Dog Dander Allergy

For a person with Dog Dander Allergy, life in a dogloving country is not easy. Dog dander gets everywhere, including places where dogs have never set a paw. So, how can you get through life with an allergy to man’s best friend?

What causes dog dander allergy ?

It is not the dog’s hair or fur that is the real problem. Instead, people are usually allergic to the dander – flakes of dead skin. Dander is a particular problem because it is very small and can remain airborne for long periods of time with the slightest bit of air circulation. It also collects easily in upholstered furniture and sticks to your clothes.

You might wonder why dog dander has such an effect on you. People with allergies have an oversensitive immune system. Their bodies overreact to harmless substances – like dog dander – and attack it as they would bacteria or viruses. The sneezing and watery eyes are just side effects of the body’s attempt to destroy or flush out the allergen.

How do you treat dog dander allergy?

Dog allergy can be treated with standard allergy drugs. Your doctor might recommend antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroid nasal sprays. Allergy immunotherapy is another option for people with dog allergy.

Allergen immunotherapy could provide long lasting benefit. You can “train” your immune system not to react exaggerated to an allergen anymore. This is done through a series of allergy shots called allergen immunotherapy. One to two weekly shots expose you to very small doses of the allergen, that causes an allergic reaction. The dose is gradually increased, usually during a three-to six-months period. Maintenance shots are needed every four weeks for three to five years. allergen immunotherapy is usually used when other treatments like antisymptomatic medication are not satisfactory.