Dog Allergy: Am I doomed?

After felt like being watched for almost 20 minutes, a jogger came up to my bench and sat beside me.

“Hi!” He said with a caution look as he glanced over to see my dogs resting on our picnic mat about 9 feet away.

We causally chatted a bit and suddenly he asked me a question that I’d least expected from a total stranger, “Am I doomed to be dogless if I’m allergic to dogs?”

For a moment I couldn’t reply with absolute certainty. Not because I didn’t understand what he meant nor his peculiar way of phrasing it. But I’ve never had anyone queried me such a question ever since I left dog rescuer network 17 years ago.

Though I may know quite a fair bit about dogs but when it comes to medical know-how, I’m quite lost if I don’t do any research on it. So I told him to visit my blog after a day or two as I should be able to gather the needed information for him and others likewise.

Why Humans want Dogs as pets?

As many dog lovers would know that dogs are a source of companionship, security and happiness. Children and adults learn on responsibility, life and death through their relationships with their dogs. So when a dog lover realized that he or she cannot be a part of this special bonding, life to them seems a bit “empty”.

The statistics I gathered from the Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology estimates that 10 percent of the population may be allergic to animals. And within that figure, 20 to 30 percent of individuals with asthma have pet allergies.

Is there a Solution?

The most effective approach for those allergic to existing dogs is to give the dog away - rehome. It may not be the most pleasant thing to do as parting with a loved dog is a traumatic experience that many are not willing to go through. Fortunately, there are concrete steps that a household can take to help manage dog allergies, while keeping the dog.

What Cause Dog Allergic Reactions?

A common misconception is that it is the fur cause the reaction. In actual fact, it is the protein found in the saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) or urine of an animal. These tiny proteins can easily go airborne and can be easily inhaled. Some people react within minutes of exposure, whereas others may take eight to twelve hours to develop symptoms.

Dog allergy is mainly cause by their dander which is constantly being shed into the environment. And dog running in the park have been known to bring pollen and weed allergens back to the owners.

12 Steps to Dog Allergy Control Program

The Dog

• Bath: Give weekly bath for dogs who are leading semi-active lifestyle even for those smooth-coated dogs. Scottish Terriers will probably need twice weekly as they tend to get dirty skin through a build-up of dandruff. An extra mild dog shampoo would be the best option for dogs with extremely dry skin.
• Groom: Wear a face mask when you brush your dog’s coat outdoors to dislodge allergen. Stay a slight distant away from your closed door and windows.
• Nature call: Toilet trained your dog. Occasional trips to the park shouldn’t be deprived as long your dog gets his bath immediate after. Dog booties might help reduced bringing back allergens but I won’t rule that out as 100% effective without the needed bath. By the way, this is not a substitute or an excuse for dog owners with no pet allergy who simply put off walking their dogs at all.
• Bed: Avoid dog beds with faux feather, sheepskin and non-removable casing. Wash casings twice weekly. Vacuum areas where they can’t be dismantled for washing. Your best bet is to use waterproof dog bed or crate. You could use removable casing pillows for his extra comfort.
• Collar: Use washable dog collar and leash. Though your dog might not be using them much, at least the dog tag attached to his collar helps for identification should he go astray. Alternatively, micro-chipping or tattooing (both are permanent identification done by vets and specialized persons respectively) if you opt out any wearable items.
• No Trespassing: Keep the dog out of the bedroom. Though allergens can still be transferred by contact with clothes, it will reduce the allergen load.

Bed

• Use allergen-proof encasings over the pillow and mattress to prevent airborne dog allergen from accumulating in the mattress, pillows and comforter.
• Wash bed spreads, pillowcases and blankets, throws often – at least twice a week.

Air

• Use medical-grade air cleaners to remove airborne pet allergen.
• Make sure the allergic person is not in the room when vacuuming or sweeping the floor, making the bed, or performing any household chores that may send allergens airborne. If that isn’t possible, wear a mouth mask.

Floor and Upholstery

• Remove any carpeting or rugs, which are reservoirs for allergen. Otherwise, use an anti-allergen spray that can detoxify the allergen protein.
• Vacuum often using a vacuum cleaner with HEAP filter. Do not use normal or water-based vacuums as they send submicron allergens (fine dust) back into the air.

I’m not surprise after reading the dog allergy control program; you might put off having a dog at all. No doubt it does seem a lot of work to average folks, and not forgetting the added responsibilities you will or already have as dog owner.

I do suffer a mild allergy to dust and eczema (more prone to processed sugar), but I never let them determine my lifestyle or my love for dogs and animals in general. Therefore the extra responsibilities I have to undertake are never a chore to begin with. So let me ask you this…

Does it worth the little scarify you give in exchange for the love your dog bestows upon you?