Kids love animals, and the great thing is that most animals love children. But before you go out seeking a permanent dog for your home you should also consider the factor that your baby or child me have an allergic reaction around pet dogs. Before getting a permanent dog, it is better to expose your infant to a canine so that you will see if there are any form of negative reactions health wise. Here are some tell tale signs that you or your child maybe allergic to having a pet dog.
Pet Dander The Cause of Allergies
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers. Even though this is the main cause of pet allergies, there are other sources of allergies from these beloved pets,such as the saliva, urine and feces.
Some Common Symptoms of Pet Allergy
Runny Nose
If your child is allergic to dog dander, it can trigger off a negative reaction by sending histamines into babies’ bloodstreams allowing a buildup of fluids in the nasal passages. We know that fluid as mucus and you will see a constant running of mucus once that dander is inhaled. Studies at The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that animal allergies represent one form of perennial allergic rhinitis, whose classic symptom is a runny nose. Nasal drainage with no fever present may indicate dog allergies in infants.
Nasal Congestion
Of course, with that constant runny nose will come a stuffy nose. This is generally caused by nasal congestion and irritation of the nostrils. Once these signs are observed without bringing the cold or flu symptoms, it is usually a sign of dog allergy due to dander.
Skin Rash Development
We know that our babies skin are quite sensitive and has not fully developed a strong immune system to fight off many infections and allergic reactions. If your baby skin has experienced direct contact with the dog dander, you may notice that red rashes have developed which may be itchy at times. Some reactions may cause irregular bumps on the child's skin.
Nose Rubbing
The mucus membrane may also become quite itchy during the allergic reactions and you may also notice a constant rubbing of the nose by the child to sooth that itchy membrane. If you begin to notice a lot of nose rubbing in a upward movement by your child, it may be caused by those dog allergies.
Eye Rubbing
Constant rubbing of the eyes could also be triggered by dog allergies. Infants who have had physical contact through petting dogs or from dogs licking their hands, and who then rub their eyes, may be spreading allergens in that manner, too.
Sneezing
Histamines in the blood also trigger the sneezing reflex in humans. Congestion and sneezing in babies may obstruct breathing to form one of the more obvious signs of infant allergy. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, sneezing that takes place only after contact with dogs may indicate pet allergy problems. Sneezing that continues after removing a dog from the home doesn’t necessarily indicate an absence of sensitivity, because dog dander can remain in indoor environments for months.
We know that our babies skin are quite sensitive and has not fully developed a strong immune system to fight off many infections and allergic reactions. If your baby skin has experienced direct contact with the dog dander, you may notice that red rashes have developed which may be itchy at times. Some reactions may cause irregular bumps on the child's skin.
Nose Rubbing
The mucus membrane may also become quite itchy during the allergic reactions and you may also notice a constant rubbing of the nose by the child to sooth that itchy membrane. If you begin to notice a lot of nose rubbing in a upward movement by your child, it may be caused by those dog allergies.
Eye Rubbing
Constant rubbing of the eyes could also be triggered by dog allergies. Infants who have had physical contact through petting dogs or from dogs licking their hands, and who then rub their eyes, may be spreading allergens in that manner, too.
Sneezing
Histamines in the blood also trigger the sneezing reflex in humans. Congestion and sneezing in babies may obstruct breathing to form one of the more obvious signs of infant allergy. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, sneezing that takes place only after contact with dogs may indicate pet allergy problems. Sneezing that continues after removing a dog from the home doesn’t necessarily indicate an absence of sensitivity, because dog dander can remain in indoor environments for months.
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