Allergy, Dog Dander

Dogs have specific proteins present in their saliva, urine and skin cells. These proteins act as allergens for some individuals. When dogs shed their fur and dead skin flakes (dander), they disperse those allergens in the environment. Upon exposure, an individual can experience allergic reactions that can range from mild to severe. The allergy usually results in the inflammation or congestion of nasal passages.

Some other symptoms include:

• Frequent sneezing and a runny nose
• Conjunctivitis
• Itching sensation in the throat, mouth or the nose
• Unusual coughing
• Facial swelling and pain

Children experiencing a pet allergy have been observed to frequently scratch the tip of their noses.

Additionally, allergic reactions can often cause dermatological issues such as hives, eczema and excessively itchy skin.

Individuals with a history of respiratory problems, such as asthma, must take precautionary steps if they suspect an allergy. Respiratory complications from an allergic reaction can be life-threatening without the appropriate medical care.

In extreme cases, a pet allergy can induce anaphylactic shock. The condition can be fatal if the affected person does not receive immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis are:

• Fainting
• A sudden drop in blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Vomiting
• Clammy skin and unusual sweating

A Dog Dander Allergy Test (DOGD Allergy Test) helps diagnose an individual's allergic reaction to the common allergens in dog dander.

Allergic reactions occur when immunoglobin E (IgE) antibodies react with a foreign substance and release pro-inflammatory mediators such as histamine. The DOGD allergy test uses in-vitro serum testing to replicate this process artificially. The patient specimen reacts with dog dander, and the resulting IgE antibody response helps establish the presence or absence of an allergy. IgE antibody concentrations equal to or above 0.7 kU/L indicate an allergic reaction.

By diagnosing an allergic response to dog dander, doctors can do the following:

• Assess the presence of any related allergic diseases 
• Evaluate the chances of an anaphylactic episode upon exposure to dog dander
• Confirm sensitivity levels before commencing immunotherapy

An allergy test cannot be helpful if an individual has already received immunotherapy. Such treatment options may temporarily reduce IgE antibody concentrations and thus lead to false test results.

Moreover, an individual’s reduced sensitivity to specific allergenic components in dander may require interpreting an allergy test in that clinical context.

Upon diagnosis of a pet allergy, affected individuals must minimise exposure to animals. Prospective pet owners can also opt for an allergy test as a precautionary measure. If necessary, antiviral medications such as Clarinex-D and Allegra-D can counteract the allergic symptoms.

Apollo 24|7 provides an inclusive Dog Dander Allergy Test to diagnose such allergic reactions. Additionally, the test can assess the severity of the allergic response and outline effective treatment options.