Dog Allergies in Humans 

If you suspect you have a dog allergy, you can get tested by your GP or a specialised allergist.

The doctor will ask about your medical history and conduct a physical examination before testing you for a dog allergy with various diagnostic tools.

Note: Home testing kits for dog allergies also promise a diagnosis. However, allergists advise against relying solely on these tests.

Skin Test

There are two ways to detect a dog allergy in humans via skin tests:

• Prick Test for Dog Allergy: This test is one of the most common for confirming an allergy. Your doctor will drop various allergens on your forearm, which is marked with squares, and lightly prick the skin. If a square reddens within about 20 minutes, you are allergic to that allergen.
• Intradermal Test: This test works on the same principle as the prick test, but the allergist injects the allergens directly under your skin.

Blood Test (RAST Test)

Another way to confirm a dog allergy suspicion is through a blood test. In the so-called RAST test, the doctor will draw blood from you, which will then be tested for the presence of specific antibodies.

Provocation Test

With the provocation test, the doctor applies the allergens directly to the nasal mucosa. This test is now rarely performed, as it can potentially trigger severe allergic reactions.

The simplest way to alleviate dog allergy symptoms is to minimize contact with dogs. However, if you already have a dog in your household, that’s easier said than done.

In this case, ensure the dog doesn’t lick your face, and wash your hands regularly. You can also use the following treatment options to relieve potential symptoms.

Medications Against Dog Allergy

You can get antihistamines or cortisone from your doctor in the form of eye drops, ointments, or tablets for dog allergy. For shortness of breath, you can also be prescribed an inhalation spray with beta-2 sympathomimetics.

Caution: While these remedies may reduce your symptoms, they do not cure the allergy.

Desensitisation for Dog Allergy

If the symptoms are too severe despite dog allergy medications, you can undergo desensitisation. Your doctor will administer the allergen in increasing doses over a period of several months or even years.

The allergen is given either in the form of drops under the tongue or as an injection into the skin. This gradually leads to your immune system no longer regarding the allergens as foreign and tolerates them.

If your immune system reacts excessively to dog allergens, you have a dog allergy. These allergens are found not just in skin and hair, but also in saliva and excrement of dogs.

If dander and saliva spread in your home, you may continually show symptoms – not just when you have direct contact with your dog.

Which Allergens are to Blame for a Dog Allergy in Humans?

Various allergens can lead to a dog allergy in humans. The most common of these is the so-called Can f 1.

What Type of Allergy is Dog Allergy?

A dog allergy is usually a type 1 allergy, the so-called immediate type. When you first come into contact with dogs and the causative allergens, your body considers these allergens foreign.

If you are exposed to the substances again, your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies against the allergens and releasing histamine. This process causes your mucous membranes to swell and blood vessels to dilate.

Dog lovers with allergies have to be strong: a dog allergy does not disappear by itself. However, you can take steps to alleviate the symptoms through various treatment options.

The prognosis is often good after desensitisation. Consult your GP for advice in this regard.