ALLERGY to dogs

-   BONE   TO   CHEW   ON  -  !

Simple solutions for Allergy    - Part 1

Two things to consider are 1. Discipline and 2. Cleanliness. 

 They are to be habitual if you want to keep your dog and are allergic to dogs.  

Allergens are 1. from the dog  2. picked up from the environment from the dog 

The dog's fur is not necessarily allergenic. It's the tiny skin flakes that slough off when the dog scratches. The dog's fur is like a feather duster or the sheep's wool duster. And a normal dog that sheds will also have fur all over the place which traps dust too. Most dogs moult seasonally. Poodles do not. Thus President Obama's household have considered dogs with little or no shedding/moulting such as mixed poodle breeds.  However, such dogs still may harbour allergens by nature/texture of their fur and their skin, though very much less.

Main point to consider is HABITUAL CLEANLINESS  to get rid of possible allergens-constantly. 

THE THREE STEPS:- 

1. treat your own allergy

2. treat the environment

3. treat the dog

1. treat your own allergy

1.1 with medication. This is ongoing or incidental. Ongoing is something you yourself know and stock up on the right medication periodically. Incidental is when you happen to play/meet the dog and are not guarded against allergy. If you know, then before engaging the dog, one should be medicated against possible allergy. Needless to say,on getting an allergic reaction, one should take medication straightaway if possible or try an instant short term 'cure' described in the next section if you do not have any on hand. Contact allergies are skin prone allergies so a moisture barrier may help. However, always consult your doctor in the long run on the most effective medication. 

Simple solution: On all occasions, keep the medication on hand. For new owners, always make sure you get the right medication that suits you. Not all medication is effective.  I find the latest nose sprays with a little steroid content the most immediate and effective so far. 

1.2 without medication. This is a tried and tested solution that I have gone through  and wish to share.  It's so simple. The nose and the mouth are the first line of defense for airborne allergens. 

Short term cure: -When you can feel your nose getting stuffy, straightaway exhale/snort out strongly through the nose to clear it. You can do this several times when with the dog. Blow nose strongly to dislodge the allergens.  Immediately you can feel the relief. If done initially ,there should be no mucus. Just light particle allergens.

If the nose is really blocked and breathing is obstructed, go the tap and snuff up the water through each nostril  and strongly blow out , alternate by pressing each nostril. This is called nose irrigation. Warm water helps take away the sting. If you're a swimmer, that should be no problem . Steaming also helps but it's not so handy, immediate and convenient.

Alternatively, you can use a spray with saline solution similar to those used for contact lenses. The saline solution takes away the sting. A simple salt solution also helps. Repeated irrigation is required. Always blow it out. Carry a small spray bottle with you when you next play with the dog. 

Check out this website: allergies.about.com/od/noseandsinusallergies

Using tissue also helps but it may trap the allergens which may lodge in the clean tissue. 

Using a Xylitol solution helps keep bacteria away. Xylitol is a natural alternative sugar substitute that does not support bacteria. But caution - do not feed it to dogs. It's poisonous to dogs. 1/4 tsp Xylitol with 1/2 cup water is sufficient to irrigate the nose. It kept my sinuses clear from bacteria infection . Xylitol is available at Health Shops.

 Gargle !  Because we tend to breathe through our mouths and  the allergens get into it and into our airways. For some, the eyes also water and get red. Eye drops help of course. 

Long term cure :-My doctor recommended this nose irrigation to me as I am an asthmatic. This has to be repeated about 5 times a day for about 3 months before one can reduce it to twice a day, and as and when necessary. I have gone through the 3 months trial period and this has reduced my asthma medication by more than half. Note that I am a mild asthmatic. For those who are bad asthmatics, it's best to consult your doctor. Presently the medication I am taking is Pulmicort, one puff morning and one before I sleep. 

PS: my dogs sleep with me.....!

Simple solution: wash your nose and gargle your mouth during and after contact with the dog. Use eye drops if your eyes are affected. Use a cheap mask if you are really a bad asthmatic. Dogs don't mind !!   

Part 2 - treat the environment , treat the dog ....see next blog