You are visiting relatives that have a dog.  You haven?t experienced allergies to dogs in
the past so the thought of a dog allergy doesn?t even cross your mind.  When you arrive
their new German Bulldog tackles you with kisses which leave dog slobber all over your
arm.  You don?t notice at first until your arm feels itchy.  You scratch at your arm
thinking nothing of it.

Then it happens.  Your relative points at your arm in shock.  You look down to see
several white and red puffy hives erupting all over your skin.  You quickly realize that
you do have a dog allergy.  The exact spots where Fido left his slobber are covered in red,
itchy hives.

In this type of situation a quick remedy to your dog allergy includes taking an
antihistamine.  Benadryl is an antihistamine medicine that can provide quick relief from a
dog allergy.  You are surprised that you have a dog allergy.  However, your relative
informs you that German Bulldogs have been known to cause a dog allergy in many
people.

The composition of the German Bulldogs saliva contains substances that your body
perceives as harmful.  Your body?s reaction is to protect itself by pumping out
histamines.  These histamines can come in the form of hives, swelling of body parts,
sneezing, and wheezing.

If you have an extreme pet allergy you will fall into a state of anaphylactic shock. 
Anaphylactic shock caused by a pet allergy can be distressing and even fatal.  Your lips
may tingle then swell.  Your face may swell and your air passage may close up.  You
have trouble breathing as the air ways constrict.  An epinephrine shot will help your body
to ward off this type of shock.

Dog allergies are interesting in that you can be allergic to all types of dogs or only certain
breeds.  Many times you find this information out by experiencing allergic reactions.  It
might be beneficial to carry an antihistamine medication such as Benadryl with you at all
times if you have had an allergic reaction in the past.  If you are prone to anaphylactic
shots from a dog allergy then it is vital to carry an epinephrine shot with you at all times.

A dog allergy can range from a nuisance to a fatal enemy.  Consult your doctor about
further dog allergy treatment options.

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