We all know that a dog is a person's friend. And this truth is also relevant today. As the omniscient lady of statistics says, even in the largest metropolitan areas the dog is in every third family. It's easy to guess that you can face dog hair anywhere - even where dogs are strictly forbidden entry. No wonder - the wool remains on the soles of shoes, on the clothes of the owners. And goes for a walk around the city with them. It would seem that there is no problem in this. In any case, it should not be. However, everything is not so rosy, if a person is allergic to dogs. In this case, there are many difficulties, and human health is put under serious threat. But do not get too upset - in most cases, this allergy is quite realistic to keep in check. 
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to dogs
The allergy to our smaller brothers is practically no different from other types of allergic reaction. But briefly about the symptoms you still need to tell:
- Problems with the lungs
Osiplost voices, cough, wheezing in the bronchi andlungs, shortness of breath - all these signs indicate an allergic reaction to dogs. The degree of expression of these symptoms can be very different - it depends on the amount of the allergen, on the individual characteristics of the organism.
- Problems with the eyes
Practically in all cases, the allergic reaction does not spare the eyes - they blush, unbearably itch, lachrymation may appear - in short, all the charms immediately.
- Problems with a nasopharynx
In rare cases, it does without a cold. In some cases, the nose simply lays, but most often there are liquid mucous transparent discharge - in the course are packs of handkerchiefs. In especially severe cases, it can start to sore the throat and almost continuous sneezing begins. These symptoms are practically constant companions of an allergic reaction to dogs.
- Skin rashes
Very rarely, but sometimes there are also dermalmanifestations of allergy to dogs - a rash of varying intensity appears on the skin. Most often these rashes are localized in the area of the chest, hands and face. 
Why is this happening?
Where does this attack come from? Why not all people can enjoy the company of a furry friend? It is generally believed that the allergy develops specifically on the coat of a dog. In fact, this is not so! Almost always, the problem is not wool:
- Horny skin particles
The skin of a dog, like any other creature,constantly updated. And the dead cells peel off. It is these skin particles that often provoke the development of a strong allergic reaction. This allergic reaction most often leads to the appearance of coughing and wheezing.
- Proteins
A number of skin glands of dogs produce veryspecific proteins. They are found on the animal's skin, on its wool, as well as in saliva and urine. These tiny proteins easily spread in the air, settle on interior objects and human clothes. And it is enough for them to get on the mucous membranes, and sometimes even on the skin, so that the allergic reaction begins. Of course, only if the person has a predisposition to this type of allergy. Why is not all people allergic to allergies? Everything is explained very simply: the immune system is too sensitive in some people. And it reacts very sharply to certain substances (allergens), perceiving them as something aggressive - for example, as viruses or bacteria. Sneezing, a runny nose is just an attempt by the body to get rid of the invading allergen.
Diagnosis of an allergic reaction to dogs
Sometimes it is very difficult to determine whichan allergen in humans such a violent reaction. How can we understand that it was the dog that caused the indisposition? Of course, you can carefully monitor your condition and eventually notice a certain relationship. However, it is most reasonable to seek help from an allergist. The doctor will conduct the necessary studies to help identify the allergen. As a rule, a special blood test is done for this, which will accurately determine the allergens to which the body reacts. And sometimes resort to carrying out of dermal samples - on a skin small scratches make and on them put allergens dissolved in distilled water. After some time the doctor evaluates the result of allergic tests. Ignore these tests in any case impossible - very often the results are completely unpredictable. You can sin for years on four-legged fuzzy, avoiding contact with them in every possible way. And in fact it will prove to be an allergy to pollen, which the dog can bring on its wool from the street. Or, on the contrary, a person will suspect allergies to cosmetics, certain products, but he will not even think that his beloved four-legged friend is to blame for everything.
Treatment of allergic reactions
This type of allergic reaction is treated bythe standard scheme, but nevertheless the course of treatment should be selected by an allergist, taking into account all the features of the course of the disease and your overall health.
- Antihistamines
Antihistamines work on the followingprinciple: they block the effect of allergens on the human immune system. So, the allergic reaction does not develop. Despite the fact that almost all of these drugs are sold in a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, they need to be very careful. Some of them have a number of not very desirable side effects. The form of release is also different - syrups, drops, tablets and even sprays. Decongestants. In the event that the allergic reaction makes itself felt cold, you can not do without decongestants, which dilate the blood vessels and prevent stagnation of mucus. These funds very quickly remove uncomfortable sensations.
- Hormonal preparations
Hormonal drugs can be prescribed inthe most severe cases of an allergic reaction, when all other methods of treatment are powerless. These medicines without a doctor's prescription can not be bought. Yes, and do not try to do this - too high a risk to health. 
Prevention of allergies to dogs
So, the survey confirmed the worst fears -the allergy you really have on dogs. What to do next? Is it really necessary to part with a dog? In cases with severe allergic reactions - alas and ah, the answer to this question is positive. But in most cases you can do it in less radical ways. Firstly, it is very important to strictly follow all the recommendations of the attending physician, take a responsible attitude to the treatment. Secondly, remember a few simple rules:
- Place of animal
Every day, vacuum the litter of the animal andplaces where the dog is most often. Do not forget about the wet cleaning - doing it once a month is clearly not enough. At least once a week, the litter is to be washed to remove the wool and dander of the dog that have accumulated on it.
- Air Filters
If you can afford to purchase a dryfilter for air, you are very lucky. Such filters are very effective - they catch up to 70% of all airborne allergens. Consider yourself how many times the risk of allergic reactions decreases. People who use air filters note that allergy symptoms almost disappear on the third day.
- restricted area
Ideally, each house should have a uniqueforbidden zone, where the dog is not allowed to enter. Well, if it comes to the house in which the dog lives, such a zone is simply a must. There you can leave if you feel the symptoms of an allergy attack. It's best if your bedroom becomes such a zone. By the way, letting a dog climb onto the bed is a very bad habit. No matter how clean your pet is, in bed it is not the place. First, in bed linens a large number of allergens can accumulate in just two to three days.
- Textile
Furniture should be covered with removable covers, whichmust be washed at least three times a month. Carefully look at your curtains - they should be made from natural fabrics and their washing should not become a problem. Curtains also need to be washed twice a month, as they are an excellent collection of allergens. Carpets also have certain requirements. Today, carpets with a long pile are very popular. Of course, they are very pleasant for the feet, and they look very presentable. However, it is in such carpets that the greatest number of allergens accumulate, which is very difficult to remove. Therefore, notice them on easily washable carpets with a short artificial pile. And do not forget to vacuum them every day.
- spring-cleaning
In most homes, general cleaning is doneonce a month, and this is at best. If in the same house there lives a dog and a person with an allergy to this very dog, cleaning should be done three to four times a month. Thoroughly vacuum the furniture, wipe the dust, wash the floors. By the way, if cleaning is done by a person suffering from allergies, one should not forget about the protective mask. But it will be better if this duty is taken by a healthy member of the family, so as not to provoke an extra attack of allergy.
- Washing an animal
Be sure to bathe your dog at least oneevery other week, using a good shampoo. This measure will prevent the accumulation of skin scales and secretions of glands on the dog's fur. So, the risk of developing allergies is reduced at times. But do not overdo it, think about the animal - too frequent washing the dog will lead to overdrying of the skin and coat.
- Walking with dogs
An interesting regularity has been noted -the dog allergic reaction can be expressed less strongly, than on another's. Remember this on walks with a four-legged pet. Of course, the animal needs to communicate with its own kind, but it is better to avoid it. Otherwise, allergens of the dog will remain on your dog's fur. And do not wait in the evening for another allergic attack. 
Hypoallergenic dogs
More and more often you can hear aboutmagic dogs, next to which the symptoms of an allergic reaction do not appear even in those who began to itch with one word "dog". Is it true or is it a myth? Definitely difficult to say - the opinions of experts on this issue are divided. But you can not not mention it. Proponents of this theory argue that there are several breeds of dogs that do not cause allergies. The peculiarity of these dogs is that they do not shed. But do not rush to rejoice - the hassle with their fur is no less: washing, haircuts. A little easier with dogs that are completely devoid of skin. Doctors recommend paying attention to the following breeds:
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Mexican Hairless Dog
The truth is in this - there is no wool, it does notSkin flakes accumulate, and ordinary dust does not settle on the dog. In a word, allergens are really less. But only if you are not allergic to the secretions of the skin glands - bald dogs have much more of them and they are located on the entire surface of the body. Although you can cope with this problem - it is enough just to wash the animal more often. Doctors are allergic to a different point of view. If you are allergic, but you want to have a dog more than to get an inheritance from a grandmother from Australia, it is worth considering breeds of dogs, in which the wool cover is mutated. For example:
- Yorkshire Terrier
This breed is distinguished by a very unusual satinwool - in its structure it is identical to human hair, does not completely shed. Cases of allergy to the Yorkshire terrier are so rare that you do not have to worry.
- Bedlington Terriers
Their very soft wool also does not shed, butrequires constant haircut. Yes, and the appearance of this breed is quite unique - to an amateur. As you can see, an allergy to the best friends of a person is a serious problem and requires an immediate decision and a responsible approach. But there is nothing impossible, there would be a desire! We advise you to read:
