People with allergies should be careful in deciding what type of pet they can safely bring into their home. More than 70 percent of the U.S. households have a dog or a cat. Pets provide comfort, security, and companionship. It is no wonder everyone wants a pet. What they don’t want is the allergy that may come with owning one.

Exposure to a pet may cause sneezing and wheezing. An estimated 10 percent of the population may be allergic to animals. Higher rates of 20 to 30 percent of people with asthma have pet allergies.

Human Allergies to Dogs

Thousands of people suffer from animal allergies. Some are heartbreaking cases of those who love their dog but must decide whether or not to keep the pet. Due to severe allergies, many may be forced to find a new owner for their dog.

The parts of the animal that people are most allergic to are the dander, the saliva, or the urine. Because dogs and cats are the most common pets, they top the list of pets people are also allergic to. In addition to this factor, people may be allergic to certain types of dogs and not to others.

What are the Symptoms?

People with multiple allergies are well aware that their allergies are acting up; they suffer from itchy eyes, runny noses, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin, or a rash. People that are unaware they have allergies, especially children, will suffer from some of these symptoms and have a greater increase in colds and asthma symptoms.

Are there Hypoallergenic Dogs?

There are no hypoallergenic dogs, nor are there any dogs that do not shed. All dogs shed, though some dogs have a much denser hair coat than others and shed a greater quantity of hair than those with a thinner coat. Since it is the dander and not the hair that is the problem, shedding is not important in allergy control. Some breeds, appear to have less dander and these include: Poodles, Terriers, and Schnauzers. Many people can be allergic to certain types of animals and not to others.

How can a person reduce allergic symptoms to a pet?

If you or a family member is part of the population who are allergic to pets, there are some things that you can do to help keep your allergic reactions under control. You can clean and vacuum regularly, bathe your pet weekly, brush your pet daily, do not allow the dog on the furniture, and do not allow the dog in the car.

It is impossible to avoid animals; they are an integral part of our lives. But, by adopting some good management skills, we can help make our allergies and life with our dog much better for both.