What Are Dog Allergies
Dog allergies are caused by the dog’s dander, saliva, and urine. These allergens can be found in the dog’s fur, on its paws and in its bedding. The most common symptoms of dog allergies are itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and skin rash.
The first step to avoiding a reaction is to make sure that you do not come into contact with the allergens. If you have a dog allergy, it is best to clean your home thoroughly before bringing your pet inside. You should also wash your clothes after being exposed to the allergens as well as avoid touching your face after coming into contact with them.
What are signs of dog allergies?
Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose. Facial pain (from nasal congestion). Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Watery, red or itchy eyes. Skin rash or hives.[1]
What are common allergies for dogs?
Examples of common allergens are pollens, mold spores, dust mites, shed skin cells (similar to pet allergies in humans), insect proteins such as flea saliva, and some medications.[2]
How do you treat allergies in dogs?
Some dogs do require a low dose of prednisone long term. Allergy medications such as Apoquel (oclacitinib), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can be used safely in dogs. Check with your vet for the appropriate dosage based on your pet’s size and allergy severity.[3]
Can dog allergies go away?
Outgrowing allergies to animals is possible but not probable. Also, even those allergies can go away; they can come back again later in life. Keeping pets will not help to acclimate to allergies either. For some people, allergy symptoms can be worse in some seasons, especially in the heat when animals shed more.[4]
Can you get rid of dog allergies?
Immunotherapy. You can “train” your immune system not to be sensitive to an allergen. Immunotherapy is delivered through a series of allergy shots. One to 2 weekly shots expose you to very small doses of the allergen, in this case, the animal protein that causes an allergic reaction.[5]
What triggers dog allergies?
Most often, pet allergy is triggered by exposure to the dead flakes of skin (dander) a pet sheds. Any animal with fur can be a source of pet allergy, but pet allergies are most commonly associated with cats and dogs.[6]
What foods to avoid for dogs with allergies?
The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. Each time a pet eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react with the antigens, and symptoms occur. Virtually any food ingredient can produce an allergy, however.[7]
How can I treat my dogs allergies naturally?
Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have properties that soothe and cool irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making them great additions in a dog bath for itchy skin. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin that are at risk of getting rubbed raw.[8]
What gets rid of allergies fast?
Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications improve nasal symptoms. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray. Oral decongestants.[9]
How do you test for pet allergies?
Your doctor will diagnose a pet or animal allergy based on your medical history, symptoms, a physical exam, and allergy test results. Allergy testing is the best way find out if you allergic to a specific animal type. Your doctor can use either a blood test or skin test to help get a diagnosis.[10]
How often should you bathe your dog?
Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn’t need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it’s a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months.[11]
Can you live with a dog if you are allergic?
The good news is that dogs and people with allergies can live together. What causes allergies from dogs? Allergies are caused by a reaction to certain proteins found primarily in oil secretions from a dog’s skin and in a dog’s saliva. It is not hair itself that causes allergies.[12]
