What are the typical dog allergy symptoms?

Dog allergies have the same symptoms as cat and other pet allergies.2 These symptoms typically include:

  • Blocked nose
  • Runny nose
  • Swollen, red and watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy red skin rash
  • Tickly cough

Having dog allergies can also trigger your asthma symptoms (causing possible breathing difficulties, wheezing chest sounds, and abnormal tiredness).

I have a pet dog at home but I am allergic to it. What do I do?

Being allergic to dogs can be complicated and affect your daily life, especially if the dog is a much loved family pet. Fortunately, allergy medicines can often help reduce the symptoms.3 People who still have symptoms after trying a variety of medications should talk with their doctor about other options.

What are the effects of dog allergy symptoms?

Continuous contact with allergy-inducing substances (such as allergens produced by dogs) may result in long-term nasal and eye hay fever symptoms. A constantly blocked nose and other allergy symptoms can lead to poor concentration and school performance, disrupted sleep, and tiredness and irritability during the day which can all lead to more days off school.4

Hypoallergenic dogs – do they exist?

There are no truly hypoallergenic dogs (dogs less likely to cause allergies), despite the fact that some allergic people appear to tolerate certain dog breeds better than others.2 Contrary to popular belief, it is not actually dog fur that causes allergic reactions – but proteins commonly found in the dog’s shed fur, saliva and urine.2 Unlike hay fever, pet allergies are more likely to happen all year round and could cause mild to severe allergy symptoms which may increase your risk of developing asthma.5

How to control or manage dog allergies6

Given that there is no cure for dog allergies, the key to treatment is limiting allergen exposure. The following tips can be used as guidance:

  • Keep the dog out of your bedroom and limit it to a few rooms.
  • When you are done petting or hugging your dog, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Consistent use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time.
  • Allergen levels can be reduced by often using a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner.

Despite the fact that medications cannot cure allergies, they can help to reduce the symptoms. Typical treatment options include antihistamine tablets, syrups or eye drops. Other treatment options can include intranasal corticosteroid or antihistamine nasal sprays or fixed-dose combination intranasal antihistamine and corticosteroid sprays.

Your doctor may also recommend other therapies such as saline washes or sprays.

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  • References

    1. Allergic to your dog? The Ohio state university college of veterinary medicine. Accessed on 20 October 2022.
    2. Pet Allergy: Are You Allergic to Dogs, Cats, or Other Animals? AAFA website. 2022. Accessed on 20 October 2022.
    3. Wallace DV. Pet dander and perennial allergic rhinitis: therapeutic options. Allergy Asthma Proc 2009; 30:573-83.
    4. Mir E, et al. Impact of allergic rhinitis in school going children. Asia Pac Allergy 2012; 2:93-100.
    5. Shaaban R, et al. Rhinitis and onset of asthma: a longitudinal population-based study. Lancet 2008; 372:1049-57.
    6. Pets, dog and cat allergies: Symptoms & treatment. ACAAI Public Website. 2022. Accessed 21 Nov 2022.

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