How can I get rid of my allergies to dogs?

1. Antihistamines are over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, and Clarinex OTC that can help relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
2. Nasal corticosteroids such as Flonase (now available over the counter) or Nasonex may reduce inflammation and control symptoms.

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When exposed to dog saliva or dander, people who are allergic to dogs may develop a rash, hives, or watery eyes.

Many times, dog allergy symptoms are mild, and if a person can control their symptoms, they may still be able to live with a dog. Some home remedies can reduce symptoms. However, avoiding exposure to dogs is the only real cure for dog allergies.

This article discusses the signs of allergic reactions to dogs and how to treat them, including at-home remedies and prescription medications.

Depending on how severe the allergy is, certain symptoms and when they appear can vary. People with severe dog allergies may experience symptoms right away after exposure, whereas those with less severe allergies may take longer to do so.

It can be challenging to maintain an allergen-free environment in a home where a dog is present. Dead skin cells from dogs can cling to household items like curtains, furniture, bedding, and carpets for an extended period of time and linger in the air.

Because they shed less than other dog breeds, hypoallergenic dogs may be less likely to trigger allergic reactions. Nevertheless, some research has revealed that households with hypoallergenic breeds might still harbor as many allergens as those with other breeds.

The only surefire way to get rid of dog allergies is to stay away from dogs. But if a person does interact with dogs, the following natural treatments could help them to treat symptoms:

Anyone thinking about bringing a dog into their home should first conduct an allergy test or engage in a trial period.

For those who are allergic to dogs, there are over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can help lessen or eliminate the symptoms.

Antihistamine drugs inhibit histamine, which contributes to the onset of allergic symptoms and local immune responses. There may be loratadine, cetirizine hydrochloride, or fexofenadine hydrochloride in well-known OTC brands for prolonged use.

Antihistamines can be purchased online or from a doctor with a prescription.

These drugs relieve nasal congestion and work to reduce inflammation brought on by immune responses. Some nasal corticosteroids can now be purchased online without a prescription.

Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a method that an allergist (a specialist in allergy diagnosis) may use to treat severe or persistent allergy symptoms.

In immunotherapy, allergens are injected into a patient in progressively higher doses. These allergy shots aid in developing a person’s tolerance for allergens. Immunotherapy typically requires several sessions spread out over several months.

Asthma affects a large number of pet allergy sufferers, and contact with pet allergens can worsen or trigger asthma attacks. In these circumstances, a physician might recommend bronchodilators or inhaled corticosteroids to keep the airways open.

Some people develop allergies to a variety of proteins that dogs produce. Dog saliva has the highest concentrations of these proteins, while dander and urine have lower levels.

Dog hair typically contains a lot of allergens because dander frequently accumulates on the hair follicles.

A doctor will refer a patient to an allergist if they suspect they may be allergic to dogs.

A tiny amount of dog proteins will be applied to the skin during a skin-prick test by an allergist. After that, they will make a tiny puncture in the skin to allow the mixture to enter the body.

The majority of those who are allergic to the mixture will react in 15 to 30 minutes.

An allergist may determine that a person who believes they are allergic to dogs is actually reacting to dust or pollen, which are frequently found on dogs or dog hair.

Avoiding dogs and dog-populated areas can help people with dog allergies reduce their symptoms. Many people decide to manage their symptoms by changing their lifestyles, such as cleaning their homes more frequently, but this can be very difficult.

Antihistamines and nasal decongestants are examples of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help someone manage or lessen allergy symptoms.

Dog allergy sufferers should consult a doctor about prescription drugs and therapies that can help manage symptoms if their allergies are more severe or persistent.

Reduce the allergens and your symptoms

There are many ways to lessen indoor allergens and allergy symptoms if you are allergic to your pet and your reactions are not life-threatening so that you and your pet can live together more comfortably.

Follow these five steps to lessen the symptoms if allergies are making you or a family member miserable but not life-threatening:

1. Establish a designated “allergy free” area in your home, preferably in the allergic person’s bedroom, and strictly forbid pets from entering it. Utilize a high-efficiency HEPA air purifier, and think about covering the pillows and mattress with impermeable covers.

2. Avoid dust- and dander-attracting furniture like cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors by using HEPA air cleaners in the rest of the house. To remove dust and dander, clean frequently and thoroughly, washing items like curtains, pet beds, and couch covers and pillows.

3. Bathe your pet once a week to lessen the amount of dander (old skin cells shed) that causes allergies. Cats can become accustomed to bathing, but it’s important to only use products that are marked for them. For example, kittens may require a shampoo safe for kittens. It’s a good idea to use a shampoo that has been recommended by your veterinarian or another animal care expert. For information on safe bathing, consult your veterinarian’s staff or a good book on pet care.

4. Dont be quick to blame the family pet for allergies. To specifically check for pet dander allergies, ask your allergist. Many allergy sufferers are sensitive to more than one allergen. By focusing on all of the causes rather than just the pet allergy, you can lower the level of allergens in your environment as a whole.

5. Try treatments. Immunotherapy (allergy shots), steroidal and antihistamine nasal sprays, and antihistamine pills are additional treatments for allergies to pets. Find an allergist who respects your commitment to keeping your pet at home. It’s most likely to be successful with a combination of methods, including immunotherapy, good housekeeping practices, and medical symptom control.

Your allergist can assist in deciding which course of action is ideal for treating your dog allergy. Steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, and other oral medications are frequently used to treat nasal symptoms. Eye symptoms are often treated with antihistamine eyedrops. Inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators can be used to treat respiratory or asthma symptoms in order to either prevent or relieve respiratory symptoms.

While poodles, Portuguese water dogs and a number of other breeds (including several types of terriers) have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, a truly allergy-free breed does not exist. A 2011 study compared dust samples from homes with dog breeds reported to be hypoallergenic and those of homes with other dogs. The levels of dog allergen in homes with “hypoallergenic” dogs did not differ from the levels in homes with other breeds.

Dogs produce multiple allergens, or proteins that can cause allergy. Dog dander, saliva, urine, hair, and saliva all contain these allergens. Studies have not demonstrated that dogs can be hypoallergenic (not cause allergy), as they all produce allergens. If a dog lives indoors, the allergen levels are higher in the rooms where dogs are permitted.

The severity of cat allergy symptoms varies according to an individual’s sensitivity and the amount of exposure to allergens. These elements could also affect how quickly symptoms appear following exposure. Highly sensitive people can experience symptoms such as breathing issues or a rash shortly after touching a cat or going into a cat’s home.

Cats produce multiple allergens (proteins that can cause allergy). These allergens are located in the saliva, on the skin, and on fur. Studies have not demonstrated that cats can be hypoallergenic, or that they don’t cause allergies, since all cats produce allergens. Cat allergen levels are higher in homes with multiple cats. Cat allergen levels are not correlated with characteristics like a cat’s hair length, sex, or amount of time spent indoors.

If you find a new home for your pet

Your allergy symptoms won’t go away right away if you do find a new home for your pet. Your home may still have high levels of pet allergens for a few weeks or months even after a thorough cleaning. In a home that has recently gone pet-free, the actions listed below can help reduce the levels of pet allergens:

Clean. Have someone without pet allergies clean the entire house, including a thorough washing of the ceilings and walls.

Replace or move upholstered furniture. Replace upholstered furniture if possible, as cleaning wont remove all pet allergens from upholstery. Move upholstered furniture from your bedroom into another area of your home.

Replace carpets. If possible, replace carpeting, particularly in your bedroom.

Replace bedding. Replace sheets, blankets and other bedcovers, because its difficult to wash away pet allergens completely. Replace bed pillows. If you cant replace your mattress and box spring, encase them in allergen-blocking covers.

Use high-efficiency filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for your air ducts may trap allergens in the air, and HEPA vacuum bags may reduce the amount of dander rustled up by your cleaning. HEPA air purifiers also may reduce airborne pet allergens.

If you keep your pet, the following advice can help reduce the allergens in your house:

Bathe your pet frequently. Ask a family member or friend without allergies to bathe your pet on a weekly basis.

Establish a pet-free zone. Make certain rooms in your house, such as your bedroom, pet-free zones to reduce allergen levels in those rooms.

Remove carpeting and dander-attracting furnishings. If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with tile, wood, linoleum or vinyl flooring that wont harbor pet allergens as easily. Consider replacing other allergen-attracting furnishings, such as upholstered furniture, curtains and horizontal blinds.

Enlist help. When it comes time to clean your pets kennel, litter box or cage, ask a family member or friend who doesnt have pet allergies to do the work.

Use high-efficiency filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifiers and vent filters may help reduce airborne pet allergens.

Keep your pet outside. If your pet can live comfortably outside, you can reduce the amount of allergens in your home. This option isnt appropriate for many pets or in certain climates.

You’ll most likely start by visiting your family doctor if you have a runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or other symptoms that may be caused by an allergy. It is a good idea to prepare for your appointment because they can be brief and there is frequently a lot of ground to cover.

Write down any symptoms youre experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to allergy-like symptoms.

Write down your familys history of allergy and asthma, including specific types of allergies if you know them.

Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements youre taking.

Ask if you should stop any medications, for example, antihistamines that would alter the results of an allergy skin test.

You can make the most of your time together by creating a list of questions in advance. Some fundamental questions to ask your doctor about symptoms that could be caused by a pet allergy include:

What is the most likely cause of my signs and symptoms?

Are there any other possible causes?

Will I need any allergy tests?

Should I see an allergy specialist?

What is the best treatment?

I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?

If I have a pet allergy, can I keep my pet?

What changes can I make at home to reduce my symptoms?

Is there a generic alternative to the medicine youre prescribing?

Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your appointment in addition to the ones you’ve prepared to ask your doctor.

FAQ

How can I stop being allergic to dogs?

1. Keep the dog in a few rooms only, and keep it out of your bedroom.
2. If you must pet, cuddle, or kiss the dog, wash your hands with soap and water first.
3. Over time, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners operating continuously in a living room or bedroom can lower allergen levels.

Can you make dog allergies go away?

One option is allergy shots or immunotherapy, but while these can lessen or reduce symptoms, they cannot completely eradicate them. This option involves injecting allergy-causing substances under your skin to gradually desensitize your immune system to dander.