sons grandmother says that he is soo alligeric to pets that he has had 8 strokes and he is only 9 i was just wanting to know if it was possible.

Carrie

Steve A Madigan asked:


If you think about it, it is kind of said to the people who really want a dog so bad but can’t get one. They are looking for the companionship of man’s best friend but the problem is they are allergic to the dogs. Most people who are allergic to canines are really allergic to their fire or to the dander. If you think about it the dander of the dog is really just like dandruff for humans.

Just because someone is allergic to dogs doesn’t mean I have to go their whole life without being able to have a pet. What it means is they need to find one of the many breeds of dogs that are for people with allergies. This way they can have their dog, and the companionship of the pet, and not have an allergy reaction or a sneezing fit every time they are around the pet.

CockAPoo, What the heck is that?

You have probably heard of one of the many breeds of dogs for people with allergies. For example a CockAPoo who is a dog for people with allergies. A CockAPoo who is really a cocker spaniel mixed with poodle. One thing nice about poodles and what makes them an excellent dog for people with allergies is that poodles do not shed. Being in at the poodles do not shed makes them a great breed of dog for people with allergies.

One of the reason that the poodle breed is bred with other dogs is so there are other breeds of dogs for people with allergies. This is really great news for the people who’ll always wanted a dog but just could not get one because of their allergic reactions.

Check your local pet store

What you can do is ask your local pet store if they have any dogs for people with allergies. Just because you have an allergic reaction with some dogs that doesn’t mean that you will have the same affect with all breeds of dogs. You can do some research online for breeds of dogs that are good for people with allergies, and then choose one that suits you.

There really is nothing like the companionship of a dog. Whether it’s a big dog or even a small dog. A dog is an extremely loyal pet and in this very protective of its owner. So if allergies have prevented you from getting a dog you don’t have to worry any longer. Do your research and you will find the canine that will work with your allergies.

All you have to do is remember the important thing if you are allergic to dogs. Find a dog that doesn’t shed. They shedding in most cases is what is going to cause your allergy attack. Anyone can find a dog that will work with people with allergies you just have to know where to look.



Ruth

Albert asked:


Before making any decision to get a cat, you should look into whether you and your family members are allergic to cats. Many people are allergic to cats, some more so than others. Too often, people bring home a pet only to find out later that they or their children are allergic to cats.

Although pet allergy symptoms can be keep under control, in many cases for some allergy sufferers, the various sneezing, stuffy nasal passages and itchy, watery eyes become too much to bear. Eventually, it becomes virtually impossible for them to stay with the cat.

As a result, many cats are sent to animal shelters each year as their allergic owners can no longer bear the severity of their allergy symptoms.

Even if you do not suffer from cat allergies, consider others close to you who may no longer feel comfortable visiting your home because they are allergic to cats. It would be very unfair to the cat later on if you had to give it away just because your social life declines.

For those who are mildly or sporadically allergic to cats, you can follow these strategies in order to have cats living in the same household. As you know, most allergies occurred due to the presence of danger particles in the air, and to control these danger particles, just follow the strategies below:

1) Apply cat safe, anti-allergy wipes or sprays to the cat’s fur recommended by your vet

2) Use vinyl or leather furniture instead of upholstered

3) Replace carpets with hard floors

4) Prohibit your cat from entering your bedroom

5) Clean your air-con filters, furnace and ductwork regularly

6) Use an air purifier to eliminate the danger particles

7) Use hot water to wash your bed linens regularly

Wrap mattresses and pillows with plastic covers to prevent dander from settling in the bedding

9) Use distilled water to bathe the cat once a month

Allergies should be treated immediately to prevent weakening of your body’s immune system. Prolonging your treatment will lead to other problems, such as bronchitis, asthma, or sinus or ear infections. It may even lead to life threatening cases if allergic responses are severe enough.

If you are experiencing symptoms that would not go away, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause. A test can then be perform on you to determine the exact allergens that are causing your symptoms so that an appropriate treatment can be administer on you.



Pamela

Krishan asked:


Allergies to pets can happen at any time without any apparent reason. Dogs and cats are the most likely offenders by virtue of their being in and around the home. However, any animal is potentially allergenic to persons handling it or coming into contact with its usual haunts.

The problem is caused not by the hair of the animal but by powder-fine flakes of skin, known as dander, which are present in the coat of the animal and deposited on carpets, chairs and other places where it may have lain. Individuals may find themselves sensitive to several different species of animals or conversely to a specific breed within the same species. For example, while one person may be allergic to all cats and possibly dogs, another person may be affected only by a specific breed of cat. Children, in particular, are prone to pet allergies due to their tendency to cuddle and play with their pets and, especially, to hold them close to their faces.

The usual symptoms are associated with the respiratory system in the form of hay fever, running nose, etc. but can also occur as a rash at the various points of contact. By far the most alarming symptom can be an asthma attack which may vary in strength from mild to severe. An ongoing, sporadic asthma condition is likely until the cause is identified and removed. In the case of a pet this would mean banishment from the house and may even necessitate finding it a new home. Some relief of symptoms may be gained if the pet is groomed regularly by another person and away from the house. This would have the effect of minimizing the number of loose danders which cause the allergy.

Another symptom commonly associated with pet allergies is a rash called papular urticaria. In this case, the allergy is not caused by the dander but by the fleas which inhabit the animal. The rash, if scratched, will form bumps and cause the skin to harden and darken. An effective treatment is the application of calamine lotion and avoidance of contact with the animal concerned. Regular applications of flea powder to the pet can minimize the problem.

An uncommon but very nasty condition can result from contact with birds and is called ‘bird fanciers lung’. This is caused by a fungus which grows on bird droppings. Spores from the fungus are inhaled, causing the lining of the lung to become inflamed. Untreated, this condition can cause serious and permanent damage. People who work with birds are usually aware of this danger and take steps to avoid its occurrence.

Allergies to Insects

Allergies to insects can be caused by bites, stings, cast off hairs or scales. By far the most serious are those caused by bee and wasp stings. In the United States they cause more deaths than bites from venomous animals. Most people do not suffer more than minor symptoms but, for the unfortunate few, serious illness and even death can result.

Recent investigations into bee stings have produced some interesting findings. The bee, if brushed away, will leave behind both its sting and a venom sac which continues to pump venom through the barb into the victim. However, if the bee is left to withdraw the sting itself, the injection of venom is much less, resulting in minimal discomfort. Wasps have a different kind of sting mechanism resulting in the victim receiving a full dose every time.

Some people may develop a partial immunity to bee and wasp stings which can increase the more they are stung. Others may become more and more sensitive until they reach a point where they develop a large-scale reaction to stings and can die. We are not, however, talking about the unfortunate person who is stung many times by a swarm of such insects. That situation would cause serious consequences, irrespective of sensitivity.



Vicki

Colleen Finnegan asked:


When you have indoor allergies to dust, mold and pet dander, you come into contact with allergy irritants all year round.  This contact can be the highest in your bedroom, where you come to rest and rejuvenate, but may end up worsening allergy symptoms. The high levels of allergens found in your bedroom can affect your health, and the path to a healthier night’s sleep is through reducing your exposure to allergens and therefore preventing allergy symptoms.  While steps should be taken throughout the home to reduce allergens, start in the bedroom as you spend the most time here.   When you take these allergy relief steps, you’ll be on your way to a healthier home and a healthier night’s sleep.

Step 1:  Cover Your Pillow and Mattress in Dust Mite-Proof Allergy Encasings

Over 1 million dust mites can live in a single bed.  These dust mites love the dark, warm and humid environment found in any bedding, such as your pillows, mattress, box spring, comforter, blankets or linens.  You are allergic to dust mite allergens, which are the dust mites’ dead bodies and fecal particles.  You can protect yourself from the large source of allergens within the bed by using allergy-proof covers (or ‘allergy encasings’), which create a barrier between you and the allergens inside.  Certain allergy encasings may also protect against pet dander that has built up in the bed and are helpful if you have pet allergies.  The allergy encasings zip fully around your pillow or mattress, and the most recommended encasings, such as Allergy Control® encasings, are made from tightly woven fibers that are breathable, totally comfortable and easy to care for.  Scientific studies prove the effectiveness of including these allergy encasings on your bed, and by taking this simple step, you can make a lasting difference toward a healthier night’s sleep.

Step 2:  Wash Your Bedding Frequently

After including Allergy Control® encasings on the bed, it’s important to wash any other bedding, such as linens or blankets, frequently in hot water.  Physicians recommended washing every 1 to 2 weeks, as hot water washing removes the dust mite allergens from bedding that contribute to your allergy symptoms.  If you prefer not to wash in hot water, special allergen-removing laundry products such as Allersearch Allergen Wash or de-mite Laundry Additive can remove dust mite allergens in any temperature.

Step 3:  Clean Regularly to Reduce Allergen Levels

Regular cleaning of your bedroom and home will keep allergen levels lower.  Focus on the bedroom, following these 6 Steps for Allergy Relief and then use similar methods throughout the house.  Prioritize your efforts to those cleaning steps that are the most practical and beneficial for removing allergens.  An allergy sufferer should avoid being home when cleaning is done, or wear a face mask when others clean or when doing the cleaning.  A face mask similar to Allergy Zone face mask includes a center valve that filters allergen particles while allowing breath to flow comfortably for easy use while cleaning.

Step 4:  Remove or Treat Carpeting, the Second Largest Source of Dust Mite Allergens

Dust mites like to burrow into the fibers of the carpet, and as a result, the carpet is the second largest source of dust mite allergens after the bed.  Removing the carpet in favor of hardwood or tile floors is the best option.  If removing the carpet is not possible, clean the carpet with an allergy-related carpet treatment that is designed to kill dust mites or denature (meaning to ‘deactivate’) allergens.  Also remove heavy curtains in favor of light, washable versions or blinds, and select leather or wipe-able furniture over stuffed upholstered furniture.

Step 5: Filter Air with HEPA Air Cleaners, Air Filters and HEPA Vacuums to Remove Airborne Allergens

Allergens can circulate in the air in your home and using air filters and HEPA filtration products such as HEPA Air Cleaners and HEPA Vacuum Cleaners will trap these allergens to decrease the irritants that you may inhale.  Allergy-free® air filters in your central air/heat system will trap allergens from further circulating through the vents.  HEPA air cleaners and HEPA air purifiers will trap 99.97% of allergens down to 0.3 microns that flow through the HEPA filter.  HEPA air cleaners will trap dust, mold spores, pollens and more and are especially helpful for pet allergies as pet dander remains airborne for longer periods of time for improved filtration.

Step 6:  Dehumidify Air to Reduce Dust Mite and Mold Levels

Dust mites and molds thrive in humid environments.  Keeping humidity levels below 50% will decrease the growth of each, which will reduce the allergens in your home. Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to keep levels ideally between 35 – 40%.    Monitor humidity levels with a gauge to make sure that you’re in the right zone, even in the winter when using a humidifier.



Hector

Ceci Webster asked:


I am getting a large breed dog who has food allergies. He is allergic to wheat, corn, and soy products. I am looking for a brand of dog food that is sold in the United States. Does anyone know any or have dogs with a similar condition?

Ramon

sharon asked:


Just like people, animals can suffer allergic reactions to a wide variety of environmental substances, or allergens. Seasonal allergens, such as grass, tree and weed pollens are common culprits. Other allergens causing year-round symptoms include foods, molds, dust mites, insects and other materials found in the home environment.

Skin disease and allergies are some of the most difficult and frustrating problems treated in veterinary medicine today. Veterinarians report that up to 1 in 4 dogs seen in their practice are treated for allergies. Solving these dermatology cases and establishing effective treatment can be challenging.

An appropriate allergy diagnosis consists of a thorough physical examination, which includes a complete dermatological history. Common questions asked of the pet owner include, “Is this problem seasonal? Is the problem worse indoors or outdoors? Has the pet’s environment changed recently? What are you feeding your pet?”

The clinical signs of environmental allergies in dogs and cats are pruritic, such as biting, scratching, face rubbing, feet chewing and constant licking. These result in hair loss, chronic ear infections and skin disease. Secondary infections such as pyoderma, staff and malassezia are also common.

In addition, allergic dogs will often chew on their feet until they are irritated and red (the feet are the only place dogs have sweat glands and these become inflamed with allergies). They may rub their faces on the carpet or couch, or scratch their sides and belly. Because the wax-producing glands of the ear overproduce as a response to the allergy, they get ear infections.

The skin lesions seen in an allergic dog are usually the result of him mutilating his skin through chewing and scratching. Sometimes there is hair loss, which can be patchy or inconsistent over the body leaving a mottled appearance. The skin itself may be dry and crusty, reddened, or oily depending on the dog. It is very common to get secondary bacterial infections of the skin due to these self-inflicted lesions. Such infections may be treated with antibiotics.

ELISA serum testing offers a valuable alternative to skin testing to identify the specific allergens that are causing a pet to suffer. The pet does not have to be sedated or shaved to test, and this test does not require a veterinary dermatologist. Any veterinarian can simply draw the blood and submit the serum to the laboratory for testing.

It is common for a pet to have multiple allergies, including food, inhalant and contact allergens. While allergies can never be cured, they can be managed and treated with Immunotherapy.



Lillian

David Cowley asked:


Is there such a thing as an allergy free dog? To answer this question you first must understand what an allergy is. If you have dog allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies.

The allergy producing proteins called allergens are produced in the dogs skin. When the dog licks himself or herself this sticky protein in the dead skin cells is deposited on the hair. When the dog hair comes into contact with dust, clothing, furniture, curtains, or you, the protein will stick to the surface of the object. Pet hair itself does not product allergic reactions in individual, but the dog dander that sticks to the dog hair will.

So the answer to the question is there such a thing as an allergy free dog is a resounding no. All dogs will produce this type of allergens and it will be found in the dog’s dander, saliva, or urine. The good news is that depending on the severity of the allergy reaction, the care you take in avoiding them, and the type of dog you have you may still own a dog.

When searching for hypoallergenic pets your first stop should be the American Kennel Club (AKC). They listed some dog breeds that they considered to be the most suitable for allergic individuals.

Consider Poodles, Airedales, and Schnauzers because they shed their skin about every 21 days whereas German Shepard and Irish Setters shed their skin about every three days. Less dander means less contact with the allergy producing allergen.

Another considerations are dogs that do not shed their hair very often or have very little hair to shed. Less airborne hair means less chance of you coming into contact with the allergen. You should consider the Poodle, Chinese Crested, Labradoodle (cross between a Labrador and a Poodle), Mexican Hairless, Chihuahua, Greyhound and Basenji.

The only true pet allergy test is for you to come into contact with the dog. Find a breeder or pet shop owner that will allow you to be with the dog for a day or so. If no allergy symptoms show up then you may have found the type of dog best suited to your allergy problems. Allergies Type I can get worst over time so if you have even a slight allergy reaction during your contact with the breed of dog you are considering you will need to look at another breed. Dogs usually live to be over 10 years of age so the decision you make today will affect you for years to come.

Mild cases of Allergies Type 1 can be treated with common products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, and Quercitin.

Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from allergy symptoms.

Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.



Gilbert