How soon can allergic symptoms appear when keeping a dog?

Dogs are wonderful companions, bringing joy and love into our lives. But for some, the furry friends can trigger allergic reactions. If you're planning to spend a few days with a dog and are concerned about allergies, it's important to understand what might happen and how to handle it.

Allergy Symptoms

When you're around a dog, your immune system might perceive the proteins found in the dog's dander, saliva, and urine as invaders. This reaction can lead to a variety of allergy symptoms. Within a few days of exposure, you might experience sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, and a sore throat. Some people might also develop skin rashes or hives. In more severe cases, asthma symptoms can be triggered, leading to wheezing and shortness of breath.

Understanding Allergens

It's a common misconception that dog hair causes allergies. The truth is that it's the dander—a combination of dead skin cells and proteins—that is the primary culprit. Even hairless breeds can cause allergic reactions because they still produce dander. Moreover, the severity of allergies can vary from person to person and can even change over time.

Minimizing Exposure

If you're staying with a dog for a few days and are prone to allergies, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure to allergens. Keep the dog out of your bedroom and try to limit your time spent in rooms where the dog is frequently. Regularly vacuuming with a HEPA filter can help reduce the presence of dander in the environment. Washing your hands after touching the dog and changing your clothes after spending time with the pet can also help.

Medications and Treatments