While cats cause most animal allergies in people, some individuals develop sensitivities to dogs, including the Airedale terrier. Like other breeds of dog, this popular house pet produces environmental allergens that people inhale or touch, triggering allergic reactions. Patients who have never had pet allergies before may suddenly notice recurrent allergy symptoms that seem to be related to contact with their Airedales. Reactions can also occur upon exposure to a dog's environment, whether or not the pet is present.
Misconceptions
Although the Airedale has a relatively short coat of curled hair, this does not affect its allergenic properties. As the University of Maryland Medical Center explains, proteins in the structure of dog dander, saliva and urine---not fur or hair---form the allergens.
When animals shed, urinate, lick their fur or lick people, the allergens transfer to the environment, where they can be touched or inhaled by humans. All dogs, including the Airedale terrier, produce these proteins.
Features
People who develop pet allergies have perennial allergic rhinitis, a chronic disease. Once patients become sensitized, an allergic reaction to Airedales or other dogs will reliably generate health problems. These include allergy symptoms of itchy and watery eyes, coughing, sneezing and runny and stuffy nose. Individuals with asthma may also experience breathing trouble triggered by allergic reactions to dogs.
MayoClinic.com notes that some patients get skin irritation from petting or being licked by dogs. An itchy skin rash that forms raised bumps can occur, symptoms that are also known as allergic contact dermatitis.
Time Frame
The UM Medical Center reports that sensitization to Airedales and other dog breeds may take up to two years. Therefore, people who have kept a dog for a long time without health problems can still contract pet allergies. A dog habitat can retain microscopic allergens for as many as six weeks after removing the animal from the environment.
Identification
Dog's fur can also carry outdoor pollen, indoor dust mites and other substances to which people can have allergic reactions. Patients may need a doctor's diagnosis to uncover the cause of their allergy symptoms. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America relates that blood tests and trial pet separations should reveal whether pet allergies or responses to other indoor allergens are to blame.
Prevention
Testing positive to an allergy to Airedales and other breeds of dogs may mean finding another home for pets. Alternatively, reducing exposure to airborne allergens through house cleaning and the use of air filters can prevent severe allergy symptoms. MayoClinic.com notes that allergy shots and other medications can help to control allergies to a favorite pet.
