Do my sneezing spells mean dog allergy symptoms?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The symptoms of dog allergies are usually similar to those of any other nasal allergy. They include:

1. Coughing and wheezing.

2. Red and itchy eyes.

3. Runny, itchy, and stuffy nose.

4. Sneezing.

Some people with dog allergies also have skin reactions. For instance, their skin might break out when a dog licks them. Others with more severe allergies might develop hives on their face or chest. People with asthma, as well as those with pet allergies, can have especially serious symptoms.

It is not the dog's hair or fur that is the real problem. Instead, people are usually allergic to dander, flakes of dead skin, saliva, and urine. So, no matter how long or short the hair, any dog can potentially cause an allergic reaction. You might wonder why dog dander has such an effect on you. People with allergies have oversensitive immune systems. Their bodies overreact to harmless substances like dog dander and attack it as they would bacteria or viruses.

The sneezing and watery eyes are just the side effects of the body's attempt to destroy or flush out the allergen. Better consult your family doctor; they can do either a skin test or a blood test that will detect allergen-specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) to find out if you have dog allergies. Even if you are allergic, testing is always a good idea. Some people who assume that they have dog allergies turn out not to have them. Instead, they are allergic to the pollen or mold that the dog is carrying on its coat from outside.

While allergy tests are helpful, they are not always conclusive. So, if you own a dog, your doctor might want you to try living without it for a while to see how you do. To get a good sense of your symptoms, it might take some time apart. It often takes months before the level of dander in the house drops to a level resembling that of a house without a dog.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.