Many people are allergic to dogs and can suffer reactions ranging from itchy eyes to severe wheezing and sneezing. However, new studies report that having a dog in your home may actually prevent babies from getting allergies and asthma later in childhood versus causing them.
Researchers from the University of California and the University of Michigan exposed mice to dust in homes where dogs live. They found that the mice developed a certain type of bacteria in their stomachs that protected their airways against allergens and viruses that cause respiratory infections, in addition to reducing immune system responses to common allergens. Although the tests were done on mice, the findings help to confirm why infants who grow up in houses with dogs are not as prone to allergies or asthma. It may also help researchers to identify a type of beneficial "gut bacteria or microbiomes" to prevent allergies in the future.
Dog
Allergies
This could be great news not only for kids who
suffer from allergies in general, but from allergies to pets as well. Nearly
40% of U.S.households have a dog, and the pet dander flies everywhere, not only where
the dogs live, but other places as well. It's not actually the dog's hair or
fur that causes the problem, it's actually the dander - flakes of dry skin - or
the dog's urine and saliva. Some people get hives or skin reactions when a dog
licks their face. Others have respiratory problems. This is because people with
dog allergies have oversensitive immune systems where substances like dog
dander almost attack like a virus. The watery eyes or wheezing is the body's
attempt to flush out the allergen.
Treatments
for Dog Allergies
If you're one of the unlucky ones who is allergic
to dogs, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines which essentially blocks the
chemical that causes allergies. There are ads on TV all the time for Claritin,
Zyrtec and Benadryl. There are also decongestants which help to reduce swelling
in the nose and congestion like Sudafed, and nasal steroid sprays like Flonase or Nasonex. If allergies are extremely
severe, there are always allergy shots, but these can take years to work.
If you are allergic to dogs, here's some preventative tips whether you live in a house with a dog or are just exposed to them:
Breeds
for Allergy Sufferers
There is no such thing as a hypo-allergenic dog. Some breeds
shed their skin every 3 or 4 days, while other shed every 21 days. There are
breeds that shed less frequently and therefore produce less dander. Here are
some dog breeds
that may be better if you suffer from allergies:
At Bark Busters, we can't imagine living without our furry friends. We keep on top of any new developments that will help people be able to enjoy their dogs without sneezing!