Pet allergies affect around one in seven people, Discovery Health reports. While more people have cat allergies than dog allergies, dog allergies are still common. Although it may seem that the fur triggers an allergy, the dander--skin cells that the dog sheds--actually causes the allergic reaction. Typical allergic reactions range from sneezing and watery eyes to severe asthma; rashes can also occur. While avoidance of dogs is the best treatment, other treatments do exist.
Antihistamines
Dog dander causes a histamine reaction in susceptible people. Antihistamines treat the symptoms caused by a histamine reaction, such as sneezing, coughing, red and watery eyes, itching, facial swelling, hives and runny nose. Antihistamines come in oral, injectable, nasal and eye drop forms. They can cause drowsiness.
Bronchodilators
Dog allergies cause severe asthma in some people. The bronchial tubes that supply air to the lungs swell, making it difficult to breathe. Bronchodilators, quick-acting medications, rapidly dilate the tubes in an acute asthma attack. Some medications are inhaled using a metered dose inhaler, which delivers a precise concentration of medication. Others are administered via mask or are taken orally. Severe acute asthmatic reactions require emergency medical treatment with bronchodilators.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medication helps prevent swelling and inflammation from decreasing bronchial tube capacity. Corticosteroids--inhaled, oral or injected--may also help reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs so that an affected person can get enough air. Corticosteroids may be taken on a regular basis to prevent asthma attacks, or used in an acute attack.
Allergy Shots
People who have severe allergies or who can't avoid exposure to dogs may decide to undergo immunotherapy, more commonly known as allergy shots. Allergy shots are not a quick fix for allergic reactions; they work by gradually desensitizing a person to the dog dander and may need to be taken for three to five years to induce long-term effects, the University of Michigan Health System warns. Allergy shots don't cure allergies; they just reduce sensitivity to the allergen. When the shots stop, the allergy may return, although the amount of time before symptoms reappear differs from person to person.
