Common Allergies – What If You and Your Dog Are Allergic To Each Other?

Is this possible? Your dog could be allergic to you! Though this is not as common as humans being allergic to man's best friend, it does happen. Fido could also be allergic to fleas, food, ferns, feathers, fabrics or other common allergens, and like humans, dogs exhibit some of the same variety of symptoms like itching, runny noses, red eyes and intestinal disorders.

Keryn Rod of Purebred Breeders, LLC says, "There is an ever growing estimate that one in every seven dogs suffers from allergy symptoms. Aside from potentially being allergic to each other, it is not uncommon for pets and owners to be allergic to the same thing." Ms. Rod says, "Spring allergies, which are encouraged by plants beginning to bloom and parasite populations begin to develop, fall into three categories: flea and other insect bites, contact with an irritant, and inhalants like pollen, mold, dust mites and spores."

If you suspect your dog is suffering from an allergy, Ms. Rod says, "You can reduce the severity of allergic reactions by following the following 8-step program."

1. Bathe your dog frequently with fragrance and chemical-free shampoos. Make sure to use a mild product that doesn't strip your dog's coat of natural oils which could leave him/her exposed to unnecessary chemicals.

2. Rinse your dog's paws and coat immediately after a romp outdoors to help remove excess pollen.

3. Wash your dog's bedding frequently, and don't air dry it outdoors as that could attract pollen and other allergens.

4. Keep your lawn grass short and don't let your dog out on freshly cut grass for at least a few hours.

5. Avoid walking your dog at dawn and dusk, as these are high pollen times of the day.

6. Install new air filters or invest in an air-filtering system for the room where your dog spends most of its time.

7. Using de-humidifiers will curb indoor allergens like mold for both you and your pet.

8. Use a natural fatty acid supplement to decrease inflammation. Regardless of the type of allergy, many dogs will experience less itching if they are consuming fatty acids.
If you and your dog are allergic to each other's dander, the dead skin that flakes off all humans and dogs, it will usually cause red, runny eyes and runny noses. Injections or an antihistamine like Benadryl might help you both. Ms. Rod says, "Always check with a medical professional, and remember it is important to treat your dog's symptoms quickly to alleviate your pet's misery and to avoid complications from too much scratching or licking. Do that, and you and your best friend should enjoy a lovely spring season."

About Purebred Breeders LLC

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Purebred Breeders, LLC was founded in 2005 with the mission of connecting healthy and happy purebred puppies with responsible dog owners while providing exceptional customer service and puppy education. Purebred Breeders has a comprehensive breeder screening and health-check process that has allowed it to place puppies with thousands of families over the years.