6 Tips to Reduce Allergies To Dogs in Your Home

Even though someone in your family has a dog allergy, you’ve decided to get a furry companion.  Don’t worry, you’re not alone!  Even though approximately 15% of Americans are allergic to dogs 71 % of American families still have a dog.  We’ve already discussed some great options for hypoallergenic dogs. Having a shorter list of dog breeds to look at makes the adoption process easier, but it is still possible that even a hypoallergenic dog will affect your family’s allergies. What can you do now to reduce dog allergies if you already have a dog that is affecting you?

Here are some ways to help you choose the right pet or to make life with your current dog less of an issue for your allergies:

Before acquiring the dog,

1. Have the allergic person spend half an hour alone in a small room with the dog to see if any allergy symptoms arise.

After getting your dog, or if you already have a dog that affects your family’s allergies,

Here are some tricks to reduce the presence of dander:

2. Bathe the dog once/twice a week: In addition to dander, dogs may carry dust in their coats, and their saliva and urine can also cause allergies.  Just be careful that you don’t over-do it.  Washing your dog too often will dry out their skin which creates even more dander. There is even good science to back this one up! Washing the dog reduces dog allergen levels, but the dog needs to be washed twice a week. Hodson T, Custovic A, Simpson A, Chapman M, Woodcock A, Green R.
3. Have the allergic person wash their hands frequently, especially after contact with the dog.
4. Keep the dog completely out of the bedroom: We spend a significant amount of our time in our bedrooms.  Keeping the dog out of this sacred space decreases the accumulation of dander where you sleep.
5. Wash all dog bedding weekly: Not just for dander, but for the dust mites that inhabit the bedding.
6. Vacuum/clean frequently: This will  keep loose dander from accumulating heavily.  If possible, replace carpets and drapes that collect dander with wood or tile flooring and window blinds or shades.

You can also invest in a HEPA Vacuum and an air purifier.

Et voila!  Simple, and easy-to-follow tips, but vastly important to the well-being of your dog-loving family!