Are You Allergic to Your Dog? Tips to Minimize Allergy Symptoms

It has been estimated that there are over 70 million dogs in the United States alone and that perhaps as many as 40% of U.S. households have a pet dog. Their popularity is due to their unique ability to enrich pet owners’ lives and provide companionship.

Unfortunately, many people who suffer from allergies are also allergic to dogs. In fact, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that as many as 30% of people with allergies have allergic reactions to dogs and cats, although cat allergies appear to be about twice as common as dog allergies. These pet allergens can even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition.

Dog allergens are primarily found in pet dander, saliva and even urine. A dog’s fur is not generally the culprit, although it can collect dander, saliva and urine or other common allergens such as pollen, dust mites or mold.

Dog allergy symptoms vary from person to person, but common symptoms may include:
• Stuffy nose, sneezing and nasal congestion
• Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath
• Inflamed or watery eyes
• Skin rash

There are medical tests to help determine if someone has a pet allergy and there are also services available to test for the presence of dog allergens in a home.

Fortunately, there are also simple steps that pet owners with allergies can take to reduce the presence of dog allergens and to reduce their exposure. They include the following:
• Bathe dogs on a regular basis
• Keep dogs out of bedrooms and especially out of people’s beds
• Wash bedding in hot water
• Don’t allow dogs on furniture
• Keep dogs outside when possible or practical
• Vacuum, clean and dust on a regular basis, but try not to aerosolize the allergens
• Use a HEPA air cleaner

These are just a few things to know about dog allergens and what can be done to minimize allergy symptoms. To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, environmental, health, safety, occupational or property issues, please visit the websites shown below.

[nhernandez]

I told my mom a few times that I’m allergic to dogs and yet she goes out and brings a dog home one day. Now I’m struggling with allergies and itchy eyes on a daily basis. It is honestly ruining my relationship with my mom I’ve never been so annoyed with her in my entire life.

[bookbutterfly]

Poor 30% of people who are allergic to cats & dogs

[mr.breadguy_]

You know you're unlucky when you're allergic to both cats and dogs lmao *aka me*

[btooklynnharris]

IDK if I'm elergic but when I finish playing with my puppy's I get lots of bumps

[stephenstephenson]

I have Harley Quin Great Danes and I'm literally dying from them im wheezing and my stuffed bose isnt helping thank you so much

[Ifjfjfjfjfuufuvujdjjsjueu]

I’ve had pet dogs all my life and no signs of dog allergies but today when I was playing with my dog my arm started burning and has lots of bumps is it possible to develop allergies

[donutglazer]

Ive had my dog for 9+ years and just these past 5 months when really fluffing his hair up and playing with it i get bumps, even rolling around in his blanket gave me bumps, no one else in my family gets bumps just me and i had them try to do what i did when i got the bumps to see if it was maybe insects, not a problem when i sleep with him or pet him or kiss him, only ruffing up his hair

[josehurtado]

Idk if im allergic to dogs MY throat feels dry and MY skin gets like red and cough but im a dog lover what should i do i hate MY life

[cherrylynn]

When I rub dogs my skin gets itchy and sometimes welts appear. I sneeze and cough if I mess with dogs too much.

[patricklandor]

I’m allergic to my dog. With what you said it makes sense. This dry cough on my nerve

[nicolemarie]

I am allergic to dogs... I start wheezing and its hard for me to breath... I highly doubt these will work for me

[hannahuy]

My puppy has seperation anxiety and he always sleeps by my side. Ever since i got him ive had a rash on the back of my thighs.

[oam]

Best treatment is to keep a distance from things or beings that you are allergic to. Don't even shear the same place at a different times of the week. My minimum is 5 meters away in distance and a week far in time. Hope you all to be ok.

[ling]

My eyes burn and my nose gets uncomfortable but I love dogs so much!😭❤️

[zeldabowserthecats]

Thank you!
Im allergic to dog furr this was really helpful

[katjarjarbinks]

Am i allergic to my 3 cats or do i have the corona virus. Big questions.

[lpszeldatv]

Its weird bc i was allergic for dogs and cats. But i got my cat on oktober 27 2017. And when i got my cat. I sneezed cought ect.but when i waited for 1 week...my allercig for cats dissapeard!! Im not allergic for cats anymore! But i really want a dog someday but..i cant still to allergic for dogs...🐶 then cats...🐱

[larson]

Yea I’m badly allergic but it’s called tablets :)

I can’t let my dog go for a dumb allergy that will probably go away when I’m in a coffin :)

[herohamza]

They say a dog is man's best friend ♥



I'm allergic to dogs 💔

[sadiesof]

I've had my dog for 6 years and only the last few months I've gotten awful hives from him and excessive sneezing, shortness of breath etc. I'm so upset cause I love him to bits but now I don't even want to go near him 😭