This section on dog allergies is focused on how to minimize our allergic reaction to dogs. Many people are allergic to the family pet and cat allergies are about twice as frequent as allergies to dogs. Getting rid of the family dog is usually not an option, so if we have allergies then we have to learn how to manage them. Most people think that allergies are caused by dog hair but in reality it is the dog dander allergens that cause our allergic reactions. Dander allergens are really dead skin cells that are also present in dog's saliva and the dog's coat when they lick their fur.

Allergic reactions result when minute particles of dander fool our immune systems into thinking that the dander is an invading antibody. Our immune system releases histamines to fight the dander antibody which results in the familiar sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itching eyes etc. The first exposure to an allergen doesn’t usually trigger symptoms and it takes multiple exposures over a period of weeks or months to produce full blown reactions. So how do we cope or manage the situation so that we can live with our dog?

Test and control your allergies
You first need to find out if you (or someone in your household) are really allergic to the dog or whether it is something else such as dust, pollen or maybe the cat. A visit to an allergist specialist physician will quickly determine if it is the family pet or something else causing your allergies. The allergist can also decide if you are a candidate for allergen immunotherapy or allergy shots which will desensitize your reaction to dander allergens. The allergy shots may take a few months to work but can usually be tapered off and even stopped over time. If your allergies aren’t too severe then they may be adequately controlled by prescription or non-prescription antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops.

Control your environment
The second step is to get rid of most of the dander catchers in your house. Don't use feather pillows or down comforters and wash your bedding with an anti-allergy detergent at least once a week. If possible get rid of your carpets and replace with washable flooring. If you are stuck with wall to wall carpets, then have them steam cleaned at least 3 times per year and shampoo rugs and upholstery with a special rug shampoo formulated to get rid of allergens. Also if possible replace drapes and curtains with washable vertical blinds. Install air cleaners and filters capable of removing dander allergens from the air. Also open windows and doors on windy days to let fresh air circulate through your house. Replace your vacuum cleaner with one that has a high allergen containment rating. Also restrict your dog's access to certain rooms and furniture. Never let your dog into your bedroom and never let him sleep on your living room furniture.

Control the dander allergens on your dog
The next step is to minimize the dander on your dog through regular bathing and careful grooming. If you use cool water and special moisturizing pet allergy shampoo that won't dry out the skin and coat, then you can wash your dog several times per week. Frequent combing and brushing will stimulate the skin and reduce dander. If possible, get someone else (spouse or children?) to bathe your dog. If it isn't possible then wear gloves and a mask to reduce your exposure to dander allergens. You should also add fatty acid supplements to your dog's diet through supplements to ensure your dog maintains a healthy skin. Try spraying your dog's coat with anti-allergy sprays to eliminate dander allergens.

Choose a low-dander dog breed
There has been a lot of hype about low allergy poodle hybrids or designer dogs. Designer dogs like the Labradoodle, Cockapoo or Goldendoodle can't be any more hypoallergenic than the founding purebred Poodle. Low shedding, non shedding or so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds will still produce some dander. So there is not a completely allergy-free dog breed. Obviously small dogs will produce less dander than large breeds and most low shedding dogs will produce less dander than heavily shedding dogs. The following is a list of so-called hypoallergenic or low shedding dog breeds