The most common culprit to animal allergies is the cat, but running second is the dog. Because dog allergies are so common, there is plenty of information available to show how to treat and manage an allergic reaction you may have to your pet.

If your reaction is not severe, and you don't have other complications like asthma, you can successfully manage your allergic condition and enjoy symptom-free days.

Identifying a Dog Allergy

If you believe that you or a family member might be allergic to the family pet, remove that person from the environment of the animal for a week or two. Having done this may not be the most effective means of diagnosis, because pet dander can continue to remain around the environment for at least up t o six months after the dog is removed.

By removing the animal an effective means is not always established. Because the pet dander can remain in the house up to six months after the animal is removed, this may not be the best test. If not ask your allergist, he can test you by doing an allergy test on you for dog allergies. This will include your family history and blood tests.

Treatment Options

Dog allergies come from allergens that are located in the dander or saliva of the animal. These allergens cling to many surfaces, and have a long life. This is what makes it difficult to determine where the allergies are located that you have the dog allergy to. Many pet owners are faced with the problem of giving up their dog, if they do test positive for the dog allergy. It is a family member and they don't want to give it up.

If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to keep your pet. By not allowing the dog in the bedroom the number of allergens are reduced that would normally be in this area. Secondly, getting rid of the carpet and having bare floors is another positive step in ridding your home of dog allergies.

Dog allergies may be a common problem for many people, but they don't have to make your life miserable. You can enjoy life with some lifestyle changes and treatment options; you can enjoy your pet and have fewer symptoms.