Babies are more prone to allergic reactions and infections as their immune system is not as matured as that of grown up children and adults. Do you have a pet puppy at home? Is your baby fond of his pet dog? Does your infant start to wheeze, rubs his nose or eyes, soon after playing with your pet canine? Then most probably, your baby may be experiencing a dog allergy. Even though babies are more sensitive to cats (almost twice than that of dogs), the allergic reactions to dogs are likely to be more intense. Continue reading to know more about the symptoms, precaution, and treatment options of dog allergy in babies.

How Do Babies Develop Dog Allergies?

Dog allergy is a reaction by the immune system to the dog dander, saliva, urine, or feces. The proteins that is discharged by the dog which is trapped in his dander, saliva, and excretion can trigger an allergic reaction. If the baby is sensitive to these relatively innocuous proteins, and if he inhales dander, saliva or droppings, his immune system releases histamine and more than forty other chemicals to fight with the allergens. The histamine along with the chemicals develops the allergic symptoms that can bother your baby.

Signs And Symptoms Of Dog Allergies In Babies

The symptoms of the dog allergy can vary from mild to severe. Likewise, the symptoms may not appear that fast in babies who are less sensitive to the proteins secreted by the dog. Similarly, different breeds of dogs can have different impacts on babies. The most common signs of dog allergy are:

1. Runny nose and watery eyes: One of the classic signs of dog allergy is a runny nose and watery eyes. If your baby is allergic to dog dander, histamine is released into the baby’s bloodstream. This would bring about the fluid being mounted up in the nasal passages leading to mucus formation. Excess mucus produced would drain from the nose of your baby in the form of a clear liquid. If your baby experiences a runny nose without fever, then it can be a sign of dog dander allergy
2. Sneezing: Once the histamines get into the bloodstream of your baby, it can bring about sneezing reflex. If the baby sneezes soon after playing with your canine, then it may be a sign of dog allergy
3. Wheezing: If the allergy is severe, the baby may develop wheezing within half an hour after he starts playing with the dog or inhales airborne dander. If the baby is already asthmatic, the dog allergy can intensify it
4. Rubbing the eyes: The airborne dander can easily get into the baby’s eye. If your baby bonds with the dog, it may so happen that the dog may lick your baby’s face. As a result the saliva can get into his eyes. Both these can cause eye irritation and this would lead to your baby constantly rubbing his eyes
5. Wiping the nose: Wiping the nose upward can be a sign of an allergic reaction as the mucous membrane may get irritated as the fluid starts to accumulate in the nasal passage
6. Skin rashes: Itchy reddish bumps that appear on the baby’s skin which is highly sensitive during the initial years, can be a sign of dog allergy. This will take few hours or days to disappear. It will re-appear whenever the baby plays with the dog
7. Stuffy nose: Too much accumulation of the mucus can bring about the congestion of the nasal cavity leading to a stuffy nose. Persisting stuffy nose without the signs of cold or flu can be an indication of a dog allergy
8. Eczema: Some children are found to develop eczema, a severe skin condition in response to dog allergy

How To Prevent Dog Allergies In Babies?

If your baby gets the dog allergy genetically, it cannot be prevented. However, there are certain measures, which can be taken to protect your baby from a dog allergy.

• Never let the dog enter your baby’s room or bed. This way, you can minimize the chances of your baby’s exposure to the allergens
• Give your dog regular bath. This will help to eliminate the dander regularly from the body of the dog
• Remove carpets, bedspreads, upholstered furniture, curtains, and whatever other things that can trap dander from the house, especially from the rooms in which your baby spends most of his time. Replace soft dog beds with elevated beds, as these trap less dander and saliva.
• Instead of taking the baby away from the dog, letting him play more will help to bring down the allergic reaction gradually as the body develops the resistance eventually
• Vacuum your house regularly to maintain it free from dander
• Change your baby’s clothes every time he plays with the dog

Treating Dog Allergies In Babies

The treatment options entirely depends on the severity of the allergy.

• For mild issues with nasal irritation, saline nasal drops will help
• For moderate to severe symptoms, you should consult the child’s doctor. Over the counter medicines are not at all recommended
• The allergist may prescribe allergic shots, which provide fast relief from the symptoms

We hope these solutions will be effective and would help your baby bond with his doggy friend without the fear of any allergy.
Did your baby suffer from dog allergy? How did you control the situation? Please share it in the comments section below.