Dog despite dog allergy?

Actually speaking, it is not the dog hair itself that triggers an allergic reaction in some people. It is the allergens contained in dog dander, sebum, saliva and urine that attach themselves to the coat. If these particles get through the air to the eyes or into the respiratory tract, the typical symptoms occur:

• Itching, tearing and burning of the eyes
• Redness of the eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Frequent sneezing
• Running or stuffy nose
• Scratchy throat
• Cough
• Breathing problems, which can develop into allergic asthma.
• Redness and swelling of the skin
• Hives 

To trigger the symptoms, it does not even need physical contact with the animal. Just the animal hair on upholstery and carpets in the room already cause problems for allergy sufferers. Since the dog allergy belongs to the immediate type allergies, the complaints occur immediately and worsen within a short time.

Dog lovers with dog allergies can breathe a sigh of relief: there are actually some breeds of dogs that produce fewer allergens and are therefore at least suitable for allergy sufferers without asthma. It is true that all dogs produce the same protein compounds that trigger an allergic reaction. However, the amount differs from breed to breed and also between females and males. Therefore, it may be that you react to one dog with severe symptoms, but to the other dog not at all.

An important criterion when purchasing a dog for the allergy household: the dog breed should lose as little hair as possible, so that the allergens are not distributed throughout the apartment. The length of the hair does not matter. Some short-haired breeds, for example, lose particularly much fur and are therefore not suitable for allergy sufferers.

Here you will find a list of breeds that produce less allergens or. less hair and therefore also for people with dog allergy could come into question:

• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Labradoodle
• Goldendoodle
• Snauzer
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Bichon frisé
• Portuguese water dog
• Shi Tzu
• Bolonka Zwetna
• Barbet

However, there is no one hundred percent guarantee. Inform yourself before the acquisition of a dog, whether the possibility exists to spend a trial period with the quadruped of choice. Because only through direct contact with the animal you can determine whether you are allergic or not.

You have decided despite dog allergy to get a four-legged friend in the house? Then you should pay attention to a few things so that you remain as free of complaints as possible:

• Remove upholstery and carpets regularly from the dog hair. Ideally, replace the sofa and armchairs with furniture made of leather or imitation leather. Instead of carpet, laminate, parquet or tiles are suitable for allergy sufferers, since the allergens settle here less and the floors can be cleaned faster.
• Dust traps offer the allergens a lot of surface to settle on. Therefore, rather remove anything plush or fabric that is not necessary in the home. Curtains simply replace with blinds.
• Ventilate the apartment thoroughly several times, so that the concentration of allergens is reduced. An air purifier additionally filters the allergens from the air.
• Wash your hands after every animal contact and change clothes after romping around with your dog. The dog fur should also be brushed and washed regularly.
• In the bedroom, unfortunately, your dog has no business, because only in a clean environment you can also breathe liberated and sleep well. Also, wash the bed linen at short intervals and change clothes in another room, so you do not carry the allergens into the bedroom.
• If it still comes to the typical allergy symptoms, nasal sprays and eye drops help. Pollival® nasal spray and Pollival® eye drops with the active ingredient azelastine are preservative-free and therefore very well tolerated. They stop the allergic reaction and let the symptoms subside quickly.

To get the dog allergy in the long term under control, a specific immunotherapy (SIT) is possible, in which the body is gradually accustomed to the allergens until he no longer overreacts. It lasts an average of three years and is performed by a doctor.