Studies estimate that 10-15 percent of the population suffers from allergies to pets. Physical reactions in people can range from mild sneezing and a runny nose with congestion to severe symptoms and life-threatening asthma attacks. Amazingly enough, in spite of this fact the National Institute of Health reports that 25 percent of allergy and asthma sufferers still choose to keep pets in their homes.

Interestingly, the presence of dog allergens is fairly common and irritants may be found in many public places even when there is no dog present. Major sources of dog allergens have nothing to do with hair, either. The allergic effect of a dog is due to a primary source of allergens that are present in canine saliva. Secondary allergens are secreted by oil glands and are shed with skin cells in the form of dog dander that get stuck on the hair.

Creating awareness about human allergies to dogs becomes especially important if you are either hosting a party for the upcoming holiday or if you are allergic and will be attending a social gathering where there may be a dog present.

If you are planning a get-together and you have a dog, you should be mindful of the possibility that one or more of your guests may suffer from allergies to pets. One thing you can do is to give the party area a thorough cleaning before the festivities. A Hepa-filter air purifier used in indoor areas will also greatly minimize allergens.

While there is no need to shut your dog out of the festivities, it may be helpful to create a dog-free zone at your party; this is a place where guests may go but the dog cannot. It is also best to bathe your dog the day before or better yet, on the morning of your holiday bash. Consider dressing your dog in a doggy T-shirt to further minimize dander dropping. Most people don't know that the shedding of skin and hair increases when dogs are emotionally stimulated. If you happen to be an unfortunate allergy sufferer, you may find it interesting to know that folks typically are more sensitive to cats than to dogs. If you know that your host or hostess does in fact have a dog, be sure to have a plan for party going. Consider effective measures such as taking some allergy medication before arriving at your destination and bringing your own irritant-free lawn chair from home. While at the party, limit your interaction with the dog and practice frequent hand washing to keep allergens from transferring from the environment onto your person.

Another little known approach to minimizing pet allergies is to change your own diet. Interestingly, holistic studies have shown that internally eliminating dairy products from a person's diet significantly decreases external allergic reactions to pets. Paws down, this dog lover would much rather eliminate hot fudge sundaes than to ever consider giving up my canine companions to prevent allergies.

Wags, Tracie

TRACIE LALIBERTE-BAILEY of Attleboro is a professional lecturer, educator and published writer on the subject of dogs. She is pursuing a doctoral degree on the human-canine bond. You can contact her with any dog-related questions at tracie@dogpawse.com.