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Symptoms of Dog Allergies in Humans

If you are worried that you may be allergic to your canine buddy, check the symptoms of dog allergies first before taking any drastic steps to stop the problem.

When a person is allergic to a dog, it is normally due to the dander, not the fur. Dander is flakes of dead skin that can be spread by the shedding of fur, in saliva, and even in dog urine. The dander can stick to items all over your home including your furniture, your carpeting, drapes and bedding. This invisible enemy can be hiding even in your clothing.

Some signs of being allergic to dogs include:

• Itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Wheezing
• Sneezing
• Redness on the skin after being licked by a dog

If a person already has asthma, being exposed to a dog can sometimes cause severe asthma attacks and can be very dangerous. These symptoms can show up minutes after being exposed to a dog, or they can some times take up to a day or two before they rear their ugly heads.

Before you look for a new home for Fido, consult with your doctor about your problem. Your doctor will be able to run some tests to determine if you are, in fact, allergic to your beloved best friend. Your doctor can also talk to you about your options and what medications may work for you.

Frequent cleaning can help to keep the dander off of the carpet and furniture. Keeping the dog out of your bedroom may help as dander can hide in the blankets and pillows.