Dealing with your allergies to dogs

by Dr. Mikel Delgado, PhD

If you’ve found yourself sniffling and sneezing since you got your new puppy, you might be allergic to dogs. There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about allergies to dogs, and we’re here to help provide some strategies that can help you successfully live with a dog, even if you are allergic.

*Although rare, some people can be extremely allergic to dogs, and people with asthma or other respiratory disease will be at greater risk. Always discuss with your healthcare provider whether you absolutely cannot live with dogs! 

Why are people allergic to dogs?

First of all, it’s important to understand exactly what you are allergic to when you are allergic to dogs. Many people have the misconception that they are allergic to a dog’s fur. However, what many people are actually allergic to is a protein in a dog’s skin and saliva known as Can f 1. Their hair is a carrier of the proteins, which is why people may react more strongly to dogs that shed more fur.

What are the signs of dog allergies?

Symptoms are often similar to that of a common cold, but they don’t go away after a few weeks like a cold should! Signs include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, difficulty sleeping, hives, and chest tightness.

How we can ease our dog allergies

The best way to ease your allergic symptoms is to limit your exposure to Can f 1. Here are some effective ways to reduce the amount of allergens in your environment:

• Keep your dog out of your bedroom: you spend about 8 hours a day in your bedroom, so keeping your dog out of this room will give you a large chunk of time in an allergen-free zone.
• Use HEPA filters: Air purifiers can be your friend. Be sure to use air purifiers with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration in heavily used areas of your home, and consider using HEPA filters in your central air system as well.
• Get rid of carpet if possible: Hardwood floors are easier to clean and don’t hang on to dog hairs. Use washable throw rugs instead of carpet when you can.
• Try leather or vinyl furniture: If your dog is allowed on the couch, you should make sure their hair isn’t clinging to it. You can also cover your furniture with pet bedding that can be removed and washed - and be sure to wash frequently.
• Effective cleaning: Get a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or use a central/whole house vacuum system to keep dog hair under control.
• Wear a mask when cleaning: If you are dusting, vacuuming, or otherwise cleaning around the house, wearing a mask will protect you from the dust and allergens that get kicked around. 
• Groom your dog - carefully: Maintain your dog’s coat with regular (weekly) brushing, but it’s best to brush your dog outside your home to minimize your exposure to allergens (even better yet, get a non-allergic household member to do the dog brushing!). Talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog would benefit from regular bathing or professional grooming.
• Consider medication or immunotherapy: Visit an allergist who can help you confirm if your allergies are actually to your dog, or to something else in your home. Your allergist can recommend any medications to ease your allergy symptoms, and they can advise you as to whether immunotherapy (“allergy shots”) could give you relief.

Will I “outgrow” my allergy?

Allergies can make you feel downright miserable - and while some people do seem to adjust to living with allergens, some people will start to feel worse with increased exposure. It is much better to limit your exposure to allergens and work with a medical professional who can make sure you’re feeling your best…with your dog!

Can I just get a hypoallergenic dog?

Unfortunately (and despite the false advertising), there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. Some breeds may cause fewer allergic symptoms due to shedding less or having less hair. It is also possible that some breeds produce less of the protein that causes allergic reactions, but there is little evidence to date to support that.

Living with dogs and allergies

Although some people do need to rehome their dog due to allergies, it is possible to keep your dog while keeping your sniffles in check. With allergies, it is best to engage in as many of the abovementioned control strategies as possible. While there is no truly allergy-free dog, we can minimize allergens in the environment effectively and often enough to help you forget that Fido ever made you sneeze.

Resources

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Allergic to your dog? Easy tips to prevent and control your allergy

The Mayo Clinic: Pet Allergy

Nicholas, C. E., Wegienka, G. R., Havstad, S. L., Zoratti, E. M., Ownby, D. R., & Johnson, C. C. (2011). Dog allergen levels in homes with hypoallergenic compared with nonhypoallergenic dogs. American journal of rhinology & allergy, 25(4), 252-256. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3680143/

Vredegoor, D. W., Willemse, T., Chapman, M. D., Heederik, D. J., & Krop, E. J. (2012). Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 130(4), 904-909. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22728082/