Can You Get Anaphylactic Shock From Dog Allergies?

Are you a dog lover? Do you find them fun to play with? Do you always stop and stare at the lady who walks her dog in the park? You’re lucky if you’re able to get in close proximity to dogs without having difficulties because for some, being exposed to them can trigger problematic allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and shortness of breath.

Can a Dog Allergy Cause Anaphylaxis?

Some people have extreme allergies to dogs to the point that just being in the presence of a dog can make them feel like they’ll die. For most people, dog allergies are a mild source of discomfort. They cause runny noses, respiratory distress, sneezing, and watery eyes. These allergic reaction occurs when a person’s immune system overreacts to an allergen. In cases of dog allergies, this allergen can be found in the dog’s saliva, urine, and dander.

In one instance, a woman was reported to have been removed from a flight after she saw two dogs and demanded that the dogs should be taken off the plane. She claimed that she was allergic to dogs and that she could die simply by being exposed to them.

Pet allergies are generally not deadly, but they can sometimes trigger anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening.

Can You Die From Dog Allergies?

Allergies are caused by a reaction to certain proteins found primarily in oil secretions from a dog’s skin and in a dog’s saliva. It is not hair itself that causes allergies. When your dog sheds hair or its skin flakes, proteins are carried into the environment where they may cause an allergic reaction.

Dog allergies are not generally deadly but anaphylactic shock caused by dog allergy can be. Anaphylactic shock or a sever allergic reaction to dogs is a serious allergic reaction that may cause death. Anaphylactic shock occurring in humans after physical contact with a dog is rare or one-time instances. People who are at risk of anaphylactic shock are aware of their condition and take precautions usually carry Epipens in case of life-threatening situation. Some dog allergy symptoms include:

• hay fever
• sneezing
• runny nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Facial pressure and pain
• Frequent awakening
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
• In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose
• Some people may also experience signs of asthma, such as wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
• Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

So here are some signs of allergy to dogs, contact your doctor if you have experience one of this after a physical contact with your pet.

What is Anaphylactic Shock?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that happens within minutes and needs to be treated immediately. It can turn into anaphylactic shock. People who go into anaphylactic shock, experience a sudden drop in their blood pressure which blocks their airways and prevents them from breathing.

In the worst case scenario, anaphylactic shock can stop the beating of the heart leading to loss of consciousness and even death.

What are the Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock?

People with severe allergic reaction to dogs may experience these symptoms. This condition is dangerous and it’s symptoms should not be ignored. The most common symptoms include:

• Skin reactions such as hives, flushed skin, or paleness
• Abdominal pain
• Itchy rash
• Throat or tongue swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Low blood pressure
• Runny nose and sneezing

Most people who have allergies and are at risk of anaphylactic shock are aware of their situation, so they take the necessary precautions.

What are the Treatments for Anaphylactic Shock?

When dealing with anaphylactic shock, simply taking an antihistamine drug is not an effective treatment.

The most common and effective treatment for anaphylaxis is an Epinephrine shot which should be given the moment a person experiences symptoms of this condition. It is also important for people who’ve had anaphylactic shock to carry at least two doses of Epinephrine with them at all times to avoid life-threatening situations from a severe allergic reaction.

How to Deal with Dog Allergies?

There have been rare times or instances of anaphylactic shock occurring to humans after physical contact with a dog. However, most allergists would not include anaphylactic shock as a possible allergy symptom of coming into contact with dogs.

On the bright side, if you have a severe allergic reaction to dogs, it would likely not be a deadly one. You would just experience sneezing, itching, or shortness of breath for a few minutes.

Many people still believe that a dog allergy can be deadly despite the lack of medical evidence that supports this theory. If you have a dog allergy and if your condition becomes severe after being in close proximity to dogs, immediately contact your doctor or go to the nearest allergy clinic and get properly checked.

Brazos Valley Allergy & Asthma Clinics is one of the best clinics you can contact in the south central Texas region.

They provide professional services that deal with allergies, asthma and your immune system in Texas with office locations in Bastrop, Brenham, College Station, Columbus, Giddings, and La Grange.

They utilize established methods and technological advances to provide high-quality treatments to their patients while maintaining affordability.

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REFERENCES:

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Dogtime
USA TODAY