| Did you know that living with an indoor dog can | | | | the less allergens will stay in the home. For the |
| actually help a child to be safer from allergies? | | | | carpeted rooms, vacuum often with a HEPA |
| There is a chemical that dogs release called endotoxin | | | | equipped vacuum cleaner. Air cleaners can make a |
| that actually helps the immune system to develop | | | | really big difference in the severity and frequency of |
| which is beneficial for children. Usually those that | | | | allergy attacks. |
| have a dog allergy have developed this sensitivity by | | | | Even though your dog allergy is probably not caused |
| being in contact with a dog after their immune | | | | by his skin or hair, be sure to bathe the dog at least |
| system has already developed. While dogs may be | | | | once or twice per week. This removes allergens |
| man's best friend, a dog allergy can be very difficult | | | | that are clinging to his skin and fur. Keeping your |
| for anyone to live with if they love their pet. What | | | | home scrupulously clean is also imperative when you |
| can a person do in order to treat this sensitivity, | | | | have a dog allergy. Steam clean your carpets once |
| other than send their pet away? | | | | or twice per year. Most vacuums will blow the |
| For one thing remember that the chemical that | | | | smaller particles of dust back into the air through the |
| causes a dog allergy usually comes from their saliva | | | | exhaust so you will need to get a vacuum that has |
| and not their skin. This is unlike a cat allergy, which | | | | some type of HEPA filter that traps microscopic |
| is usually triggered by cat hair and dander. A dog's | | | | particles of dust from being blown back into the air. |
| saliva contains albumin, which causes an allergic | | | | Dust all your furniture and surfaces several times per |
| reaction in many. So obviously the first thing you | | | | week with a damp cloth (a dry cloth only spreads |
| need to do when you have a dog allergy is keep the | | | | dust around rather than actually getting rid of it), and |
| dog from licking your hands and face! When the | | | | don't forget to regularly clean window blinds and |
| dog licks themselves this sticky protein is deposited | | | | curtains as well. |
| on the hair along with dead skin cells. When the dog | | | | If none of these things help and you don't want to |
| hair comes into contact with dust, clothing, curtains, | | | | get rid of your dog, talk to your doctor. He or she |
| furniture, or you, the protein will stick to the surface | | | | can recommend options to treat your dog allergy |
| of the object. After playing or wrestling with your | | | | with medications and other options. You may also |
| dog, this saliva can trigger an allergic reaction that | | | | get regular shots which help your immune system to |
| lasts for hours. | | | | build up a tolerance for the dog as well. |
| It also helps to make sure the dog is outside as | | | | Of course for a severe dog allergy you may just |
| much as possible. When the dog is indoors he will | | | | need to part with your pet. Being able to breathe is |
| spread the allergen all around the house that much | | | | of course much more important than any family pet. |
| more, causing the reaction of your dog allergy. It | | | | |
| can also help to remove the carpeting in your house | | | | Always consult your doctor before using this |
| in as many rooms as possible; opt for hardwood | | | | information. |
| floors in various rooms. The less carpet you have, | | | | |