Anyone who lives with allergies knows how unpleasant they can be, knocking you down with a range of symptoms affecting you from head to toe. Dogs feel our pain too, and can be allergic to many things like we are.
But if humans can be allergic to dogs (or, more accurately, their dander), can they be allergic to us? Here’s what to know.
Can dogs be allergic to people?
Like humans, dogs can be allergic to certain foods, skin irritants, and medications, as well as environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander. American Kennel Club (AKC). and yesthis includes humans russian,
is it new?
Even if you’ve had dogs your whole life, this may be the first time you’re hearing about the possibility that they may be allergic to people., And Dr Valerie FadokAn AKC veterinarian specializing in dermatology says there’s good reason for this.
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First, she says, Testing dogs for human dander allergy has only recently become a routine part of testing. In veterinarians’ offices. The second reason is related to fleas. like.
before that early 1990sWhen effective, modern, preventive flea control treatments became widely available, it was much less common for dogs to sleep in the bed with their humans, Fadok explains.
Now that excellent flea protection is in place, dogs cuddle up next to their people for long periods of time (especially in bed) And their exposure to dander—which, in turn, makes their human dander allergies noticeable in a way that they weren’t before, Fadok notes.
signs a dog is allergic to people
The symptoms of environmental allergies in dogs are fairly similar to those for any allergy, so if you experience any of the below, you should take them to the vet for tests to identify the cause. Will happen.
According to the AKC, there are signs that your dog may allergic to human dander (or any other environmental allergens) include:
- scratching and licking oneself, especially around the groin, anus, eyes, muzzle ears, paws and underarms
- moist, crustyor bare spots of skin
- runny nose and/or sneezing
- watery eyes
- hives
- Diarrhea
What to do if your dog is allergic to people
If your vet has determined that your dog is, in fact, allergic to human dander, they will also talk to you about the best ways to treat his allergy. depending on the type and severity of your dog’s allergic reaction vet recommends Long-term solutions, such as allergy shots, or short-term treatments, such as antihistamines, or cortisone creams to soothe their skin.
There are also things you can do at home Help reduce your dog’s risk For your dander (and other allergens), including:
- vacuum your house as much as possible
- switching to washable rugs, and washing them regularly
- using the an air purifier with a HEPA filter in your bedroom
- If Your Dog Is Sleeping in Your Bed, He’s Changing and wash frequent your bed
Report back to your vet after a few weeks with an update on your dog’s symptoms. If they stay the same or get worse, your vet will help you determine next steps.