Is Your Dog Making You Sick? How to Tell If You're Allergic to Dogs

For many people, a dog is not only a beloved pet but also a member of the family. But what if it turns out that your furry friend is making you sick? Are you allergic to dogs or is something else causing your symptoms? Let’s take a closer look at how to tell if you are allergic to dogs and what steps to take if that’s the case.

Signs of Dog Allergies

The most common signs of allergies are sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and skin, watery eyes, runny nose, congestion, difficulty breathing, hives, and rashes. If you experience any of these symptoms after coming in contact with your dog or entering a room with your pet in it, then you may have an allergy to dogs.

Testing for Dog Allergies

If you suspect that you are allergic to dogs, the best course of action is to get tested by an allergist. A skin prick test can identify specific allergens that cause your body’s reaction so that you can avoid them in the future. An allergist may also recommend immunotherapy shots or other medications in order to reduce symptoms associated with dog allergies.

Managing Dog Allergies

If the tests confirm that you have an allergy to your pet dog, there are still things that you can do so that both of you can remain together and happy! First off, vacuum regularly and consider getting a HEPA filter for your home’s air-conditioning system. It also helps if someone else takes care of bathing your pup every once in awhile since this activity stirs up plenty of dander into the air! Lastly, keep an eye on pollen levels as they tend to aggravate allergies too!

Conclusion

It's always heartbreaking when we find out our beloved pets make us sick. But don't worry—there are ways around it! By taking the proper steps such as getting tested by an allergist and making sure your home environment is allergen-free (through vacuuming, using filters etc.) , we can ensure our furry friends stick around without causing us any health issues down the line. So don't be afraid to get tested - because living happily ever after with our canine companions is more than possible!