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How does dog allergy manifest in children: what to do
Not everyone can afford to keep a dog at home. The reason for this is an allergy that occurs in some people when they come into contact with an animal. Below will be discussed how allergy to dogs manifests itself in children.
Causes and Symptoms of Dog Allergy
A child’s immune system can be very sensitive to components in a dog’s secretions, resulting in allergic reactions. What exactly the allergy occurs to depends on the child’s body. This can be not only discharge, but also wool, and dust with foreign microorganisms that enter the house after the dog’s walk.
After an allergy to dogs has manifested itself in children, an urgent need to consult a doctor
Allergies can affect all dogs, a certain breed, and even one particular dog. All this is individual, but the symptoms are common to all and are manifested in the following:
- skin rashes appear in the form of hives, the child begins to itch, especially in those places where there was contact with the dog;
- runny nose and nasal congestion suddenly occur;
- it becomes difficult for the child to breathe, attacks of suffocation and dry cough appear;
- eyes turn red and watery;
- dyspeptic disorders are possible;
- in severe cases, there is a drop in blood pressure and Quincke’s edema.
These symptoms can appear during contact with an animal or after a few hours. Therefore, it is not always possible to immediately determine what the child’s body reacted to.
What to do if a child is allergic to dogs
Prescriptions from a doctor alone are not enough to protect a child from the unpleasant consequences of communicating with a dog. First of all, parents need to be on the alert, and they must follow a number of recommendations, which are as follows:
- as soon as an allergic manifestation is noticed in the child’s body, it must be immediately shown to the doctor;
- strictly follow all the doctor’s prescriptions;
- protect the child from contact with dogs;
- strengthen the immune system.
The doctor prescribes medication after determining the allergen. It consists in the appointment of antihistamines, enterosorbents, ointments and sprays to treat allergy symptoms. But with subsequent contacts, everything can happen again. Therefore, special attention should be paid to prevention.
It is not recommended to have a dog in the house if you have a child under five years old. If the pet already lives in the house, you need to carefully look after it, wash and clean it regularly. Wool storage such as carpets and curtains are best removed from your home. Sometimes preventive measures are enough for the safe existence of a child and a dog.