GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2019 31 1 Depending on the severity of your child’s allergic symptoms and how much time and effort you are willing to invest, it may be possible for you to keep your dog. Please also consult your trusted medical professional, but here is the advice I give to par- ents of children who are allergic to dogs: No 1. | The dog’s hair or fur is not the issue. Allergenic proteins originate from the dog’s skin secretions (dander) and saliva. Thus, even a hairless dog emits plenty of allergenic proteins. No 2. | Large “indoor-outdoor” dogs may emit more dander, track outdoor allergens into the home, and are generally more difficult to bathe and groom. No 3. | Smaller dogs are easier to keep indoors, emit less dander, and are easier to bathe. Washing the dog on a weekly basis helps reduce dander production. No 4. | Make the child’s bedroom a dog-free sanctuary and, if possible, confine the dog to sleep in the utility room or similar part of the house. No 5. | A child who is allergic to dogs should wash hands after petting dogs in order to avoid introducing allergens directly into the eyes. No 6. | Allergy medications may need to be taken on a daily basis to permit the child to cohabitate comfortably with a dog or even to visit other homes where dogs reside. Chronic eczema or asthma driven by dog dander allergy poses additional problems that may not be solvable with the measures outlined above. When these conditions improve substantially during a vacation to a dog-free environment and then worsen within 24 hours of returning home without any other apparent cause, then the parents would be best advised to start looking for a new home for the dog. After the dog is removed from the home, a deep cleaning of all carpets and upholstered furniture will quickly help reduce the level of dog allergen. WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE AN ALLERGIST FOR ADDI- TIONAL HELP? No 1. | Allergy symptoms are not satisfactorily controlled with reasonable avoidance measures and judicious use of medica- tions. No 2. | Environmental allergies leading to secondary compli- cations such as eczema, asthma, or recurrent respiratory tract infections requiring antibiotics. Editor’s Note: Robert W. Sugerman, M.D. can be reached at Allergy Part- ners of North Texas where he and the other physicians and staff are ded- icated to advancing the delivery of quality care to patients with complex problems. To find an allergist, visit www.acaai.org/locate-an-allergist. DOG DAYCARE • PET BOARDING • DOG TRAINING • DOG GROOMING NEW CLIENT SPECIAL: Get Your First Day of Dog Daycare FREE! CALL 972-449-1476 Hours: M–F 7AM - 7PM | Sat 8AM - 5PM | Sun 8AM - 5PM 2641 Westgrove Dr | Carrollton | 972-449-1476 carrollton@mansbestfriend.com We have news for you: your dog is a party animal, and Dog Daycare at Man’s Best Friend is the perfect place for them to let loose. No matter your dog’s size, age, or breed, they will deeply benefit from some raucous playtime with their fellow pups. SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUR PARTY ANIMAL!