If you think you may be allergic to pets, the best way to find out is to get tested. A skin prick test is the most common way to diagnose a dog allergy. For this test, a small amount of a canine allergen extract is placed on the skin and then pricked with a sterile probe to allow the liquid to seep below the surface. Your doctor may also use an instrument with light to examine the condition of the lining of your nose.
If you have a pet allergy, the lining of your nasal passages may be swollen or look pale or bluish. Your doctor will diagnose a pet or animal allergy based on your medical history, symptoms, a physical exam, and allergy test results. An IgE blood test can help assess the predictive risk of pet allergens and inform allergy treatment plans for your patients.1-5.
Pet dander
is everywhere and can be found in homes, classrooms, workspaces, and other areas where pets have never been, since people often carry pet allergens on their clothes. To reduce your exposure to pet allergens, keep pets away from your room and upholstered furniture, and wash your hands immediately after touching them.According to the National Institutes of Health, there are detectable levels of pet dander in every home in the U. S. You can develop allergies at any time and they can change over time. You may not have been allergic to your dog in the past, but now you are.
Allergy testing is the best way to find out if you're allergic to a specific type of animal.