Tips for People With Pet Allergies Who Want to Own a Dog

Is it possible for people with pet allergies to own a dog? Most Doodles are hypoallergenic; this means that they shed less and are less likely to cause allergic reactions than other types of dogs. Finding a dog that doesn’t shed is a good place to start, but there are other things that you can and should do to keep your pet allergies in check.

Understanding pet allergies

First, it’s important to understand what causes your allergic reaction. Most people with pet allergies are allergic to proteins found in a dog’s saliva, urine, or dander (skin cells).

The allergic reaction is not caused by dog fur or hair. This means that dogs that don’t shed and even hairless dog breeds can trigger allergic reactions.

Pet allergy symptoms can be mild. They might look like seasonal allergies: runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, etc. However, sometimes pet allergies can be severe. Allergic reactions can trigger asthma symptoms and cause difficulty breathing.

This is why it’s important to fully understand your allergy. If you have mild pet allergies, it’s possible to manage the symptoms and own a dog.

Talk to health professional

If you have pet allergies, visit with your primary care doctor or an allergist before you decide to bring a dog into your home.

There are over-the-counter antihistamines and prescription medications that can help keep mild pet allergies in check.

Routine grooming

This is crucial for dog owners with pet allergies. Regular brushing and bathing removes pet dander and other allergens from your dog’s fur and skin. Have a member of the household who isn’t allergic to dogs do the brushing and bathing, or consider professional grooming.

Routine house cleaning

If you have indoor pets, you have to clean your home more than people who don’t have pets. If you have pet allergies, you have to clean your home more often than people without pet allergies.

Wash linens, vacuum floors and furniture, dust, and sweep and vacuum floors. Also remember to change your air filters every 60 days if you have an indoor dog.

Set some house rules

Consider keeping your pet as an outdoor dog. When your dog enters the house, he brings all of his allergens in with him. These can settle in your home and trigger allergic reactions.

If you can’t bear the thought of denying your dog time in the house, at least consider setting some boundaries.

  • Maintain a strict no pups on the furniture policy.
  • Unless your entire home has wall-to-wall carpeting, try to keep your pet out of carpeted rooms.
  • Establish a part of the house that is off-limits for your pet. If you have an allergic reaction, you can retreat to this space.

Help your pet keep his cool

Making sure that your dog is properly trained and socialized is important for his mental and emotional health. Dogs can get anxious and uncomfortable just like people, and an anxious dog might salivate and drool all over the place. A calm and collected dog will not only be happier, but he will also produce less saliva and fewer allergens.

Take a look at our Goldendoodle puppies. We are Doodle breeders located in Central Arkansas. Contact Platinum Goldies online, or give us a call at 501-514-1026.