Pets provide companionship, security, and a sense of comfort; and more than 70 percent of the United States households have a dog or cat. However, people with allergies need to be careful when trying to decide which kind of pet they can safely bring home.

Being exposed to a pet can leave you sneezing and wheezing. Ten percent of the population is probably allergic to animals. Higher rates of 20-30 percent of people with pet allergies are also suffering with asthma.

Human Allergies to Dogs

There are thousands of people who suffer from allergies to animals. Some of the most heartbreaking cases are people who dearly love their dog and then develop a severe allergy to her and must decide between keeping her or placing the dog in a new home.

The dander, saliva, and the urine are the areas of the dog that people are allergic to. Because dogs and cats are the most common pets, they top the list of animals that people are allergic to. Certain species of animals may contribute to allergies more than other species.

What are the Symptoms?

People who have multiple allergies may be aware when their allergies are responding; they may suffer from runny noses, itchy eyes, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin, or a rash. Those that are not aware of their allergies may think that they simply have a cold.

Are there any hypoallergenic dogs?

Hypoallergenic dogs do not exist. There is also no such thing as a dog that does not shed. All dogs shed! Some dogs do have a denser coat of hair that other dogs, so they would shed a great deal more than a dog with thinner hair. It is the dander and not the hair that causes the allergy. Breeds with less dander include: Poodles, Schnauzers, and Terriers. Many people can be allergic to some types of dogs and not to others.

How can a person reduce symptoms to a pet?

There are some things that you can do to help keep your reactions at bay, if you or a family member is part of the population allergic to dogs. You can do some of the following to make your home more comfortable: Bathe your pet weekly, do not allow the pet on the furniture, do not allow your pet in the house, or do not allow the pet 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.