Dog Allergies Treatment for Humans

Dog allergies treatment used to automatically mean getting rid of the dog. Fortunately, today’s treatment options offer allergic dog lovers opportunities to keep their beloved pets and successfully manage their allergy symptoms.

Medications Can Help Relieve Symptoms

Some people with dog allergies find relief from over-the-counter medications, while others require medications prescribed by their doctor or allergist. Several different types of medication may alleviate the allergy symptoms, including:

  • Antihistamines, which block the histamines created during an allergic reaction
  • Decongestants, which can help relieve nasal congestion and reduce swollen nasal passages
  • Steroids, which can help relieve itching, swelling and other allergy symptoms

In some cases, allergy shots can help a dog-allergic person develop immunity to dog allergens. These shots do not work for all allergy sufferers, and the shots require a long course of treatment to become effective because each shot adds a small amount of allergen to the allergic person’s body to allow his or her natural defenses to build up an immunity.

In-Home Steps to Take to Reduce Dog Allergies

In addition to taking medication, keeping your home clean is a good way to alleviate your allergy symptoms. Ideally, you need to set up a dog-free zone in your home where you can go to seek relief from the allergens in the rest of your home. You should also make your bedroom a dog-free zone to give your body a chance to rest and recuperate each night without having to deal with allergens while you sleep. Close the air vents in these dog-free rooms to reduce the chances allergens from other rooms will be circulated into these rooms by your home’s climate control system.

In addition to establishing dog-free zones, you can use high-efficiency particulate air filters (also called HEPA filters) in your home’s climate control system. These filters remove smaller particles from the air than regular air filters, and many allergy sufferers find them helpful. Consider running air cleaners in your home, too, especially in rooms where your dog spends most of his time.

Regular Cleaning Helps Remove Allergens from Your Home

To keep the allergens at bay, you’ll need to clean regularly and thoroughly. Install a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner, and use it to clean rugs and upholstered furniture. Enlist the help of a non-allergenic family member during cleaning because the cleaning process can also aggravate your allergies.

If your allergies are especially bad, or if your home has had dogs in it for years, consider removing your carpets and pads and replace them with vinyl or hardwood floors that are easier to clean and less likely to accumulate allergens. Replace fabric draperies with vinyl blinds to further reduce places where allergens can build up.

A Clean Dog May Be Less Allergenic

Although experts are still undecided on how much allergy relief you receive from having a clean dog, it may be worth your time and money to have your dog bathed and groomed each week. You may be able to ask another family member for help with these chores, or you may have to take your dog to a pet groomer.

 

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