Can you train your body to not be allergic to dogs

What Are Allergies? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Your risk of developing allergies is higher if you:

• Have asthma
• Have a family history of asthma or allergies
• Are younger than 18

Children sometimes outgrow allergies as they get older. Its also not uncommon for allergies to go away and then return years later.

You may have more than one allergy. Children with food allergies, for instance, are as much as four times more likely to have other allergic conditions, including asthma, than those without

food allergies

.

[2]

More than 100 genes are associated with allergies, although only one or two genes affect any given population. Some of these genes affect the immune response; others affect lung and airway function.

[3]

Allergic Reactions

Allergens are typically harmless substances that trigger an immune response and cause a reaction in people who are allergic. The allergic reaction occurs if the person inhales, touches, swallows, injects, or somehow comes into contact with the allergen. Allergic reactions can be mild, severe, or even life-threatening.

Normally, the immune system protects the body against harmful substances, such as viruses or bacteria. If you have allergies, your body responds to allergens as if they were invaders, explains Clifford Bassett, MD, a clinical assistant professor at New York UniversityLangone Health in New York City. Your body exaggerates the immune response. Thats what causes histamine release and other things that cause allergy misery.

Histamine also acts as a

neurotransmitter

in the brain, sending messages between cells. It plays a key role in many different physiological functions, such as telling your stomach to produce acid to digest food or helping regulate your

sleep-wake cycle

.

[4]

When your immune system reacts to an allergen, it produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). The production of IgE is part of your bodys attempt to destroy the allergen and protect itself. Your blood vessels dilate and become leaky, so white blood cells that fight infection and other protective substances leave the blood vessels to attack the invader.

In the process, the IgE antibodies signal other cells to release certain chemicals, such as histamine, in the local tissue and blood stream. Too much histamine or excessive release in the body can cause an unwanted response that leads to skin, nose, throat, and lung irritation or more severe symptoms of anaphylaxis.

In this way, a normally protective process creates a cascade of what we know as allergy symptoms in response to harmless allergens.

[4]

There are other types of allergic reactions, such as delayed hypersensitivity reactions, which includes contact dermatitis from poison ivy or a nickel allergy these are mediated by T cells in the immune system rather than antibodies.

The most common allergens that trigger allergic reactions include:

[5]

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Pet dander or fur
• Cockroaches
• Mold spores
• Foods (eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, shellfish, and others)
• Insect stings or bites (from wasps, bees, mosquitoes, fire ants, fleas, horseflies, black flies, among others)
• Medicines, such as penicillin, aspirin (Vazalore), and others
• Latex
• Household chemicals
• Metals (especially nickel, cobalt, and chromates)

  [6]

Seasonal Allergies

Certain allergies can strike at any time of year. Seasonal allergies, on the other hand, occur at times of the year when certain types of outdoor allergens are predominant.

You can have both, says Dr.Bassett.

And about two-thirds of people with seasonal allergies actually have year-round or persistent allergies.

[7]

Seasonal allergies are most often triggered by outdoor molds and pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, such as ragweed. The allergic reaction occurs during the weeks or months when the plant pollinates.

Allergy triggers may vary depending on geographic location and climate, but relocating to avoid seasonal allergies generally doesnt help. Pollen and mold spores travel great distances, and people with allergies often develop sensitivity to other allergens in a different location.

Environmental factors, such as pollution and climate change associated with rising temperatures, may be contributing to a rise in allergies. Changes in the duration and intensity of pollen and mold seasons mean more people are exposed to allergens for longer amounts of time. Thats a longer period of time for your eyes and nose and throat to become symptomatic as a result,Bassett says.

In a 2015 survey of allergists, 63 percent of respondents felt climate change was causing an increase in allergic symptoms among their patients.

[8]

Can You Be Allergic to Cats but Not Dogs? (Vet Answer)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Every pet owner loves a cuddle with their furry friend. But what happens when this cuddling (or patting, or grooming) causes you to have a flare-up of allergy symptoms? This could mean you have a pet allergytheyre surprisingly common.

It is possible to be allergic to cats but not dogs. The reverse is also possible: being allergic to dogs, but not cats. However, people who are allergic to cats are more likely to be allergic to dogs, and vice versa. Lets explore why pet allergies occur, and some things that can be done to manage them.

What is a Pet Allergy?

Pet allergies are not too different from other allergies, such as those caused by nuts or dust. An allergy occurs when your bodys immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Your body thinks that the substance might be harmful, even though its typically harmless.

When we think of pet allergies, we usually think of dogs and cats. These allergies are the most common, but dogs and cats are also the most common household pets. In fact, people can be allergic to rabbits, guinea pigs, horsesjust about any species of animal!

Contrary to popular belief, most pet allergies are not actually caused by fur or hair. Instead, most allergies are caused by dander, saliva, and urine. Dander is the layer of dead skin cells at the surface of the skin, containing certain protein molecules that the body reacts to.

Some pets also carry dust, mold, and pollens in their coat, especially if they spend lots of time outdoors. Occasionally, pet allergies are not triggered by the pet at all, but by the dust and pollen within the hair coat.

Why Can I be Allergic to Cats but Not Dogs?

Dogs and cats secrete different proteins (allergens) in their dander, saliva, and urine. There is lots of variation in these allergens both across species (i.e. between dogs and cats) and within species (i.e. some cats or cat breeds have different allergens from other cats).

For these reasons, being allergic to cats does not necessarily mean that youll automatically be allergic to dogs. Similarly, you might be allergic to some dogs or cats, but not others. The body doesnt recognize all proteins in saliva, urine, and dander as allergensonly specific ones. That being said, people who are allergic to cats are more likely to be allergic to dogs too. And people who are allergic to one or two cats are more likely to be allergic to many other cats.

What About Hypoallergenic Pets?

You may have heard about hypoallergenic petspets that are less likely to cause an allergy. Though it sounds perfect, there are a couple of myths that need debunking.

1. Shedding

Some breeds of dogs or cats that dont shed hair have been called hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, this is probably not true. As we mentioned, most pet allergies are not reactions to hair, but rather to proteins secreted in saliva, urine, and dander. Hair isnt usually the problem, so a dog or cat that doesnt shed much is not necessarily better for someone with known pet allergies.

2. Hypoallergenic breeds

Other breeds of dog have been put forward as hypoallergenic, meaning that (regardless of hair or shedding) theyre less likely to cause an allergy. Again, this is not true. All dogs and cats secrete potential allergens, so all dogs and cats can cause allergy symptoms.

Im About to Get a Pet How Will I Know if Im Allergic?

The good news here is that people with dog or cat allergies may tolerate some breeds much better than others. Remember, being allergic to one cat or dog certainly doesnt make you allergic to all cats and dogs.

The best way to know if youre allergic to a dog or cat is to spend some time around them. Consider fostering for a couple of weeks to see if any allergies are triggered. Alternatively, arrange to visit someone who has the same breed of dog or cat.

If youd prefer not to risk it, there are safer pet options. Fish, reptiles, and turtles are far less likely to cause allergies than dogs or cats.

How Can I Manage My Pet Allergies?

There are lots of steps you can take to minimize exposure to pet allergens and reduce your chances of allergy symptoms. The list below is not exhaustive, but it is a great start:

• Keep pets out of bedrooms or other places you sleep.
• Have someone else brush or groom your pet.
• Use pet-grade wipes to clean your pet after they have been outside.
• Wash clothes that have been in contact with pets.
• Wash your hands and face after touching your pet.
• Regularly wash bedding, rugs, or fabric furniture that your pet has spent time on.
• Wash your pet with dog or cat shampoo once weekly.

Conclusion

Pet allergies are common and often require ongoing management. If you have a known pet allergy (or non-pet allergy), its a good idea to spend time with pets before taking them on. This means you can be confident you wont have an allergy to your pet, rather than assuming a hypoallergenic breed will be fine. Thankfully, there are lots of different breeds available, so theres a good chance youll find one that youre not allergic to. And if you do have a pet allergy, there are lots of ways to manage this at home.

If you think you have a pet allergy, or if you are showing allergy symptoms, always seek medical advice from your doctor to discuss testing and medications.

Featured Image Credit: Kmpzzz, Shutterstock

Can You Build Up an Immunity to Dog Allergies? Vet-Approved Facts

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Roughly one-third of people around the world suffer from allergies, and 1530% of that number are allergic to pets. Not being able to have a dog because your body reacts with a runny nose and itchy eyes can be heartbreaking. The desire to keep hold of our four-legged family members has led to a great deal of research about ways to treat allergies.

The good news is there are a couple of ways to build up immunity to dog allergies. Youll be glad to hear that you can mitigate the problem by carefully managing your symptoms and exposure to dog-related allergies, in addition to trying immunotherapy, which well discuss below.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to outside substances called allergens. These can be anything from pollen, mold spores, drugs, and food items to animal-related substances like urine and saliva.

Where our pets are concerned, the allergens that they carry in their saliva or the oil in their skin get spread to their fur. This is what makes people assume that its dog fur that theyre allergic to. Instead, its their dried saliva, which clings to loose hair, and dander that you come into contact with both on your dog and wherever theyve shed their fur around your house.

Pet allergies can be mild or severe depending on whether the allergic reaction triggers a more serious response, like bronchitis or asthma.

Symptoms of allergies include:

• Cough
• Dry skin
• Hives
• Itchy nose and eyes
• Rashes
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Sneezing
• Tickle in the throat
• Tight chest
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing

Severe allergic reactions can also cause anaphylaxis, which in extreme cases, can be fatal.

Who Suffers From Allergies?

Allergies can develop in anyone at any age, even in people who have been around the particular allergen their entire lives. Some people are more likely to develop allergies than others. For example, if your parents have allergies, youre more likely to develop your own, even if youre not allergic to the same things that they are.

Can You Build Immunity to Dog Allergies?

Unfortunately for allergy-suffering pet owners, theres no real cure for allergies. The only thing that we can do is take measures to limit our exposure to allergens or treat the symptoms. There is a way to build up a tolerance, or immunity, to certain allergies, though.

Immunotherapy is a method of desensitizing the body to allergens through injections. The idea is to use increasing amounts of the allergen to teach your immune system to stop overreacting whenever it comes into contact with it.

While this isnt a quick fix by any means, the point is to lessen the symptoms of allergic reactions. Its not something that you should try at home, though. Immunotherapy should only be attempted under the supervision of a medical professional.

What Other Ways Can Allergies Be Managed?

Immunotherapy might help in the long run, but in the meantime, youll still have to handle your allergy symptoms. Luckily for pet owners, there are a few ways of managing dog allergies without resorting to sending your favorite pooch away.

Clean

Dog fur might not set off your immune system, but the saliva and oil particles on it can. It gets stuck everywhere too: in the air, on your couch, and even your carpet. Keeping your house clean is a sure-fire way of limiting how many doggy-related allergens that you breathe in.

This may mean daily vacuuming sessions and regularly washing blankets and couch covers that your dog sits on. Mopping wooden floors instead of sweeping or dusting will also trap more allergens and prevent them from swirling back into the air again.

All these chores can get a little tedious, but when faced with the prospect of losing your pooch, any amount of work is a welcome alternative.

Dog-Free Zone

As heartbreaking as it sounds, keeping your dog out of your bedroom is the easiest way to give yourself a reprieve from allergens. This also means not allowing your dog to sleep on the bed with you.

By making a dog-free zone in your house, youll be able to retreat whenever your symptoms get particularly bad.

HEPA Filters

Designed to remove airborne pollutants and allergens like pollen and pet dander, HEPA filters are ideal for reducing the number of allergens in your home. You can buy them for your heating and A/C units or get air purifiers that you can place in different rooms.

Medication

Antihistamines, eye drops, inhalers, and nasal sprays are all common ways that people treat their allergy symptoms. They should be used alongside other measures to control the allergens in your home, but they can help reduce the discomfort from your symptoms.

You should discuss options with a doctor or allergist to properly consider your allergy, its severity, and what treatment is the best for you.

Regular Grooming Sessions

If you live with someone who suffers from pet allergies, you can help by bathing or grooming your dog more often. This will help you wash away the dander so it doesnt end up airborne. Gentle shampoo is the best for regular bathing sessions, but remember not to bathe your dog too often, as they can suffer from dry skin.

Keeping a good brush handy and grooming them every day is just as good, provided that you brush them outdoors.

Replace Carpets

The flooring in your home can affect your allergies too. Carpets and rugs both cling to fallen hair and dander, and it can be tough to get all the allergens out. Doing a bit of home renovation and installing wooden floors instead can help you reduce the number of allergens trapped in your living room. It can also give your home a sleek, modern look.

Wash your Hands

When it comes to pet allergies, its not just airborne particles that can cause issues. Coming into contact with their saliva or the oil on their skin by giving your dog their favorite scratches can also set off allergic reactions. This doesnt mean you cant pet your dog you just have to remember to wash your hands afterward.

Unfortunately, this does mean its best to stay away from kisses.

Are There Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Despite common belief, since dog allergies are related to saliva and oil instead of fur, there arent hypoallergenic dogs. All breeds create these allergens. Some dogs may cause fewer allergic reactions, but theres no real way of knowing which dogs will or wont set off your allergies until you encounter them.

Final Thoughts

Allergies are never fun to deal with. Theyre even less fun when its our dogs that set them off. Fortunately for doggy fanatics, allergies dont mean were doomed to forever live a life without pets. Treating allergy symptoms with medication and controlling exposure to allergens can help alleviate some of the discomfort.

You can also try immunotherapy to slowly build up an immunity to doggy-caused allergies. Its a lengthy process, but any wait is more than acceptable when it comes to cuddles with your favorite pooch.

Featured Image Credit:Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock