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Before getting a dog

by — Last updated: 2019-01-23 in Allergies

Table of Contents

An allergy is an exaggerated or hypersensitive reaction of the body's immune system to exposure to an allergen, producing a reaction such as itchy, burning or watery eyes, rashes, headaches, sneezing, asthma, etc.


Many people consider dogs to be a disposable asset, and get pets without thinking through the difficulties of living with them. Tragically, many animals lose their lives just for this reason. So before adding a pet to the family, carefully think through the decision along with other family members. Consider who can and will follow through on pet care responsibilities, and who really understand the measures one must take to manage pets in a home. Be realistic about the commitment you can reasonably make. If you aren't sure you will be able to keep the dog in your home for life, don’t get one!
One more thing – if your child is allergic to dogs, think twice before getting a dog. Is it really worth it to put your child through possibly severe allergic reactions just to have a pet? Even after the removal of the pet, it may take several months for the allergen levels in the home to decrease sufficiently enough not to cause allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals.

Perspective

Several recent studies have proven that very early exposure to animals can have positive benefits. A child being around dogs during infancy may actually significantly reduce the chances that it will develop allergies later in life. Researchers found that the longer children had pets when young, especially during their first two years, the lower their frequency of developing pet allergies later.
There are also some special cleaners made for cleaning the dogs of allergic owners. The most common is Allerpet cleaner! ALLERPET/D is formulated specifically for dogs and for people allergic to dogs, made for cleaning the hair of dander, saliva, and sebaceous gland secretions, the antigens considered the prime causes of allergic reactions to dogs.

Treatment

   1. Immunotherapy, commonly called allergy shots, can improve symptoms but cannot eliminate the allergy. It is about desensitizing a person's immune system to the pet allergens. Interestingly enough, real allergy-causing proteins are injected under the person's skin, triggering the body to produce antibodies. Patients are usually given one dose per week for a few weeks or months.

   2. Symptomatic treatment. This is simply relieving the already present symptoms of allergy - it can't prevent an attack. Some of the medications used are steroidal, antihistamine nose sprays, and antihistamine pills. Asthma requires a special kind of therapy; there are multiple medications, sprays, and inhalers available. Bronchodilators and inhaled sodium cromoglycate or corticosteroids can be used to control asthmatic attacks.