Dog Allergies: Relief for the Family Member Allergic to Dogs
Believe it or not, being allergic to dogs is a common reason dogs are dumped at animal shelters. Having allergies myself, I completely understand your commitment to your family member suffering from allergies. However, you made a commitment to your dog before you brought him inside your home. Fortunately, rehoming your dog isn’t the only option you have if someone in your family is allergic to dogs. Below, we discuss ways to keep your family member’s allergies at bay and your dog at home.
How to Keep Pet Allergens Under Control
Many years ago, doctors and immunologists recommended tossing a family dog outdoors or rehoming him, but that’s outdated advice now. Many immunologists have learned that pet allergies can easily be maintained while keeping an allergic family member symptom free.
Bathe Your Dog Frequently
Allergies are caused by pet dander. Your dog’s hair has nothing to do with it. Now, dander can get caught in your dog’s fur, but it’s shedding skin that causes allergic reactions in people.
With that said, bathe your dog weekly with a gentle moisturizing shampoo (here’s my favorite brand). Using a gentle shampoo will ensure your dog’s skin doesn’t dry out due to frequent baths, as most dogs are bathed monthly. When bathing, rinse and rinse your dog again. Shampoo will help lift pet dander off your dog’s skin and coat, but rinsing (and rinsing again) will remove dander out of your dog’s coat.
Keep Your Dog’s Coat Short
Not only is bathing a short-haired dog easier, but it’s also easier to rinse off dander caught on your dog’s fur. If your dog normally has longer hair, trim about an inch off or ask a dog groomer to trim it for you. This way, brushing your dog’s coat weekly is much more manageable. Shorter hair also minimizes the amount of molds and pollens brought inside by your dog.
Just a reminder: there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. It’s a myth. Check out the real deal here.
Clean Often
With any type of allergies, keeping a clean living space is always a given tip. If someone is allergic to dog dander, she is most likely allergic to mold, dust mites, pollen and so forth. Keep symptoms manageable by vacuuming daily and keeping surfaces free from allergens.
Personally, we removed all the carpet from our home and my allergies have never been better. With carpet, I had frequent asthma flare-ups, which were well controlled by medications. Once the carpet was removed, I weaned myself off several medications because I no longer needed them. And yes, I am allergic to dog dander. 🙂
Purchase a HEPA Filter
HEPA filters are worth every penny. I highly recommend investing in at least two units. Place one in the allergic person’s bedroom and the other in a frequented common room, such as a den or living room.
Filter size depends on square footage, so choose carefully. We purchased two Austin Air filters that work well. They keep dust particles to a minimum, which means less dusting on my part. Austin Air filters are supposed to be changed every three years, but we open the unit yearly and vacuum the front filter surface. Before freaking out at the cost of this filter, let’s do a bit of math first. It’ll cost $260 per year to keep allergens to a minimum in your home, which translates to $22 per month. It’s an investment in the beginning, but it works!
It is possible for your allergic family member to remain symptom-free around your dog. I do it every day. 🙂