The Owner's Guide to Dog Hair Allergy Treatment

You've discovered you have a dog hair allergy, but you still want to have a dog in your home. First thing to keep in mind is it's not the hair you're allergic to; it's the protein in the dander that causes your allergic reactions. If the various housekeeping recommendations (vacuuming daily, washing bedding weekly, eliminating carpeting throughout the house, etc.) aren't enough to calm the allergy symptoms, there are several treatment options to consider.

Treatments for Allergies Dog Dander

Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, your doctor may recommend any of several treatment methods that combat symptoms, allergens or both types of irritants.

• Using eye drops that specifically state they are used to suppress allergic symptoms can relieve the itching and watering that can occur.
• Nose drops specified for fighting allergy symptoms are also a way to combat the inflammation and runny nose that often accompanies allergies.
• Antihistamines block the histamine (allergen) actions that cause the allergic symptoms.
• If the allergy is severe enough, a doctor may recommend a series of shots that increase the body's tolerance to the canine allergens. This is a series of injections that can be ongoing for several years.

Whether battling symptoms or increasing your tolerance to the dog allergens in your home, there are ways to manage the effects that dog proteins have on your system. Bringing them under control will allow you to have a dog in your home with minimal effect on your system.